DC Guide: National Mall & Monuments

Marvel at the national landmarks in Washington, DC that make up America’s front yard. Apart from the politicking, DC is perhaps best known for its stunning monuments and world class museums that spark awe in visitors and locals alike. Here is our DG Guide to the National Mall & Monuments for the highlights and helpful tips – from locals!

“There is nothing so American as our national parks…. The fundamental idea behind the parks…is that the country belongs to the people, that it is in process of making for the enrichment of the lives of all of us.”

-Franklin D. Roosevelt

Catch sunrise.

Wake up early and head down to the National Mall. Watching sunrise from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial is absolutely breathtaking. Plus, you’ll be rewarded with peaceful views of the Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument with none of the crowds. Maybe even bring along some hot coffee and breakfast if you’re feeling extra – everyone around you will wish they had thought of that too!

Capture that perfect lighting and great memories with a photographer while you’re at it! Derek Calderon Photography is amazing and so easy to work with – Derek took all our photos in the gallery below.

Explore the sites by foot, rent a Capital Bike Share, or take a Big Bus Tour.

We recommend this route mapped out below to hit all the highlights if you have the good part of a day to spend, or pick and choose which sites you want to see.

Note: We highly recommend either walking or biking. While you can use a ride share scooter on the Mall, you will not be able to park and end your ride in this zone.

1. Lincoln Memorial – Try to time your visit at sunrise for one of the prettiest views in the city!
2. Korean War Veterans Memorial – Pop over before venturing on from Lincoln. Seeing the statues of soldiers marching onward is captivating and gives off a different mood in various types of weather and times of day.
3. Vietnam Veterans Memorial – The memorial has an unconventional design with its dark color and lack of decoration, but it has become a place of grieving, pilgrimage and healing; visitors have made a tradition of leaving mementos, letters and photographs of loved ones lost in the war.
4. Constitution Gardens – Rest on a park bench by the pond and weeping willows. You just might forget you’re in the middle of DC until you look up and take in a unique perspective of the Washington Monument.
5. World War II Memorial – One of our favorite monuments and very symbolic, take time to walk the entire monument and read the inscriptions on the walls.
6. White House – Located just off the National Mall. Not many people realize, but the prettiest view is from the south side coming from the Mall, so you don’t even need to walk around to the other side where most of the crowds congregate.
7. Washington Monument – Get a bird’s eye view of the nation’s capital. Timed tickets are required to ride the elevator to the 500 foot observation deck. Tickets become available daily at 10 am for the next day’s visits.
8. Martin Luther King Memorial – The memorial itself is based on a line from Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, which was delivered from the nearby steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963: “With this faith, we will be able to hew out of a mountain of despair, a stone of hope.” The memorial depicts Dr. King as the “stone of hope” and the two pieces of granite placed near him as the “mountain of despair.” The monument also serves as a gateway to the Tidal Basin, which is truly magnificent in the spring during Cherry Blossom season.
9. Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial – Stroll down the path along the Tidal Basin to the expansive FDR Memorial. In honor of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s four terms in office, the memorial is divided into four outdoor “rooms,” where statues and murals stand to represent issues from the Great Depression to World War II. 
10. Thomas Jefferson Memorial – The memorial, which stands as a symbol of liberty, was designed as a smaller version of the Roman Pantheon with marble steps and monumental Ionic columns; its interior holds a bronze statue of Jefferson and the walls are inlaid with excerpts from his letters, speeches and the Declaration of Independence.
11. Smithsonian Castle – Completed in 1855, the Castle is home to the Smithsonian Visitor Center. Visit the vast gardens in the back, including the Enid A. Haupt Garden opened in 1987. The end of the garden nearest the African Art Museum contains an interpretation of an Islamic garden, and the end nearest the Sackler Gallery is accented with pink granite moongates, a traditional Chinese garden feature.
12. National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden – Great place to sit and unwind among the lush greenery, bubbling fountain, and unique outdoor sculpture installations. The Pavilion Cafe is also a great spot for a casual bite.

Visit the Smithsonian Museums.

