🌞 Desert Heat? Think Again.
When it comes to beating the summer heat, Alpine, Texas, is one of the best-kept secrets in the state. While major cities like Houston, Austin, Dallas/Ft. Worth, and San Antonio are experiencing average high temperatures well into the 90s and 100s during the summer, Alpine’s desert climate offers a much more comfortable escape. Our higher elevations in the northern Big Bend area, combined with the natural cooling effect of the high desert, make it a perfect place to relax, hike, and explore.
Beat the Heat in the Desert!
This graphic compares August’s average high and low temperatures for these major Texas cities with Alpine’s more moderate conditions. As the sun sets, Alpine’s temperatures drop, offering a refreshing evening and night—perfect for stargazing, evening hikes, or simply relaxing in one of our two hot tubs, kept at a soothing 99° to 100° all summer long.
Low humidity and cooler evenings? That’s the Alpine difference!
Here, we’re offering recommendations on things to do during the summer in the Big Bend of Texas. As always, we’ve visited them all so our recommendations are first-hand and things we love to do. For our complete list of Things to See and Places to Do, visit our website Area page.
🌄 Escape the Heat with Morning and Evening Adventures
While the summer sun may blaze down on much of Texas, the Big Bend region offers a refreshing retreat. Alpine’s cooler climate is perfect for nearby morning and evening events so you can experience adventure and relaxation without the oppressive heat. Whether you’re exploring the dark skies of Davis Mountains State Park or enjoying a serene swim in the cool waters of Balmorhea State Park, the mornings and evenings provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors comfortably.
Check out some of the exciting events at these parks, perfect for early risers and night owls looking to escape the daytime heat:
🌊 Dive into Refreshing Waters at Balmorhea State Park
Snorkel with the fish at Balmorhea
One of the best ways to cool off in the Big Bend area is by visiting Balmorhea State Park. This park is just a short drive from Alpine and boasts the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool. The 1.3-acre pool is up to 25 feet deep, holds 3.5 million gallons of water, and is home to an abundance of aquatic life like turtles, minnows, catfish, and pupfish. The crystal-clear waters, naturally maintained at a refreshing 72-76°F year-round, provide the perfect respite from the summer heat. Whether you’re swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, or simply lounging by the pool, Balmorhea offers a serene and invigorating experience.
In addition to the refreshing waters, Blamorhea offers engaging morning and evening programs that you can find by checking out their events page.
🌄 Explore the Wildlife and History of Davis Mountains State Park
A Buck Moon Hike (photo courtesy of Davis Mountains State Park)
Davis Mountains State Park offers a unique experience for nature lovers and history buffs alike. The park is home to two bird blinds, including one with air conditioning where visitors can enjoy videos on wildlife, the area’s history, and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) that helped build this and many other parks. Take part in Morning Bird Walks, explore Art in the Park (indoors at the Interpretive Center), or enjoy a Ranger Talk to learn about the rich natural and cultural history of the region. With plenty of indoor and outdoor activities, it’s an ideal place to escape the heat and connect with nature.
For more information on events, visit their events page.
🎨 Art in Alpine – Cool Off with Local Culture
Escape the heat of summer by immersing yourself in Alpine’s vibrant art scene. Whether you’re seeking refuge indoors or a morning stroll, Alpine offers plenty of accessible art experiences to enjoy during the warmer months.
🏛️ Galleries and Museums
Original Art by Emory Holman, on display at Alpine Bed and Breakfast
Alpine is home to a rich collection of galleries and museums, where you can explore local and regional art in the cool comfort of air-conditioned spaces:
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Big Bend Gallery: This cooperative gallery at 121 West Holland Avenue features works from local artists inspired by the Big Bend region. The gallery is open daily and offers a range of paintings, ceramics, and jewelry that showcase the area’s stunning natural beauty.
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Museum of the Big Bend: Located at Sul Ross State University, this museum offers exhibits on the history and culture of the Big Bend region. It’s the perfect spot to cool off while learning about the local heritage through fascinating displays of art, artifacts, and regional history.
- 5th Street Gallery: Located at 118 N. 5th Street, this gallery showcases a diverse array of artisans working in various mediums and fields, primarily from across Texas. The historic building, dating back to 1912, has been thoughtfully preserved, maintaining its original floors and ceiling tiles.
🌄 Mural Walk in the Morning
From Paradise to Calamity Creek by Pauline Hernandez
Beat the heat with a morning walk of Alpine’s Murals, where over 60 murals brighten the town’s streets. The cool morning air is ideal for taking in the vibrant art, which depicts local wildlife, landscapes, and historical figures. From Paradise to Calamity Creek by Pauline Hernandeza in Mural Alley (between Holland Avenue and Avenue E) is a must-see. This is a perfect opportunity for a relaxed, cultural walk before the sun gets too hot.
🌟 Nearby Art Destinations
For more immersive art experiences, the Chinati Foundation and Judd Foundation in Marfa are just a short drive from Alpine. Both offer unique exhibitions of minimalist art, large-scale installations, and the preserved work of Donald Judd. The Chinati Foundation’s spacious, air-conditioned galleries make it a perfect summer escape, while the Judd Foundation provides a chance to tour Judd’s former studios and residences. These sites are a must for anyone looking to dive deeper into contemporary art in the Big Bend area.
🌌 Enjoy Star Gazing in Clear Night Skies
Dark Skies Texas, Marathon TX
One of the most magical experiences in Alpine is stargazing under the clear, dark skies. Far from the light pollution of major cities, the Big Bend of Texas offers an unparalleled view of the night sky. Davis Mountains State Park offers its own star gazing events, where you can join park rangers and fellow stargazers to explore the cosmos under some of the darkest skies in the U.S. For an even more immersive experience, visit the McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis, where you can use high-powered telescopes to view distant stars, planets, and other celestial bodies. For a more intimate experience, join the folks at Dark Skies Texas, located at the Marathon Motel & RV Park in Marathon. Or, simply lay back on one of the chairs by our fire pit and marvel at the multitude of stars, planets, and celestial phenomena visible to the naked eye.
