9 Amazing Things to Do in Alpine TX

My husband and I had heard all these fantastic things about Alpine for a long time. So, last month, we decided to take a road trip to Alpine with our beloved dog, Buffy, and experience its beauty for ourselves. The drive to Alpine was a delightful adventure in itself. But once we arrived at Alpine, it was even better than we could have imagined. As for the people in the town, they were warm-hearted and friendly to us wherever we went.

Join us as we share insights from our trip and interesting things to do in Alpine TX that make this town a gem in the heart of West Texas. Whether traveling to Alpine on a solo adventure, a romantic getaway, or a family excursion, Alpine will be sure to capture your heart just like it did ours.

8 Things to Know Before Visiting Alpine TX

#1 – You Can Pet Kangaroos and a Two-Hump Camel in Alpine

If you like animals, we recommend you schedule a guided tour at Wassermann Wranch. You will have hands-on experiences with donkeys, kangaroos, alpacas, and a camel.

The Wassermann Wranch was opened in 2014 by a local married couple, Scott and Heidi Wassermann. It is only about a 15-minute drive from Downtown Alpine. The guided tour costs $12 per person if paying with a credit card or $10 per person if paying in cash. You should call to schedule your reservations one day in advance to secure your spot on the date and time you plan to be there. The entire tour lasts about 90 minutes.

My husband and I enjoyed the tour immensely. Our favorite part was when we got to encounter the three kangaroos and the camel. When I touched one of the kangaroos for the first time, I was surprised by the softness of their fur. I never realized kangaroo fur was that soft before. As for the camel, it was my husband’s favorite animal at the ranch. The camel’s name is Carl, and he followed us everywhere to get our attention.

The staff told us they sometimes take Carl to downtown Alpine to exercise and meet friendly faces. He even participated in the Nativity Scene during the Christmas season. Carl is a happy-looking camel, but you should watch out when standing close to him because he likes to spit. In any case, I am sure you will have a good laugh while spending time with Carl at Wassermann Wranch.

#2 – Alpine Thrives with its Vibrant Art Scene

Art lovers will find paradise in Alpine because the art scene thrives throughout the town with its street art and art galleries.

Street Art – All over the town, you will see street art created by local artists. The street art visibly expresses the landscape, culture, and story of this town in West Texas. Each piece of street art is a mural depicting a unique story of the town’s history, ranging from the past to the present.

The best place to see street art is the Mural Alley, which is a famous public canvas that celebrates the spirit of Alpine. The murals feature a range of traditional to contemporary designs you will love and admire.

I found myself taking leisurely strolls through the alley to admire the impressive visuals and feel the town’s soul through its brilliant local art. When you are in town, I recommend doing the same as it creates a sense of closeness and connection with the town.

Art Galleries – Alpine has no shortage of professional local art galleries. They are the backbone of the town’s artistic reputation and offer stunning displays of modern and traditional paintings, photography, jewelry, sculptures, and various handcrafted items.

I would recommend the Gallery on the Square and the Catchlight Art Gallery because they provide a platform for local and regional artists to showcase their creative artistic talent. These galleries are another way to learn about and absorb the local culture through the local art world.

#3 – Alpine is a Designated Stop on Amtrak’s Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle Routes

Two popular train routes cross into Alpine: Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle. They take passengers on epic journeys across the country through big cities and rural towns. What a great way to see the heart of America at a quick speed!

• Sunset Limited – This train route travels from New Orleans to Los Angeles while stopping in fun cities like San Antonio, Tucson, and Phoenix. And, of course, the route passes through Alpine as well. You’ll have plenty of time to stop and take in the culture of Alpine before continuing on your train journey.
• Texas Eagle – This train route travels from Chicago to Los Angeles. During the trip, passengers can explore several popular big cities, including St. Louis, Dallas, and San Antonio.

Most train rides passing through the San Antonio area will allow you to stop and explore Alpine. You will feel the Southwestern vibes and small-town Texas charm as soon as you step off the train. Alpine may be more rural than those other big city stops, but it adds a special excitement and adventure to the trip that you won’t find anywhere else.

#4 – Alpine is Approximately 100 miles from Big Bend National Park

Do you want to enjoy even more beautiful scenery? If so, you will love driving from Alpine to Big Bend National Park because it is a 100-mile journey filled with majestic views!

It only takes about 2.5 hours to arrive at the entrance of Big Bend National Park after driving from Alpine. But please take the time to appreciate the journey to the park because you can witness the best views in West Texas. It’s a full-on experience filled with beautiful remote locations, ranging from small rural towns to picturesque mountains.

To get to the park, take a trip down Highway 118 or take US-90 and then Highway 385 to travel to the park. I recommend Highway 118 because it passes through a few historic gold mining towns like Study Butte and Terlingua. The route also has an awesome desert vibe that will make you feel alive and adventurous.

The scenery significantly improves as you get closer to Big Bend National Park. The Chisos Mountains will come into full view, offering you a majestic experience you will never forget. As you drive through the canyons and pass the nearby Rio Grande, the road has several twists and turns. So, be careful.