Smithsonian Museums are always free, and many are currently open and taking reservations. These museums typically do not require a reservation, except for the Museum of African American History & Culture which requires a reserved ticket and entry time in advance. Check for special measures and precautions during COVID-19 (i.e. timed entry passes, masks required).

Must see Smithsonian Museums: American History, Air & Space, Natural History, Hirshhorn, National Gallery of Art, National Portrait Gallery (located in Chinatown) and the National Museum of African American History & Culture.

Where to Eat.

Finding a spot to eat around the National Mall can be a challenge. Here are some of our favorite spots that are close by:

West end of the Mall (closer to Lincoln): The Hive – awesome rooftop, cozy interior, attached to &pizza ($$), Tonic at Quigley’s ($$), Founding Farmers DC – a DC classic ($$), Dunkin’ ($), and Starbucks ($)

Middle of the Mall (close to the Washington Monument/White House): Pavilion Cafe – located inside the Sculpture Garden ($$), Juan Valdez Cafe – Colombian coffee ($), W Hotel ($$$), Old Ebbitt ($$$), Astro Donuts & Fried Chicken ($$)

East end of the Mall (closer to the Capitol): We the Pizza – some of the best pizza in DC ($), Firehook Bakery ($), Ebenezers Coffeehouse ($), Le Bon Cafe ($$), Good Stuff Eatery ($)

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Tips for Planning Your Visit to Hillwood Estate: A Garden Retreat in DC

by vacationvagabonds October 20, 2020

Travel Guide: How to Plan a Trip to DC Safely During COVID-19

by vacationvagabonds August 22, 2020

A Local’s Guide to Visiting the Washington, DC Cherry Blossoms

by vacationvagabonds March 10, 2020

How to Do DC Restaurant Week Right

Washington, DC is known for its monuments and powerful figures who call the District home, but did you know that DC also has one of the hottest food scenes? Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week is going strong, showcasing some of the best DMV cuisine — all at an affordable price! Restaurant Week, which runs this summer from Aug. 12-18, offers a chance to enjoy both new and tried and true dining spots with brunch and lunch priced at $22 and dinner at $35. Remember to make a reservation, since participating restaurants get especially busy this week. Here are our top picks for this summer edition of Restaurant Week.

Impress a date

For just $35 for three to four dinner courses, now’s your chance to indulge at some of DC’s finest dining and favorite classics without any of the guilt.

• Ambar (Capitol Hill and Clarendon locations)
• Clyde’s (Gallery Place and Georgetown)
• District Winery
• Filomena
• Farmers & Distillers
• Farmers Fishers Bakers
• Founding Farmers
• Old Ebbitt Grille
• Supra
• Via Umbria
• Whaley’s

Lunch just got more interesting

Take your team out for or indulge in a getaway from the usual lunch spot for just $22 for two or three courses. If we could hit up one Restaurant Week lunch per day, these are our priorities.

• Agora (Dupont Circle and Golden Triangle locations)
• Ankara
• Chiko (Dupont)
• Copa Kitchen & Bar
• District Commons
• Pisco Y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar
• Zaytinya

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Brunch like a boss

Washingtonians know how to do brunch right. It’s basically its own culture here. These deals during DC Restaurant Week are the right move to end your weekend on a high note.

• City Winery DC
• Convivial
• Logan Tavern
• Momofuku
• Tacos, Tortas & Tequila
• Whaley’s (so good, we listed it twice)

Check out the full Restaurant Week list of participating eateries and menus.

Planning the Perfect Trip to Yellowstone

Morning steam rising from thermal features, an erupting geyser in the distance. Bison herds grazing across the plain. The occasional bear lumbering in the woods, pawing through fallen logs for insects. Cascading waterfalls plunging into a rising, hissing fog. Yellowstone is a magical place, full of beauty, wonder, and wildlife. There’s nothing like visiting this national treasure. Follow these tips to plan your Yellowstone trip like a pro.

Decide how to get there.

Whether you’re driving your own vehicle, renting one, or going with a tour group, this will be a huge factor in what you will be able to do or see in Yellowstone. Driving yourself will allow more freedom to make stops and detours as you please, while going with a group organized by a tour company allows you to relax and absorb your surroundings.

