Appreciate little things in life when you visit the small city of Marfa, Texas.
This tiny town of under 3000 people in far West Texas is a tourist spot and a major center for minimalist art and mysterious Marfa lights. Marfa, from the Russian name “Martha,” was named after Marfa Strogoff, a character in Jules Verne’s novel Michael Strogoff.
It’s a long ride to Marfa, but there are many places to see while traveling to the arts town in the high desert plains of the Trans-Pecos region.
As you head west, the highway is seemingly narrow as you drive along the vast land of West Texas, without the nuances of the suburbs and away from busy cities!
The road is open, and the sky is infinite on your trip to the remote corner of the West Texas town. You’ll love everything about the place, from its classic town square to artisan shops, art galleries, historical sites, and Marfa lights.
Welcome to Marfa!
Table Of Content
Ballroom Marfa
Start your Marfa art experience with the art gallery of Ballroom Marfa.
Every minute the Ballroom Art is filled with interesting perspectives on film, music, and art.
Ballroom Marfa is an internationally recognized non-collecting contemporary art museum established in 2003 by no other than Virginia Lebermann and Fairfax Dorn. You must see the fashion-forward art gallery and world-class exhibits in the West Texas desert.
The 1920s-era ballroom space is a free attraction, but donations are accepted. The commission goes to new site-specific and site-inspired projects for local artists and musicians in the breathtaking Big Bend region.
Ballroom advocates freedom of artistic expression which is why they support artists, musicians, and visionary thinkers of all backgrounds and collaborate across disciplines.
You will certainly enjoy the exhibitions, public artworks, performances, screenings, concerts, symposia, education programs, and overall cultural happenings they produce.
If you’re a fan of Prada, Ballroom commissioned a sculptural art of Prada permanently installed along U.S. Route 90 in Jeff Davis County, Texas, among many other art installations.
Generally, Ballroom Marfa believes that art transforms and enlightens. Some pieces may be beyond one’s understanding, but it is there to connect local, national and international communities through their art.
You can never tell what to expect as their exhibit changes regularly. Nonetheless, it is a perfect destination to inspire and appreciate the world.
Address: 108 E San Antonio St, Marfa, TX 79843, USA
El Cosmico
Believe in timeliness and progress. What is meant for you will eventually come.
Experience’ sweet do nothing’ in El Cosmico – a nomadic hotel and campground in Marfa, Texas. They believe in occasional freedom spent in simple, unique accommodations that speak balance and adventure.
Sit on porches, nap on hammocks, walk trails with discreet outdoor bathing, and enjoy moments of non-action. El Cosmico is a combination of fun and funky!
They offer several bathhouses with solar and traditional showers to campers, an outdoor communal kitchen, and an indoor/outdoor lobby lounge for intrepid travelers.
Expect wind and dust in this quirky experience in far west Marfa, Texas – a perfect place to rebel on your workweek, burn some fire and share an evening of stories and beers.
The sky is vast and endless, so there’s a good chance for you to witness the stunning night sky and rumor of mystical dancing lights. You’ll be accompanied by the heat of a blanket and campfire amidst the cold Marfa night.
Although filled with a vibe of nature, camping in El Cosmico is surprisingly neat and functional. They have the most accommodating staff to assist you with your concerns.
A gem in the middle of nowhere, El Cosmico is a destination of an amazing adventure. There are plenty of opportunities to create experiences that will solidify bonds and a sense of self-worth, so be prepared to get your hands and feet dirty.
Don’t miss out on more fun things to do and places to visit in Texas because everything about the state is best!
Address: 802 S Highland Ave, Marfa, TX 79843, United States
Hotel Saint George
Amidst the vast space and distance of far-flung Marfa is the open door of Hotel Saint George.
Hotel Saint George has been a part of Marfa’s landscape since 1886. It channels the town’s simplicity and grace without compromising a luxury experience.
They have the most spacious, artfully designed accommodations with a touch of the 19th century and are the best place to be if you’re hoping for a quiet environment close to local attractions like mountains and lights.
You don’t have to miss out on the Cosmopolitan comfort of the city. Hotel Saint George welcomes you to their sleek pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, restaurant, and bar that opens until late.
