Big Bend National Park is an 800,000 acre area located in far west Texas that is one of the most remote and rugged areas in the United States. The park is home to an array of plants and animals, numerous canyons and mountain ranges and some of the best opportunities for adventure camping, hiking and rock climbing in the country. Big Bend has been designated as both an International Dark Sky Park and a World Biosphere Reserve. The spectacular scenery and wide open spaces make it the perfect destination for a first date.
1. Parks and places for a walk on a first date
Big Bend National Park provides plenty of opportunities for a romantic walk in the wilderness. Take a stroll along the trails of Santa Elena Canyon, Lost Mine Trail and Boot Canyon. The trails will offer breathtaking views of the canyons, mountains and desert. Santa Elena Canyon has a two and a half mile out and back trail that is suitable for all fitness levels. Lost Mine Trail is a four-mile out and back trail that is a little more strenuous, but the breathtaking views of the Chisos Mountains make it worth the effort.
2. Places for a coffee date in Big Bend National Park
There are some great places for a coffee date in Big Bend National Park. The Rio Grande Village Nature Store has an in-house coffee shop, The Wild Bean Café. It serves specialty coffee drinks and pastries. The Chisos Mountains Lodge also has a café that serves a variety of coffees and snacks. The Terlingua Ghost Town offers outdoor dining with stunning views of the mountains and desert.
3. Galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit on a date
There are several galleries, museums, and exhibitions to explore in Big Bend National Park. The Fort Leaton State Historic Site is a former Spanish trading post located in Presidio, Texas. The Chisos Mining Company Museum offers artifacts and video presentations on the history of the area. The Rio Grande Village Nature Store has a gallery featuring local artwork and crafts. The Terlingua Ghost Town is home to an art gallery, museum and historic walking tours.
4. Live music and entertainment to invite your date to in Big Bend National Park
Live music and entertainment are available throughout Big Bend National Park. The Terlingua Ghost Town has live music scheduled throughout the year for its popular Terlingua Music Festival. The Big Bend Brewing Company also offers live music, including blues and jazz, on Thursday and Friday nights. The Chisos Mining Company Museum offers guided hiking and stargazing night hikes.
5. Pubs, bars or restaurants for a first date drink or food
Big Bend National Park offers a variety of pubs, bars and restaurants for a first date drink or food. The Chisos Mountains Lodge has a restaurant, bar and lounge offering Tex-Mex cuisine, craft beers and cocktails. The Terlingua Ghost Town is home to several restaurants, including the Starlight Theatre Restaurant and the Lost Alamo Saloon, serving American and Tex-Mex cuisine. The Rio Grande Village Nature Store has an in-house restaurant serving Mexican and American dishes.
6. Other date ideas to try in Big Bend National Park
For a unique first date experience, why not take your date stargazing? Big Bend National Park has been designated as an International Dark Sky Park and offers stunning views of the night sky. You and your date can also explore the land on horseback at the Chisos Mountains Lodge, or take a canoe or kayak trip on the Rio Grande River. The park has plenty of trails and mountain biking routes to explore, or why not take a scenic drive along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive?