🍇 Explore Local Wine, Spirits, and Brews in the Big Bend
The Big Bend region offers a unique blend of local wineries, craft breweries, and distilleries, each providing a taste of the area’s rich culture and landscape. Whether you’re winding down after a day of exploring or seeking a new adventure for your taste buds, these establishments offer something special.
🍷 Alta Marfa – A Culinary and Wine Experience in Marfa
Alta Marfa’s Road Soda wine
Alta Marfa is a boutique winery and wine bar located in the heart of Marfa, Texas. Offering a curated selection of wines from their estate vineyard and other Texas producers, Alta Marfa combines exceptional wine with a seasonal menu of delicious, thoughtfully prepared dishes. Their menu includes an ever changing variety of light bites and small meals, prepared fresh each day, that are perfect for pairing with their wine selections.
Alta Marfa also hosts guest chef pop-up events, offering unique culinary experiences to enhance your visit. For updates on upcoming events and special dinners, be sure to follow their Instagram or Facebook pages for details.
🍺 Brick Vault Brewery & BBQ – Craft Beer and Texas BBQ in Marathon
Brick Vault Brewery and BBQ
Brick Vault Brewery & BBQ in Marathon combines the best of Texas BBQ with small-batch craft beer. This local favorite offers a mouthwatering selection of smoked meats, including brisket, pork spare ribs, turkey breast, and house-made sausages. Pair your meal with sides like loaded mashed potatoes or mac & cheese and end with peach cobbler, all crafted to complement the rich, smoky flavors of the barbecue.
The brewery on-site produces a variety of craft beers, including IPAs, pilsners, and seasonal brews, each designed to perfectly complement the smoked meats. Whether you’re savoring the rich flavors of their slow-cooked meats or enjoying a cold beer, Brick Vault offers a true taste of the Big Bend region’s culinary scene.
🥃 Desert Ghost Distilling & GhostFire Pizza – Spirits and Slices in Marathon
Desert Ghost Distillery
Desert Ghost Distillery, located in Marathon, Texas, specializes in small-batch Texas whiskey and vodka. Their flagship product, The Bastard Bourbon, is complemented by offerings like Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Honey Bourbon (crafted with locally harvested honey), and a triple-distilled vodka. Visitors can enjoy whiskey flights, handcrafted cocktails, and the stunning desert sunsets from their patio.
Adjacent to the distillery is GhostFire Pizza, a wood-fired pizzeria known for its handmade sourdough crust and inventive toppings. Their menu includes the Texapolitan, featuring brisket, red onion, jalapeño, and wild hot sauce, among other specialty pizzas. They also offer a rotating “Pizza of the Month,” adding variety to their offerings.
Together, Desert Ghost Distilling and GhostFire Pizza provide a unique culinary experience in the heart of Marathon, combining craft spirits with gourmet pizza in a relaxed, desert setting.
🥃 Marfa Spirit Co. – Crafting Desert Spirits with a Local Touch
Marfa Spirit Co.
Marfa Spirit Co., established in 2021, is the first distillery in Marfa, Texas, housed in the historic Godbold Feed Mill. Specializing in sotol, a spirit native to the Chihuahuan Desert, Marfa Spirit Co. works with master sotolero Jacobo Jacquez of Sotol Don Celso to produce their Chihuahuan Desert Sotol. Their Desert Pechuga offers a unique twist on the traditional Oaxacan pechuga style, incorporating local ingredients like prickly pear and native elk.
In addition to sotol, they produce gin, vodka, rum, and citrus liqueurs. The distillery offers tastings where visitors can experience these craft spirits and learn about the distillation process that sets Marfa Spirit Co. apart in the Texas spirits scene.
🌄 Adventure and Relaxation Combined
Alpine and the northern part of the Big Bend TX are the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and peaceful relaxation. Start your day with an early-morning hike in the Chisos or Fort Davis mountains, where cooler temperatures and breathtaking views await. For a more relaxed adventure, take one of the scenic drives in the Big Bend or Fort Davis areas, offering stunning mountain vistas.
Shrimply Irresistible!
When you return, unwind at Alpine Bed and Breakfast. Enjoy a glass of wine on our front porch while savoring a delicious package like Shrimp Cocktail, Cheese & Wine, Smoked Salmon Dip, or Traditional Hummus Plate. After a day of exploration, soothe sore muscles in one of our two hot tubs: one located in the Twin Sisters Ensuite room with a private porch, and the other available for all guests to enjoy by the fire pit. Both offer an amazing view of the stars!
With our 4-star hotel rating and 5-star guest reviews, we provide personalized service and luxury in a historic setting. Every morning, we treat our guests to a gourmet, made-from-scratch breakfast to start the day right. Whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, or both, Alpine Bed and Breakfast is your ideal base for exploring the Big Bend region.
🗺️ Plan Your Escape
Ready to beat the heat and discover the beauty of Alpine, TX? Visit our Area Page to find restaurants and explore local events and activities, then book your stay with us today at Alpine Bed and Breakfast and experience the best that the Big Bend region has to offer.
Come stay with us!
Contact Us
For more information or to inquire about availability, please contact us at:
Phone: (432) 538-7032
Email: innkeeper@alpinetxbnb.com
Website: www.alpinetxbnb.com
We look forward to welcoming you to Alpine Bed and Breakfast, where unforgettable memories are made.
Sharon & Tom
Alpine Bed and Breakfast