Go off grid.

Cell service is very limited in Yellowstone, so plan ahead to ensure you have what you need while in the park. Download the Yellowstone map and new app ahead of time as well as anything else you may need to access. Before arriving, in the app, select the “Settings” option and tap the choice “Download Offline Content” in order to access most of the app’s features while out of service range. Lastly, pick up a hard copy of the map for free at a park entrance or any visitor center for back up. Visitor centers typically also have some cell signal and pay phones. 

Photo by ian dooley on Unsplash

Plan ahead.

If you want to overnight in Yellowstone at one of the lodging options, plan to make a reservation at least a year in advance. Even campsites quickly fill up. If you are having trouble finding availability, check back daily, as people frequently cancel reservations as plans change, or consider doing a long, full day and staying outside the park near one of the five entry points where there are more accommodation options.

Pack a picnic.

While there are some nice places to eat in the park, they can be crowded and eat into your time that could be otherwise spent exploring. There are plenty of picnic areas located throughout the park where you can pull off and enjoy a homemade lunch or snack along a beautiful river or overlook.

Photo by Lucie Capkova on Unsplash

Look for wildlife along the way.

Part of the fun of exploring Yellowstone is the opportunities for wildlife sightings. Keep a sharp lookout for bears, bison, elk, and more throughout the drive, especially in the middle and north parts of the park. Early morning and evening are prime animal-viewing hours. Remember to keep a safe distance from all animals, even if they appear docile. The National Park Service asks visitors to keep 100 yards between themselves and bears and wolves and at least 25 yards for everything else.

Consider human and wildlife traffic.

These can create delays in your itinerary. While ambitious travelers could feasibly drive the entire loop in one day, it is a very long day of driving, and these unexpected traffic jams can add delays to your trip.

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Have more questions? Comment below and we’ll be happy to reply!

Travel Guide to Tbilisi in 48 hours

After all, a city that was founded in the 5th century is basically guaranteed to have quite the story with incredible sights to discover. Take in the colorful sights of Old Town and stroll down Rustaveli Street, which runs north through south through most of the city.

Admire Sioni Cathedral and pop into the surrounding shops on Sioni Street. This is the oldest structure in Tbilisi, dating back to the 5-6th centuries, and it is also one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the city. People come into town to sell their goods off of carts along the street outside, and all the Tbilisi locals recommended buying the traditional Georgian candy churchkhela (shaped like a candle and typically made from grape must, nuts and flour) from one of these carts since they’re the best homemade ones you can get –– they weren’t wrong. I also bought some delicious churchkhela from a vendor down the street from his open air shop to bring home to friends and family. There’s also a really nice rug shop with gorgeous traditional Georgian rugs of all shapes and sizes you can bring home, which the country is famous for.

Grab a bite at the Bakery at Sioni. You can walk right by this hidden gem without even knowing what it is. The sign to the oldest bakery on Sioni Street is in faded Georgian, but is the last building right next to a swanky looking restaurant with a golden statue on its outside wall, then walk down the stairs. This bakery produces Georgian bread (puri) in cylindrical ovens. I’m so bummed that I didn’t discover this bakery until my last day in Tbilisi, but you can bet I bought all the pastries I thought I could fit in my bag to last me through my return flight the next day. My favorite was a sweet bread with white cheese inside.

Walk through Rike Park and across the Peace Bridge. Rike Park is so charming and visited by tourists and families alike. Enjoy the Tbilisi sunshine on a bench and snap some great IG-worthy shots in front of the odd tubular structure, which is the unfinished Concert Hall & Exhibition Center.

Walking across the bridge will give you really neat views of both the bridge’s unique architectural structure and the city. But beware of tourist traps and pickpockets, since the bridge is quite narrow and a funnel for this type of unwanted attention.