Their rooms and suites are conveniently spacious and clean, with comfortable bedding, original art, modern design, and element of Marfa altogether.
They serve unsurprisingly good food that suits every palate in West Texas. You can start your day with refined café classics at Bar Saint George, spend a relaxing afternoon with refreshments, and have a splendid dinner at LaVenture with ingredient-driven plates and internationally sourced wines.
You can get in touch with the most accommodating and hospitable hotel crew wherever you go to make your stay smooth and effortless.
The place is 1-2 minutes from the Chinati Foundation art museum and 40 minutes from the Prada Art Installation.
Hotel Saint George is practically perched out of nowhere, making the whole experience a unique escapade.
Address: 105 S Highland Ave, Marfa, TX 79843, United States
Magical Marfa Scavenger Hunt
There are several different ways to spend your trip in Marfa, Texas. However, nothing is more immersive and creative than the Magical Marfa Scavenger Hunt.
This one-of-a-kind activity will get you out of your comfort zone and interact with locals, too!
The rule is simple. Everyone (even your dogs) can participate in this nontraditional creative scavenger hunt. It all starts at the local’s favorite scenic spot to carefully-curated locations in town and back to the original departure point.
After getting your digital quest and ground rules for the game from a remote host, you’re ready to take off. Drive around in your car to various checkpoints, accept challenges, and solve clues. A carless version is also available upon request.
The Marfa Scavenger Hunt is the best way to uncover local secrets and make more memories around town while spending quality time with your family, friends, and loved ones. Be sure to go the extra mile and make friends on the road!
This wonderful 2-hour adventure is a great way to fall into a rhythm and explore the town quickly. You can divide tasks as you please if you want to finish the challenge soon. Finally, send photos to your host to document your progress.
Feel free to choose from 150 hunts appropriate for all, including tourists, corporate groups, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and others.
Address: 201 E Dallas St., Marfa, TX 79843, United States
Marfa Book Co.
To set your expectations straight, Marfa Book Co. is not just a bookstore. It’s a whole experience!
Pass by this publisher, bookshop, and gallery in Marfa, Texas, if you happen to be in the area.
You’ll see reproductions of artists’ books and writings from the 1960s and 1970s, select publications with distinct perspectives, poetry, cookbooks of local cuisine, local arts, crafts, pottery, Marfa merch, and unique gifts!
Going beyond retail, it is particularly interesting how Marfa Book hosts exhibitions, performances, and readings by a “stupid list” of brilliant people.
The “world-class bookstore” founded in 1999 organizes a weeklong event celebrating the cultures of the Chihuahuan Desert called Agave Festival Marfa and co-organizes an improvisational music festival, the Desert Encrypts, among many events they hold every year.
The local bookstore has a little of everything for Marfa’s dear travelers. If you didn’t know, Marfa Book has a coffee and wine bar where you can have the best bowls of Texas chili.
Owner Tim Johnson and his crew made the place a beautiful local haven for creative people in the West Texas town of Marfa. The town’s culture of gentility and openness has sprung from generations because of places like this.
Expand your horizon and visit more major cities in West Texas, like El Paso, Texas. Follow the best things to do and places to visit in El Paso, Texas.
Address: 300 S Kelly St, Marfa, TX 79843, United States
Marfa Brand Soap Co.
Ditch your branded soaps and try Marfa’s organic and locally-made soaps.
These handmade goods in Marfa, Texas, are made especially with love at the corner of Dean and Dallas, across The Get Go Grocery.
The 5 – 6 oz bars are made from the finest natural olive, coconut, palm, avocado, and almond oils with shea butter, botanicals, and pure essential oils.
Spice up your bath time with shades of the desert and earthy sage of Yucca Root, sunny calendula petals of Texas Cedar Wood & Lavender, or the Marfa signature Ranch Road.
Ranch Road soap emanates the stretch of ranch road, the smell of rain in the distance, and the feeling of freedom – “a true rustic scent with cedar wood, patchouli, and clove.”
At $12 per piece, take home one of the best soaps in Marfa or bring it back as a souvenir for a friend. Additionally, you can find other selections at the store, such as their Marfa Brand soapbox, Enamel and Wood soap dish, Natural Pumice stone, Agave fiber washcloth, Lucky Pony Shoe, and the famous Care Package.