#5 – The Food Will Pleasantly Surprise You

Food lovers will be in for a pleasant surprise in Alpine because the town’s food is as exciting as its breathtaking landscapes. We found numerous diverse dining options in Alpine that could satisfy anyone’s taste buds. They range from traditional American cuisine to Southeast Asian-style delights.

Here are some of dining options in Alpine:

• Reata Restaurant – Reata is famous for its upscale cowboy-style cuisine, including tender steaks and flavorful Southwestern-inspired dishes. You should try this restaurant if you want authentic, hearty southern-style food.
• Cow Dog Food Truck – Locals and tourists love going to the Cow Dog Food Truck for a quick, delicious meal. The food choices feature traditional American favorites like hot dogs and hamburgers. However, the Cow Dog Food Truck puts special toppings on these foods that showcase the region’s unique culinary ingenuity and tastes.
• Murphy Street Raspa Co. – Come to this charming spot in Alpine if you need to cool down from the hot desert sun. It serves delicious, soothing shaved ice guaranteed to cool off your body and keep you energetic to continue your journey throughout the town.
• Century Bar and Grill – How would you like a distinct dining experience in a historically significant location in Alpine? If this sounds appealing, come to the Century Bar and Grill in the historic Holland Hotel for some of the best West Texas delicacies, appetizers, cocktails, and beers you could ever want.
• Line Thai – Since I love Asian cuisine, this was one of my favorite restaurants. Alpine does have several Asian dining options, but I think Line Thai is the best because of its wide range of authentic Thai food choices. My favorite Thai dishes include the classic Pad Thai, savory Red BBQ Pork Soup, and sweet-tasting Thai Milk Tea.

#6 – Alpine is Home to the Historic Holland Hotel, a Living Testament to Alpine’s Cultural Heritage

The Holland Hotel was built in 1912. Its designer, Henry Trost, incorporated a Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style into the structure’s aesthetics to pay homage to the state’s rich colonial past. You can really see this style reflected in the hotel’s interior décor, including in its original tile work, classic furniture, period-appropriate fixtures, and other vintage elements that produce an ambiance of Spanish Colonial rule.

It has been remodeled to preserve its historical essence, giving guests a sense of stepping back in time while still providing modern comforts. People love staying here because it’s not just a hotel; it’s a piece of Alpine’s cultural and social story.

#7 – Alpine is the Proud Home of Sul Ross State University

Sul Ross State University is the number one public university of nineteen counties in West Texas. But, it is more than an educational institution of academic excellence. It also offers majestic mountain scenery, hiking trails on Hancock Hill, and the Museum of the Big Bend.

Museum of the Big Bend – The museum focuses on the Big Bend region’s rich natural and cultural heritage and surrounding mountain ranges. The main exhibit is the “Big Bend Legacy,” which showcases the fabulous natural history, human history, and blend of different cultures in the Big Bend region. Many of the museum’s artifact collections tell the story of Western America, starting from the early native American inhabitants to the Spanish explorers, Mexican settlers, and Anglo ranchers.

Hancock Hill Trails – To all the mountain bike lovers and adventurous travelers out there, make sure you stop by the hiking trails of Hancock Hill just behind the Sul Ross State University campus. The trails offer fantastic views of Alpine’s best scenery, including the Davis Mountains and vast desert terrain.

One of the most charming features of Hancock Hill is the famous Desk, an actual school desk that was carried up the hill by Sul Ross students in the early 1980s. This quirky landmark, along with the stunning nature, makes Hancock Hill a memorable and worthwhile hiking destination in Alpine.

#8 – Words Cannot Describe the Experience of Seeing Alpine’s Natural Beauty Up Close and Personal

I have written a lot about the beauty and essence of Alpine in this blog. But you need to see it for yourself in person to fully grasp it all because the whole atmosphere has a tremendous impact once you are there. Everything from the rugged mountains to the expansive deserts makes Alpine one of the most relaxing and charming places you will ever visit.

One of our favorite scenes in Alpine is the sunset. When you come outside and look at the mountains at sunrise, you will witness the mountainous terrain come to life before your very eyes. If you have a spare telescope handy, you may want to bring one on your trip because Alpine has several ideal locations for observing the stars in the sky.

The local people are incredibly friendly to travelers and go out of their way to make you feel like part of the community from the moment you arrive in Alpine. We got to chat with a friendly woman working in one of the art galleries. She happily shared with us why she moved to Alpine and how much she enjoys living here.

At the Line Thai restaurant, the owner graciously welcomed us in, even as they were nearing closing time for an employee’s birthday celebration. We joined in singing ‘Happy Birthday’ and enjoyed delicious Thai cuisine, topped off with two generous slices of birthday cheesecake. It turned out to be one of the warmest birthday parties I’ve ever been part of.

Trust me when I say that Alpine is worth visiting. If it could leave a lasting impression on me, then I know it will leave a lasting impression on you.

