Marathon, Texas is a small town in the Big Bend region of Texas.
It is known as the Gateway to Big Bend National Park and is a must on any West Texas Road Trip.
The city is full of family friendly attractions, historic buildings, and fun events like the Annual 4th of July BBQ and Dance and the West Fest cook-off.
There are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts in Marathon, as it has ponds, natural springs, the desert landscape, starry night sky, wildlife and more!
Marathon, Texas is one of the best small towns in Texas and a great vacation destination in the Big Bend region.
History of Marathon, Texas
Marathon has its origins as a railroad town in the 1880s.
The town was named by Captain Shepherd, a sea captain who worked on the railroad.
He named the town Marathon because it reminded him of Marathon in Greece, with the desert plains that went on for miles.
In its heyday, Marathon was a busy town and had a three room schoolhouse, saloon, a windmill that functioned as a jail, a bank, and a post office.
It served as an important military center during the Mexican Revolution.
Today, Marathon is mostly popular with visitors to Big Bend and serves as a tourist destination in the Big Bend area.
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Best Things to do in Marathon, Texas
On a visit to Marathon, you can see dusty old buildings and admire majestic views of the Marathon Basin surrounded by the Iron Mountains and Glass Mountains.
Marathon has several attractions for families as well as couples.
Here are some of our favorite things to do in Marathon, Texas.
Visit Big Bend National Park
Most visitors come to Marathon on their way to Big Bend National Park.
Big Bend National Park is known for its diverse flora and fauna and scenic landscapes.
The park is known for the views of Chisos mountains, hiking to waterfalls, the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, and amazing night sky.
Big Bend National Park is home to a variety of mammals. There are mule deer in the Pine Springs area.
Javelinas and coyotes are also present at Big Bend National Park during different parts of the year.
The park is 36 miles south of the town.
Remember to fill up on gas in Marathon before you leave for the park.
Also Read: 24 Best Things to do in West Texas
Explore charming downtown area
Marathon is pretty small and easily walkable.
In fact, you can walk all over the town in about 15 minutes.
Most of the shops, cafes, and galleries are located in and around Main Street.
Stroll through the Gage Gardens
Gage Gardens in Marathon is a beautiful and charming place that leaves all visitors enthralled by its amazing landscaping.
It is a peaceful retreat that features vivid colors throughout the whole year.
It includes more than 500 varieties of plants found in the Big Bend region of Texas as well as a pond and picnic areas.
The garden also has hiking trails as well as a rose garden, sitting areas, and a putting green.
The gardens are located a short walk away from the Gage Hotel.
Understand the town’s past at Marathon Historical Museum
The Marathon Historical Museum is a small museum that has many artifacts from the town’s past.
It is housed in a one room adobe structure which was the first schoolhouse in Brewster County.
The museum includes historical relics about railroad and ranching in Marathon.
View the historic Gage Hotel
The Historic Gage Hotel is one of Marathon’s premier attractions.
The hotel was built in 1927 for the wealthy Texan, Alfred S. Gage.
The hotel has beautiful rooms surrounding the lush courtyard. The main lobby is also stunning.
The rooms have beautiful wood furnishings and authentic West Texas décor.
The hotel has a restaurant and a bar for visitors.
Visit the art galleries
Marathon has many art galleries.
One of the most famous is the Evans Gallery.
The gallery is full of different types of art including paintings, sculptures, and photography.
The photographs taken by Marathon resident, James Evan, are very famous.
The Klepper Gallery on 105N Avenue D is another one of the many galleries in town.
Other art galleries in Marathon include Wes Spears, Carol Townsend photography, Chisos Gallery, and George Zupp Studio.
Buy your next read at Front Street Books
All book lovers should visit the charming Front Street Books in Marathon, Texas.
This locally owned independent bookstore is a great place to stop and search for your next read.
Whether you want a book on local Texas history or a thriller to enjoy on your vacation, Front Street Books has it all!
Enjoy stargazing in Marathon
One of the best things to do in Marathon, Texas is star gazing.
There is a virtually uninterrupted view of the night sky from West Texas.
Marathon has a dark sky ordinance which ensures that the night sky stays lit only by stars.
Those with telescopes can spot constellations, galaxies, planets, satellites, and comets.
Marathon is also popular for those interested in astrophotography.
Fun Fact: Did you know that you can qualify for the Boston Marathon in Marathon, Texas? Visit the town around M2M to enjoy a run in the cool desert air!
Tap your feet to local music in West Texas
Marathon hosts several events of the annual Viva Big Bend Music Festival.
The two popular venues are Gage Hotel and Eve’s Garden Bed & Breakfast.
This is a great time to be in the town and enjoy a fun filled evening.
Have a fresh cup of coffee in town
While you are there, enjoy coffee at the V6 Coffee Bar or Marathon Coffee Shop.
Both places have excellent coffee, breakfast, as well as small plates for lunch.
Enjoy a relaxing spa retreat at Casa La Vista
For an ultimate spa retreat in the Chisos mountains, try Casa La Vista.
You will be eating healthy meals, staying in a serene environment, and having a relaxing massage during your stay.
Want just one day or pampering?
Another option for a relaxing spa massage is the Spa at Gage Hotel.
Spend a relaxing evening at Post Park
Post Park is located 5 miles from Downtown Marathon and is known as an oasis in the desert because of its stunning natural beauty.
The park includes four acres that are covered with shady cottonwood trees, native plant species, picnic areas, a spring fed pond, walking trails, and campsites.