A true labor of love, Marfa Brand soaps are packaged individually with care. The little boutique is worth stopping by, but the soap is displayed all over Marfa!
You can find one in The Get Go, Mano, Freda, El Cosmico, the Wrong Store, the Paisano Hotel, and several others.
They don’t do factory tours at this time, but their factory is located in the Lumberyard, just behind the shop.
Address: 213 S Dean St, Marfa, TX 79843, United States
Marfa and Presidio County Museum
Everyone is welcome in the historical house in the heart of Marfa.
Nothing can truly tell the history of the little town of Marfa, Texas, more than the Marfa and Presidio County Museum. The unique character and culture of Marfa, its classic events, and its people are the sum of various elements preserved holistically in this 40+ years old building.
Thanks to the local preservation community, the museum has evolved into a place of having an authentic glimpse into the town like no other.
The museum presents the beginning of Marfa’s time, its geology, information about the Native American presence, the arrival of the Spanish, the settlement of the Anglos, the making of railroads, mining, ranches, the military, movies, and more.
The down-to-earth museum tells tales of local settlers and military history in the 80s. The Marfa and Presidio County Museum is a great stop if you’re looking for a place to learn about the region’s early history.
Expect to see a fine collection of photos and objects that will bring you back to the past. The place is reasonably small, but you’ll find many interesting facts about the town you’re visiting.
Their friendly staff will likely show you the antiques and other artifacts there are to see. They will be extremely helpful in your world-searching quest.
If you’re up for retail therapy, you better check out the Marfa Museum Thrift Store! It is located in the Marfa Activity Center (MAC) building, south of Coffield Park between Ridge Street and Mesa Street. You will want to spend a delightful hour inspecting hundreds of items here!
Address: 110 San Antonio Street / Hwy 90, Marfa, Texas 79843
Presidio County Courthouse
Watch the entire town of Marfa from the top of the Presidio County Courthouse, a three-story Second Empire structure, and one of the west Texas courthouses restored into glory.
Located in the state of far west Texas, the courthouse is dated back to 1885 when county voters elected Marfa as the center of Presidio County government.
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 and designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1964.
To spare you the history lesson, you can see the courthouse yourself on your trip to Marfa and easily spot the pink, brick, and stone-walled building.
You wouldn’t miss the iconic statue of the Goddess of Justice mounting atop the central dome, missing her scales and blades. It suggests injustice in Presidio County.
In more or less 30 minutes, you’ll get a glimpse of the Italianate detailing of the courtroom spanning the courthouse’s second floor, the octagonal central domed tower with two large windows on each side wonderfully covered in ornamental shingles, and entrances on all sides, meeting at the center of the dome.
There have been a series of efforts to modify the exterior and interior of the courthouse. Still, the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program agreed to restore the historic building to its old state regardless of personal aesthetic preference.
Perhaps the preservation committee decided best to retain its historic features as visitors in Marfa today still describe the Presidio County Courthouse as outstanding and architecturally beautiful.
Texas will never run out of museums portraying the valuable culture of every community. Visit more museums in best things to do, and places to visit in Forth Worth, Texas.
Address: 300 Highland St, Marfa, TX 79843, United States
Raba Marfa
Your eclectic taste for vintage and accessories has a special place in Marfa, Texas.
Raba Marfa is your one-stop store for rare vintage and unusual pieces in the middle of the high desert plains. The lovely shop started as a Texas native portraying Tori’s passion for vintage and has become a clientele favorite.
Selections vary from curated clothing and tees to rad jewelry, trinkets, accessories, apothecaries, postcards, candles, and more. You can tell they are hand-selected to feature nothing but the best. Most of everything is vintage!
It’s easy to fall in love with the ambiance of Raba Marfa as it gives off an aesthetic feel. While some items are a bit pricey, you’ll get good stuff of your money’s worth in this hidden gem.
You’ll be greeted with warm smiles from everyone in the shop, including its owner, to help and assist you with your shopping needs. Feel free to come any day of the week from 10 am to 6 pm – it’s definitely worth the quick stop.