Soak in the Autotubani. Soak in the beneficial natural sulphur hot springs. Legend has it that Tbilisi was founded when the King of Georgia discovered the springs, which gave the city its name, meaning “warm place.” These dome-looking structures are actually the roofs of bathhouses down below! Choose from a variety of baths across varying price points. The public bathhouses are the least expensive, or splurge a bit for your own private room. I had a great experience at Chreli Abano, which is housed in the beautiful blue mosaic building at the end of Abano Street (you can see it to the left of my head poking over one of the brick domes). Most bathhouses will show you their available rooms for you to choose from, but I highly recommend you booking a room in advance because the most popular ones get booked up quickly.

Hike up to Narikala Fortress & Kartlis Deda. Be prepared in somewhat study walking shoes – the hills and stairs up to the top are steep and on rough cobblestone. Climb the fortress walls and prepare for stunning panoramic views of Tbilisi. From the fortress, you can hike on a well-traveled path along a ridge with continued views of the city down below up to Kartlis Deda. The statue is dubbed the Mother of Georgia as she holds both a glass of wine and a sword, representing hospitality to those who come to Georgia as friends, and protector to those who wish to cause harm.

Stroll the narrow cobblestone streets of Old Town. Take in the unique architecture in this neighborhood. The district is full of peculiar wooden houses with open, carved balconies that cling to the mountainside under Narikala Fortress.

Enjoy brunch, coffee, or something stronger at the Stamba Hotel. The Stamba Hotel is one of the swankiest spots in all of Tbilisi, and its reputation is well-deserved. Housed in a former publishing house in Tbilisi, Stamba Hotel combines 1930s nostalgic references with a contemporary hotel concept and has enough charm to make you swoon. I got treated to a private tour – literally just upon request because I was interested in what the rest of the hotel looked like! – and this is hands down my favorite hotel I’ve never stayed in (not yet, anyways).

Cafe Stamba is a multi-functional space divided into several sections, including a swanky restaurant, coffee and chocolate bar where they make their own chocolates, an Asian eatery with food prepped before your eyes, and I mean, LOOK at this bar and massive chandelier! We hear the cocktails are also especially impressive. While you’re here, visit the Rooms Hotel bar, which is a fun, more casual spot in the Stamba Hotel’s sister hotel right next door.

Kick your feet up and enjoy the patio weather at Hotel Winery 1896 or Tbili Sio. I discovered this magical patio away from the bustle of Rustaveli Street by complete accident when I was wandering through a small flower market next to the Hard Rock Cafe. I noticed there was a cute-looking park that led to a cozy courtyard which several cafes opened onto around the backside of the building. The house red wine was fantastic, and really I don’t think this atmosphere could be beat. I was more than happy to sit back and listen to the cheerful banter in a language I can’t understand and just totally take in the magical evening.

Hopefully you’ll have more than just 48 hours to explore Tbilisi, but we hope this list is a great place to start.

What other questions do you have about Tbilisi? Let me know in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you.

Coming soon: Where to eat and drink in Tbilisi – according to locals!

Find out how to book cheap flights anywhere.

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Undiscovered Paris: A Self-Guided Tour of Paris’ Hidden Gems

We truly believe that Paris is best explored by wandering. Or as the French call it, flâner. And while we could spent a lifetime strolling around Paris, we thought we would save you some time and compiled a list of the top hidden spots in Paris!

Le Palais Royal

Despite its proximity to the Louvre, this spot gets passed up by many tourists. This garden oasis is a reprieve from the bustle just outside its walls in the heart of Paris. And its black and white columns make for a fun Instagram shot! People watch in the gardens or from atop a column and soak in some sunshine.

Courtyard of the National Archives

While the National Archives are a tourist destination, the gardens are worth exploring in themselves. For the quietest time, visit on a Tuesday when the archives are closed, but the grounds are still open. Walk through the main gates and to the right for more gardens and impressive building exterior views.

Passages of Paris

We came across several of these covered arcades, which are easy to walk right by without noticing. These arcades often have shops and restaurants housed on the interior. The Galerie Vero-Dodat is one of 25 remaining passageways built in the 19th century. The passage’s black and white diamond-shaped marble paving give it a beautiful effect, and the parts of the ceiling that are not glass are decorated with beautiful engravings. We found this arcade to be especially enchanting in the evening. And the Christian Louboutin store housed here is perfect for window shopping. After stopping by Galerie Vero-Dodat, catch happy hour in one of the small bars nearby.

