This region of Texas is one of the most underrated travel destinations in the country

If you need a quick trip to get away, West Texas is an overlooked destination.

CNN compiled a report of the 25 most underrated U.S. destinations that included several Texas.

“The vast region is still sparsely populated, home to wide open spaces and a couple of the nation’s wildest national parks: Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains,” CNN said about West Texas.

Tourism in Texas is great for the economy. According to the Texas Travel Alliance, travel earnings had an impact of $72.9 billion on the economy. U.S. World and Report ranked Dallas as the most popular tourist destination, with Big Bend National Park and Fredricksberg trailing behind, respectively.

West Texas is a large region that covers Big Bend National Park, Guadalupe Mountains and UFO towns. You can roadtrip to multiple destinations with plenty of camping opportunities.

Here’s a few different West Texas towns worth visiting:

Marfa

• Distance from Fort Worth: 489 miles

• Known for: Art, Marfa Mystery Lights (unexplained phenomenon where red, white or blue lights appear in the sky)

• Town population: 1,725

• Stay options: Carmen Boutique Hotel, Cibolo Creek Hotel, El Cosmico, Marfa Yacht Club

Terlingua

• Distance from Fort Worth: 546 miles

• Known for: Chisos Mountains, Ghost town, Chili Cookoff (first Saturday every November)

• Town population: 154

• Stay options: RV and tent camping

Big Bend National Park

• Distance from Fort Worth: 540 miles

• Known for: Chisos mountain range, Chihuahuan Desert, Rio Grande River

• Visitors: 463,832

• Stay options: Chisos Mountain Lodge, Rio Grande Village Campground, Chisos Basin Campground, Cottonwood Campground

Fort Davis

• Distance from Fort Worth: 469 miles

• Known for: U.S. Army Fort, Davis Mountains State Park, Indian Lodge, Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center, Botanical Gardens, McDonald Observatory

• Town population: 924

• Stay options: Hotel Limpia, Fort Davis Inn and RV Park, Davis Mountain RV Park, Mountain View Lodge, Harvard Hotel, Prude Ranch

Alpine

• Distance from Fort Worth: 464 miles

• Known for: Scenic beauty, murals, walking tours, star gazing

• Town population: 5,927

• Stay options: Antelope Lodge, Holland Hotel, The Maverick Inn, Hotel Parker, Alpine Bed and Breakfast

Ella Gonzales

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Ella Gonzales is a service journalism reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She is part of a team of local journalists who answer reader questions and write about life in North Texas. Ella mainly writes about local restaurants and where to find good deals around town.