Bring home a good pair of sunglasses and fragrances in a bottle only in Raba Marfa’s little vintage shop. There are plenty of new items you’ll find in Raba that you won’t probably see again the next time you come by.
However, this small business in town will never run out of great collections you’ll take home at all costs.
Address: 212 E San Antonio St, Marfa, TX 79843, United States
The Chinati Foundation
You have got to put one of Marfa’s most famous landmarks on your list.
The Chinati Foundation (La Fundación Chinati) is a contemporary art museum in Marfa, Texas, established by founder and American minimalist Donald Judd.
There are many ways to visit Chinati, whether a holiday trip or an educational tour. However, you may want to ensure you had a long-night rest before visiting the 340-acre art museum. There will be a lot of walking on staircases and uneven terrain.
Situated on a former Fort Russell military-based land, explore collections of large-scale permanent art installations and pieces of select artists in former barracks, hangars, or artillery sheds.
If you prefer a guided visit, make sure to book a reservation in advance, as space in Chinati is limited. Guided visits include Block and Studio visits. You can also do a self-guided visit as you please.
Guided visits start at the former Marfa National Bank, now the Architecture Studio, located at 101 North Highland Avenue. It is advised to start with the Block first, then the Studio.
In the Studios Visit, you’ll get a glance at Judd’s early paintings from the 1950s and 1960s, an extensive collection of modernist and period furniture, and works by other well-known artists and designers of the 20th Century.
Meanwhile, the Block visits give you access to Judd’s residence and studio in Marfa, where you can see a selection of his first large-scale architectural projects. You can also see a complex of concrete buildings where Judd permanently installed his early work and personal library of over 13,000 volumes.
Address: 1 Cavalry Row, Marfa, TX 79843, United States
The Get Go
A curbside grocery store in far west Texas brings home to you.
Marfa’s staple and small gourmet store, The Get Go, opens its doors to locals and tourists alike. The independent grocery shop proudly features organic produce, local goods, high-quality gourmet ingredients, and supplies for the cooks.
While in town, get a basket and fill it with their curated selection of world-class wines, beers, or refreshments of your choice, fresh produce, sweets, dry goods, meats, and nuts. The Get Go has all you need, from the basics to essential grocery items, including the famous Marfa goat cheese!
Overall, the quaint shop is very Marfan! They carry all your favorite brands but have Texas-specific offerings as well.
On your trip, you won’t need everything, but bringing home these hard-to-find specialties in West Texas is wise.
The Get Go is open to every suggestion you can add for them to carry in the future. They are always well-stocked, though!
You can assure that selection and service improve over time. The Get Go is committed to listening to the community and addressing customer requests. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice on wine selections and the best local items.
Besides wishing you had more hours, you won’t be asking for more in The Get Go, as their selection is tremendous. Being in the middle of nowhere doesn’t mean you’ll run out.
They will make a good first impression with features that are never too hipster and typical for your style.
Address: 208 S Dean St, Marfa, TX 79843, United States
The Hotel Paisano
Getting fancy from time to time is good for your travel, especially when you’re around Marfa, Texas.
Designed by El Paso architect Henry C. Trost, El Paisano may be the best hotel in town, known as a place for ranchers and movie stars.
James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor, and Rock Hudson, along with the other cast and crew of the 1956 American epic Western drama film Giant, stayed in this hotel for six weeks in the summer of 1955.
Charming and historic, Hotel Paisano offers 41 rooms and suites, a seasonally heated pool, an art gallery, a gift shop, a huge memorabilia room, a ballroom/conference room, a fitness center, and a casual restaurant and lounge with comfortable courtyard seating.
While it got off to a rocky start, guests say the overall experience at the hotel is 10/10, with incredible food and service.
You’ll find a great selection of fine jewelry, clothing, books and journals, local artwork, home decor, and more in their extensive gift shops. Don’t go home empty-handed!
You wouldn’t believe that a small town in Texas has the most delicious and sought-after food. Jett’s Grill at the Hotel Paisano offers a wide variety of home-cooked dishes. Enjoy the popular 12-ounce Black Angus burger or pistachio-crusted sirloin steak at the on-site restaurant.