Les Arènes de Lutèce

Did you know that Paris has a Roman Colosseum of its very own? Long forgotten, this remnant from the Gallo-Roman era resurfaced in the 1800s during construction in the area. Situated in the Latin Quarter, this amphitheater could once seat 15,000 spectators for gladiator fights. The Arènes de Lutèce is a fun stop for history buffs, and a walk around the perimeter past beautiful gardens is enjoyable for all.

Neighborhood courtyard parks

Paris has some incredible parks tucked into its neighborhoods that only locals know about. Square Georges Cain is a little park situated in the trendy Marais district, and provides an oasis of greenery to people who have been lucky enough to stumble upon it. This park is also popular among neighborhood regulars who would like to keep it a secret. Square Georges Cain has two pieces of artwork: ‘L’Aurore’, a bronze statue of a nude woman in the middle of a rose bed by the 17th-century sculptor Laurent Magnier, and ‘Le Rossignol Electrique’ by Eric Samakh (1990), a small electronic bird that starts singing whenever the wind blows.

 

Église St. Gervais & Rue des Barres

Rue des Barres is a stone’s throw from Île de la Cité but will transport you to a quaint village setting. Chairs line the cobblestone street in the warmer months and are ideal for people watching. Tucked into this street is Église St. Gervais. This church is overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Notre Dame de Paris, but is equally beautiful. The church was built between 1494 and 1657 and its facade was the first example of French baroque style in Paris.

 

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Everything You Need to Know: Planning a Trip to Paris

Must read when planning a trip to Paris!

Packing

In summary, think minimalism. Stick to one small bag and a personal carry on (like a backpack or purse) if at all possible. You will be much happier to not be lugging giant suitcases up and down the metro stairs (escalators are rare). Classic clothes in dark colors with a scarf are standard for Parisians, plus a comfortable yet stylish pair of walking shoes. Bring just the essential electronics (including converter) and travel sized toiletries, or buy toiletries upon your arrival.

Money

We highly recommend exchanging money to Euros before traveling to avoid getting ripped off at airport exchange booths. Bringing sufficient cash to have on hand is useful since many places in Paris may not accept card or have a minimum. However, we have noticed that more establishments accept major credit cards now. If you end up needing to withdraw cash abroad, there are many ATMs around the city and most storeowners will know where the closest ones are. Check with your bank to see if any withdrawal fees apply. 

IMPORTANT: Call your bank before traveling to inform them of your travel dates. This will prevent your bank from freezing your card due to potential fraudulent activity.

Accommodations

The earlier you book, the better the rates and availability. Paris accommodations fill up quickly, and prices fluctuate throughout the year, being the highest at peak summertime. Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and Latin Quarter are centrally located, making it easy to visit most tourist destinations. If you’re okay with a longer commute, Place de la République, Oberkampf, and Montmartre all offer travelers affordable and authentic Parisian housing options in buzzing areas. Paris is full of unique boutique hotels like Hôtel Providence and Hôtel la Belle Juliette. We had great experiences with our two Airbnb’s, which were more affordable than most centrally located hotels we looked at during our travel dates. 

Transportation

Metro is by far the best and most affordable way to get around. The metro’s expansive network will get you to practically anywhere you need to go. If you are in Paris for a full week, purchasing a Navigo card is well worth it. The Navigo pass permits transportation on the metro, RER, and bus systems and at a much better rate than the individual paper passes sold. Weekly pass covers travel Monday (start date) through Sunday (end date), no matter which day you happen to purchase the pass. So if you buy a pass on Wednesday, your “weekly pass” will still end on Sunday. Other Navigo pass options are also available for longer stays. 

IMPORTANT: it is not very clear and the SNCF staff will likely fail to mention that you MUST write your name and attach a photo to your Navigo card ASAP before using. Failure to do so will result in a fine of about 35 euros per person if stopped by police in the metro. You can take a passport style photo in booths set up in train stations where Navigo cards are available for purchase. Or save yourself some hassle and money and print out photos prior to your trip. 

What other questions do you have that you’d like us to answer? Comment below!