The Top 9 Best Things to Do in Alpine TX

Would you like a quick list of the best things to do in Alpine? Below are the top 9 best things to do for your convenience:

• Visit Mural Alley to observe the vibrant and original street art.
• Visit the local art galleries to admire the creative displays of artwork and handcrafted items by local artists. Gallery on the Square and Catchlight Art Gallery are the two most popular local art galleries.
• Learn about the history and culture of West Texas at the Museum of the Big Bend on the Sul Ross university campus.
• Hike the beautiful trails of Hancock Hill and enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains and desert terrain.
• Visit the famous school desk on top of Hancock Hill.
• Take a self-guided Historic Walking Tour around town to discover several historic local buildings. If the owner of a building is around, they may be willing to tell you stories about the building and its significance in the city.
• Visit the local retail store in Downtown Alpine and buy yourself a pair of Alpaca socks.
• Book yourself a tour at the Wassermann Wranch. It will allow you to interact with regional wildlife and learn more about them, including kangaroos, donkeys, alpacas, and a camel.
• Visit Kokernot Field to watch a baseball game. Sports Illustrated has called Kokernot Field the “Best Little Ballpark in Texas.”

The Top 7 Best Places to Visit Near Alpine

You don’t have to limit yourself to only visiting Alpine. If you can travel near Alpine, you can also enjoy several other memorable sites and attractions.

 Below are the top 7 best places to visit near Alpine:

• Fort Davis National Historic Site – Learn about the historical significance of this frontier military post and its role in the settlement of the Western United States.
• McDonald Observatory – Astronomy lovers and enthusiasts will love visiting the McDonald Observatory. It offers educational information about astronomy, guided tours, solar viewings, and star parties to observe the night skies.
• Davis Mountains State Park – Visitors can enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities at the Davis Mountains State Park, such as hiking, camping, bird watching, wildlife observing, and witnessing the scenic views and beauty of the surrounding environment.
• Big Bend National Park – Big Bend is a massive park with many rich, vast landscapes suitable for hiking, river rafting, and desert exploring.
• Pink Fire Station – If you visit the small desert city of Marfa in West Texas, you will find one of the country’s most unusual-looking fire stations. The pink fire station has become somewhat of a local tourist attraction in recent years because of its adorable color. Where else can you see a pink fire station? If you have the time, stop by there and take a picture of yourself in front of it.
• Marfa Lights Viewing Area – If you travel about 9 miles east from Marfa on US-90, you will discover the Marfa Lights Viewing Area. It is a large open field near the highway where visitors can observe strange and mysterious lights in the environment. I still don’t know how the lights form, but they are fun to witness during a long road trip in West Texas.
• Terlingua Ghost Town – Terlingua was a historic mining town that was abandoned after World War II. Now, it is an excellent place for travelers to relax, explore, and enjoy local hospitality. There are roughly 130 people still living there, so it is not abandoned entirely. Perhaps you can get one of the locals to tell stories about how it became known as a ghost town.

Where to stay in Alpine TX

Are you wondering where you’re going to stay in Alpine? We had the pleasure of renting a cozy vacation home through Airbnb called Peach House. With local artwork on its walls, it was an adorable Spanish-style home bursting with personality. Just imagine a Mexican Ranch in a Southwest Desert, and it should give you some picture of the house in your mind. The owner of the house even allowed us to bring pets.

The best part about staying at the Peach House was its proximity to Downtown Alpine. It took less than 10 minutes for me to drive downtown from the house and visit all the finest eateries and parks Alpine offers. So, if you want a comfortable and beautiful vacation home to rent in Alpine, I highly recommend the Peach House. It is like a home away from home.

Other good hotel options in Alpine include:

• Holland Hotel – Holland is a historic hotel centrally located in Downtown Alpine. It is close to all the town’s major businesses, restaurants, and attractions. All kinds of tourists like to stay here.
• Hampton Inn Alpine – Guests can enjoy modern amenities at this comfortable hotel. It is also a suitable hotel for anyone wishing to explore the Big Bend region during their trip.
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alpine Southeast – An affordable hotel with contemporary accommodations for families, solo travelers, and business travelers. Each guest gets to enjoy a complimentary breakfast and use of the indoor swimming pool.
• The Maverick Inn – The Maverick Inn is a rustic hotel that reflects the character and culture of West Texas. It is a place where travelers go for a nice rest with their pets. Free Wi-Fi internet and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool are available.
• Antelope Lodge – The Antelope Lodge is a vintage motor court hotel from the 1950s. If you feel nostalgic enough to stay in a quaint little hotel with kitchenette-equipped rooms and retro designs, you will want to stay at this delightful hotel. 

Final Thoughts

Now that you have learned about our journey through Alpine, Texas, it is time to plan your adventure to Far West Texas and experience this enchanting destination. We hope you’ve been inspired to visit Alpine by the information and stories we shared regarding our trip there

You may have several of the same experiences, but you will also create unique experiences and memories. Alpine is a fun Texas town that will truly capture your heart forever, from the breathtaking landscapes to the friendly residents. That is what it did for my husband and me, and we’re confident it will do the same for you and your loved ones.