The walking trails wind around the trees and ponds and are perfect to enjoy scenery or bird watching.
Post Park was once the site of historic Fort Pena Colorada on the Comanche Trail.
The fort was built to protect the railroad and was named after the Pena Colorada Natural Springs.
You can learn all about the history of the fort at the park.
Find crinoid fossils in the Glass Mountains
The mountains surrounding Marathon are the Glass Mountains.
They are known for being extremely old and were created during the Marathon geological uplift.
The mountains are part of an exposed coral reef that belonged in the shallow sea covering southern Texas during the cretaceous period.
They contain fossils of crinoids, ancient marine animals, and are a favorite with fossil hunters.
You can find ram’s horn oysters, inoceramus shells, corals, gastropods, and more.
Hunt at Maravillas Ranch
At Maravillas Ranch, you can hunt for game meat including deer, elk, turkey, and quail.
You can stay at the Hunter’s Lodge and cook game meat in their kitchen.
Where to eat in Marathon, Texas
Marathon has few but very reliable options when it comes to food.
Oasis Cafe
For breakfast or brunch in Marathon, we recommend the Oasis Cafe.
Here you can get Tex Mex food, pancakes, and burgers.
French Grocer Company
The French Grocer Company is where you need to go for groceries, deli sandwiches, camping supplies, and more!
Visitors can get a picnic meal at the French Company Grocer and enjoy it outdoors at Post Park by the pond or in charming Gage Gardens.
12 Gage Restaurant
Looking for a fine dining experience in Marathon or want to enjoy a date night?
The 12 Gage Restaurant located inside the Gage Hotel is an excellent choice.
They have game meats as well as an extensive wine list.
Brick Vault Brewery and Barbecue
Also located in the Gage Hotel, the Brick Vault Brewery and Barbecue is the perfect place to try some of the famous Texas brisket and ribs.
The beer selection is also excellent.
Big Bend Pizza
Want some good stone-baked pizza while in Marathon? Head to Big Bend Pizza!
This is a favorite with families.
Los Muertos Mexican Kitchen
Best place to go for Tex Mex and margaritas in town.
We recommend their fajitas as well as weekend breakfast options.
White Buffalo Bar
Hands down our favorite when it comes to cocktails and appetizers in Marathon.
Also located inside the Gage Hotel, the bar is famous for its vibe.
Where to stay in Marathon, Texas
Two popular options to stay include Eves Garden and Gage Hotel.
Eves Garden Bread and Breakfast, Marathon
Eve’s Garden is a beautiful bed and breakfast on the outskirts of Marathon, Texas.
The inn offers lodging for couples, families and small groups in individual suites or a 2 bedroom house.
Eve’s Garden has a complete breakfast served every morning with fresh ground coffee.
Gage Hotel, Marathon
Gage Hotel is one of the most luxurious hotels in Marathon, Texas.
For those looking for a resort-like vacation experience, this is a perfect option.
Gage Hotel offers bedroom suites with luxurious beds and high-end amenities.
The hotel also has a full service spa, restaurants and bars, conference rooms, and more!
You can find several vacation rental homes in Marathon, Texas that are close to the historic downtown area.
You’ll be a short walk from different restaurants and shops, but enjoy mountain views as well.
You can even go glamping in Marathon, Texas.
Stayin a yurt at a beautiful scenic spot in the desert or camp for a night under the stars; the town has many unique accommodations for visitors.
Best Time to Visit Marathon, Texas
Marathon has a moderate climate and the best time to visit is during the winter or spring months.
Fall is another great time to visit the Big Bend region.
In the summer, it can get extremely hot for any outdoor activities.
Best Things to do near Marathon, Texas
Here are the best things to do in the Big Bend region of Western Texas near Marathon.
See the Marfa Prada
Marfa, located about 55 miles away from Marathon, is one of the best places to visit in Western Texas.
The small town has a long list of tourist attractions, such as local landmarks and museums, that are sure to interest anyone passing through.
Visitors can bike around town or see wildlife or take a photo with the Marfa Prada arts installation.
If you’re looking for a day trip away from Marathon, Marfa is an excellent destination.
Visit the ghost town of Terlingua
Terlingua is an excellent day trip option for visitors to Marathon.
This ghost town about 100 miles away from Marathon offers a great way to get away.
You will be able to see remnants of the past and enjoy some nature as well.
Some of the attractions you may visit include a library, mining museum, and more.
Enjoy hiking in Big Bend Ranch State Park
Big Bend Ranch State Park is a popular destination for mountain hikers and hikers who enjoy the outdoors.
Hikers who visit the park can take in views of the Chisos Mountains and the Rio Grande River while taking in fresh air.
Along the trails, you’ll be able to see native plants and wildlife, such as deer and armadillos.
You can also enjoy the vastness and beauty of the park on scenic drives.
Go on a canoeing or rafting trip down the Rio Grande River or camp in the park to enjoy the starry night sky.
Explore the charming town of Alpine
Alpine, Texas is located 26 miles away from Marathon.
Visitors are able to explore Big Bend Ranch State Park, go horseback riding, hike or bike in the desert landscape, tour a brewery, or enjoy live music in the town.
Marathon’s prime location makes it an excellent home base for outdoor adventures in the surrounding natural areas.
It also has plenty of restaurants and shops to check out during down time, as well as nearby attractions such as Marfa and Terlingua.
We recommend visiting Marathon on your West Texas road trip for all Texans.