Best Indoor Activities to Do in Washington, D.C.

Don’t let a bit of rain ruin your fun in Washington, D.C.! These indoor, rainy day activities are the perfect way to spend a weekend in the Capital City.

 

Museum exhibits

Some of our favorite Smithsonian museums include the Air and Space and American History Museums. If you have seen it all, or just want a break from the ever-popular Smithsonians, explore the Phillips Collection in DuPont. Opened in 1921, the Phillips Collection is the America’s first museum of modern art located in a converted Georgian Revival style home. Luncheon of the Boating Party by Renoir (pictured here) is among the museum’s personal collection.

 

U.S. Botanic Garden

Rain or shine, winter or summer, the U.S. Botanic Garden is sure to be green and warm any time of year. This living plant museum was established by the U.S. Congress in 1820 and is one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America. Wander among blooming orchids, cacti of all shapes and sizes, dramatic air plants, and gigantic trees.

 

 

Bookshop browsing

There is nothing better than snuggling up with a good book while the rain pours outside. Browse in these unique and quintessentially D.C. spots: Capitol Hill Books, Second Story Books, and Kramerbooks.

 

Library of Congress

Speaking of books… Did you know there are more than 162 million items stored here, making the Library of Congress the largest library collection in the world? Notable exhibits include a re-created version of Jefferson’s library, the first document printed with the name “America” (also known as America’s “birth certificate”), and Lincoln’s pocket items at the time of his assassination.

 

Coffee shops with a unique atmosphere

Heads up that many D.C. coffee shops have selective hours on Sundays. Our favorites are Baked & Wired in Georgetown (both the cupcakes and coffee are excellent), Emissary in DuPont (great brunch and happy hour every day 4-7pm too), and Sidamo Coffee & Tea on H Street (they roast their beans on-site and perform Ethiopian coffee ceremonies on weekends).

How to Book Cheap Flights Anywhere

Getting to a travel destination can be the most expensive part of planning a trip. But it doesn’t have to be. Here are some key tips that will save you time, frustration, and most importantly money!

 

1. Use flight search engines

Search engines aggregate flights to find the best deals for you. Many also offer price alerts when airfares drop to whatever destinations you’ve been eyeing. Our 5 favorite search engines are:

• Google Flights (our #1 choice)
• Skyscanner (a close second)
• Airfare Watchdog
• Momondo
• JetRadar (includes budget airlines, unlike many other engines)

Scott’s Cheap Flights is a useful subscription service we frequently use. Subscribers receive cheap flight alerts going all over the world departing from the region(s) you choose. 

2. Keep searches private

Thanks to the cookies in your browser, flight prices increase when a particular destination is repeatedly searched. Search for flights incognito in private browsing mode to view the lowest prices.

3. Be flexible with dates

Avoid flying on weekends (Fridays through Sundays), which are typically the most days to travel. Offset costs by leaving on a Thursday and returning the following week if possible.

Also avoid busy travel times like holidays and school breaks, since flights will be more expensive during these high-demand periods. Additionally, planning a trip during your destination’s low season practically guarantees lower prices on flights AND accommodations, not to mention fewer crowds.

4. A longer flight itinerary means savings

If extremely price sensitive, look for flights with long connections or overnights. While it may be less convenient to add travel hours or even overnight in an airport, doing so could mean big savings on flights and more money to spend during your vacation.

Not recommended for those with limited vacation time.

5. Book as soon as possible

Flights typically become more expensive the closer you book to your travel dates. Your biggest savings come from booking far in advance when possible.

International flights are less expensive at least two months before travel dates, while domestic flights can range from a few months to weeks in advance. The beginning of the week is generally the best time to book flights, while Fridays are the most expensive.

 

We want to hear from YOU! Where are you planning your next trip? Comment below and subscribe so we can keep in touch.

 

The West Texas Bucket List

Your guide to the top things to do and see in West Texas.