It wouldn’t hurt to get a light, seasonal selection of appetizers, salads, and fresh-made desserts too!
Now getting to the best part, Jett’s Grill serves the best margaritas in Marfa, “Hands Down!”
Hotel Paisano is a “social hub for the area, a meeting place and oasis for travelers, and a west Texas destination.” It would be a waste not to experience the most elegant hotel in Marfa.
Address: 207 Highland St, Marfa, TX 79843, United States
The Marfa Mystery Lights
One special thing Marfa, Texas, is known for is the mysterious “ghost lights” observed over the sky after dark.
You’re one lucky fellow if you happen to witness the dancing lights of what appear to be paranormal phenomena, UFOs, or will-o’-the-wisp (atmospheric ghost light seen by travelers at night), according to some onlookers.
Sorry to burst your bubble, but a scientific explanation suggests that most of the lights, if not all, are atmospheric reflections of car headlights, campfires, and ranch lights.
Over the years, the Marfa Lights of west Texas have become a travel destination, so a viewing area was designated on Highway 90 about nine miles east of Marfa.
From “dim to almost blinding” brilliance, the orbs of light appear above the desert foliage, split and merge in hues of yellow-orange, green, blue, and red.
Additionally, the lights are rather curious, moving up and down, left to right, and approaching at high speed. However, note that this view is least visible in a cloudy sky.
The first historical record of Marfa Lights was in 1883, when a young cowhand, Robert Reed Ellison, was driving a cattle through Paisano Pass and followed a flickering light, thinking it was the campfire of Apache Indians.
The next reported seeing was in 1885, told in Cecilia Thompson’s book History of Marfa and Presidio County, Texas 1535–1946.
You’ll see that everything about the evening is a catch as you wait patiently and quietly on the viewing platform. Watching the pitch-dark sky and listening to the night desert will be a more fulfilling experience than it looks!
Address: US-90, Marfa, TX 79843, United States
The Sentinel Marfa
Enjoy a cup of the best cappuccinos in the small town of Marfa, Texas.
Home to The Big Bend Sentinel and Presidio International, The Sentinel is a local coffee shop, restaurant, and bar in Marfa whose goal is to support local and independent journalism in the city.
This unique concept draws the community into their business along with the modern touch and laid-back atmosphere in The Sentinel.
You’ll find yourself comfortable in their indoor or outdoor seating, surrounded by southwestern decoratives and native plants. This place has got to be one of your favorite spots in Marfa if you want to slow down and get cozy.
An Americano paired with baked pastry is perfect for sharing with friends or family in the historic Marfa adobe building. Consume locally-inspired dishes on the shaded back patio, and bring home the ideal Big Bend gift from their local artisan merchandise.
Finally, The Sentinel provides a historic Marfa venue for weddings, company gatherings, and other events in the 100+-year-old, 4,500-square-foot Marfa adobe building. You must document these sentimental moments in the most beautiful space, which is why The Sentinel ensures everything is operational – from the industrial kitchen to their concrete bar, fireplace, open spaces for dancing and reception activities, and a natural patio with covered and uncovered areas for guests.
Address: 209 W El Paso St, Marfa, TX 79843, United States
Wrong Store
Save the best for last! It’s time to head west and visit the “most beautiful indie store in Texas,” as described by Architectural Digest.
The Wrong Store “shop-gallery” has stood in Marfa, Texas, since 2010, in an old, grey church operated by two independent artists – Buck Johnston and Camp Bosworth.
The building is not exactly inviting at first glance, which makes it unpredictably interesting.
The former church, now the Wrong Store, carries items made by artist friends Buck and Camp. Every year, they feature works of 7-9 artists and exhibit products not found elsewhere.
“Wrong is a sparkling surprise among its desert surroundings,” said the AD’s editor. “Local art is presented against stark white walls in light-filled rooms, spaciously placed to allow each piece room to breathe and be absorbed.”
In 2019, Wrong Store moved uptown 110 N. Highland of Marfa simply because of the adage: “location, location, location,” according to Johnston.
Now that their place is bigger, they have more space designated for books and cards and even a bar space for shoppers!
Address: 110 Highland St, Marfa, TX 79843, United States