Davis Mountains – Far west Texas isn’t just open desert like the movies would have you believe. Explore Davis Mountains State Park’s miles of trails, camping, and informational programming… More

McDonald Observatory – The stars at night are extra big and bright at this West Texas mountaintop observatory. Hundreds of miles from bright city lights, the McDonald Observatory offers unbeatable star gazing… More

The Gage Hotel – This historic desert oasis in Marathon, TX was voted among the top Texas hotels by Condé Nast. Talk about old country charm!… More

Marfa – In this tiny West Texas town, there’s a Gram-worthy photo around practically every corner that is sure to elicit jealousy from friends… More

Alpine – Explore the town of Alpine, located between Marfa and Marathon. Catch a semi-pro Cowboys baseball game at historic Kokernot Field… More

Let us know what you think in the comments below!

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Star Gazing at McDonald Observatory

The stars at night are extra big and bright at this West Texas mountaintop observatory. Hundreds of miles from bright city lights, the McDonald Observatory offers stargazers unbeatable views. Plan your visit around catching a Star Party where you’ll have access to outdoor telescopes at the observatory’s park and an interactive overview of the night sky. Star Parties are offered on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Dress warmly with layers because nighttime temps dip, even in the summer. Daytime activities are also offered if you’re not a night owl.

Weather conditions can quickly change near the observatory, so if the skies are overcast in the morning, things may clear up by evening. If it happens to be cloudy during your visit, you’ll be offered alternative programming indoors, or you may be able to reschedule.

Stay the night at accommodations close to the observatory. Options include Indian Lodge, or for the more adventurous, pitch a tent at Davis Mountains State Park.

Nearby things to do: 

Davis Mountains

The Gage Hotel

Marfa

Alpine

Alpine, Texas: “The Last Frontier”

Explore the town of Alpine, located between Marfa and Marathon. Get a sense of place at Stylle Read’s wall mural Big Brewster outside of the Kiowa Gallery. This mural portrays notable town figures including visionaries such as Everett Townsend who spearheaded the creation of Big Bend National Park, successful rancher Herbert Kokernot who established the Alpine Cowboys baseball club in 1946, and local celebs such as Dan Blocker who became better known as Hoss Cartwright on the“Bonanza” TV series also appear in the mural. Keep an eye out for more murals scattered throughout Alpine.

Catch a semi-pro Alpine Cowboys baseball game at historic Kokernot Field during the season that runs from May through August. With inexpensive tickets, a boisterous local crowd, the Davis Mountains as the field’s backdrop and brews from nearby Big Bend Brewing Co., you’re guaranteed to have a good time. Fun fact: the 06 symbol found throughout the park tie in to the Kokernot family’s cattle branding from back in the day. Not in town during baseball season? You can still visit the field’s exterior intricate ironwork.

The Museum of the Big Bend at Sul Ross University is worth a visit. The Big Bend Legacy exhibit gives visitors deep insight into the natural and human histories of the region. Other temporary rotating exhibits include Terry Cockerham’s “Big Bend and the Terlingua Project” and “Early Education and the Annual Summer Normal in Alpine.” Admission to all exhibits is free!

Nearby things to do:

McDonald Observatory

The Gage Hotel

Marfa

Davis Mountains

The Gage Hotel in West Texas

The Gage Hotel is located in the charming town of Marathon that still has a frontier feel to this day. On the U.S. National Registry of Historic Places, the Gage Hotel was built in 1926 by successful rancher Alfred Gage and later converted into a hotel.

Guests can stay in the historic Western style hotel, pueblo style adobe brick rooms in Los Portales, or have complete privacy in casitas. Enjoy the hotel pool, gym, White Buffalo bar, and V6 health conscious foods for your coffee and smoothie needs.

Watch people and trains passing by from the ivy covered porch in a wooden rocking chair, mediate in a courtyard, or cool off in the pool with a frozen drink from the White Buffalo bar. With so much old country charm, its no surprise that this historic desert oasis was voted among the top Texas hotels by Condé Nast Traveler.

Located a short distance across the train tracks is the manicured Gage Gardens, covering a lush 27 acres. We recommend visiting early in the morning to enjoy cooler temps and beautiful lighting.

Learn more about the Gage Hotel and make reservations.

Things to do nearby:

Davis Mountains

McDonald Observatory

Marfa

Alpine