On our most recent trip through West Texas, we learned about a cool little town called Marfa. While we were staying in nearby Alpine, everyone kept telling us to visit Marfa, saying how charming it was. How could we resist?
The people in Marfa greeted us with big welcoming smiles, and even though we only spent a day there, we were totally wowed! This little town can best be described as a unique mix of modern art with a touch of Zen.
Since we enjoyed our day in Marfa so much, we wanted to share our experience with you, in the hopes that you might decide to visit this town as well. Since this is a place you’ve probably never heard of, let’s dive into the story of Marfa before we tell you fun and best things to do in Marfa TX. Marfa captivated our hearts and will captivate yours too!
Introduction to Marfa
Marfa is a cozy little desert town in West Texas, but its magical vibe is what makes it. In the 1880s Marfa was a train stop for passengers who needed to grab some water. But this little town has since become a world-class art heaven without losing an ounce of its Texas charm.
What’s really interesting is how Marfa went from an unknown train stop for ranchers to a super cool hub for minimalist art. This is all thanks to Donald Judd, an artist who left the competitive art world in New York for Marfa, a peaceful little desert town in the 1970s. Here he created some giant art pieces and sculptures that got heads turning. His work became a magnet for other up and coming artists, and before long they’d set up the Chinati Foundation. This then grew into an amazing contemporary art museum that art lovers from all over the world come to visit.
Where to Stay in Marfa, Texas
These are the hotels we recommend:
Hotel Saint George: Located in the heart of town, this is a modern hotel with a sleek design. The rooms are comfortable, and you’ll be near all the art spots.
The Lincoln Marfa: Built from a group of renovated historic buildings, the Lincoln Marfa is a boutique hotel with very unique architecture.
El Cosmico: If you’re up for something different, you can choose between a cool trailer, yurt, or teepee for your stay. Some people might call it glamping, and it seems like fun to me!
The Hotel Paisano: This is a charming old hotel where Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson stayed while filming the 1956 movie Giant. It’s a great place to stay with an even greater back story.
Raita Inn Marta: If you’re looking for a relatively low-cost option you can’t go wrong with the Raita Inn. It’s nice and comfortable, so what more do you need?
Best Things to do in Marfa TX
#1 – Explore the Art Scene
The creativity in the modern art on display in the galleries and studios all over Marfa is awe inspiring. If you’re into contemporary art we can highly recommend that you spend the better part of a day browsing the following art galleries:
- Ballroom Marfa: Located in San Antonio st, Ballroom Marfa is where your imagination will run wild as you participate in a range of amazing art shows and live performances. You never know what you’ll find as this place constantly changes to accommodate the latest creative wonder, anything to get you thinking and feeling.
- Marfa Studio of Arts: The people that run this place devote their time to helping hometown artists develop their talent while teaching others to appreciate art. This is where locals join tourists to celebrate the magic of making art.
- Chinati Foundation: This is a contemporary art museum like no other, one that displays the big bold art pieces that put Marfa on the map. Donald Judd founded this museum to draw attention to the special connection between art and the wild Chihuahuan Desert.
- Judd Foundation: This is where the art of Donald Judd is kept alive for all to see, enjoy and learn from. In wandering through the spaces he meticulously put together you can’t help but be amazed by his minimalist creations.
- Ayn Foundation: Artworks by major international artists are always on display here, a testament to the significance of Marfa in the art world. The pieces here push boundaries – and the imaginations of even the most forward-thinking individuals.
#2 – Take In the Architecture
The entire town of Marfa, Texas is filled with fascinating buildings that showcase its history and artsy vibe. When you tour the town take time to notice the design and architecture of these buildings:
- Presidio County Courthouse: This is my husband’s favorite building in Marfa, so of course it has to come first on the list. The Courthouse is a great example of 19th Century architecture, a grand three-story structure with ornate architectural details, surrounded by a large yard. Built in 1886 it is an elegant shade of pink on the outside with a nice big dome on top. Because the building is so tall you can spot the dome from downtown. Getting a picture is a bit tricky due to its size, plus it has a lot of tees in front.
- Marfa Water Tower: This is not your typical water tower, and one of the most famous spots in Marfa. Because it sticks out so much among all the small buildings and wide-open spaces, it’s kind of cool. It’s like a giant signpost, so it fits right in with the artsy vibe of the whole town. The water tower is like the town’s signature art piece. It just goes to show that in Marfa an everyday piece of equipment can also be artwork.
#3 – Shopping in Marfa TX
Of course you’ll want to see what the shopping’s like in Marfa, and in my opinion it’s really fun, even at the grocery store!
These are the shops you won’t want to miss:
- Penny Saved, Penny Given at Marfa Museum Thrift Store: If you like treasure hunts you’ll absolutely love this thrift shop. Take your time and you’ll find some truly awesome items, and whatever you spend will go toward preserving Marfa’s unique culture.
- The Get Go Grocery: If you want a yummy treat, you’re sure to find it at the Get Go Grocery. You can also find some very unique craft drinks and wines that would be nearly impossible to get anywhere else. My advice is to pick up enough tasty treats to sustain you throughout your trip.
- Marfa Brand Soap: Make sure you stop by this soap shop for some fabulous, scented soaps. Each bar of soap is lovingly made the old-fashioned way – by hand. You’ll love using them on yourself and your entire family will love them too. But you’ll also want to keep some on hand for when you need a simple, but luxurious birthday, anniversary, or shower gift for someone special.
#4 – Take a Selfie in Front of the Pink Fire Station
One of the more whimsical things in town is the bright Pink Fire Station, a splash of color against the stark desert that surrounds it. Lots of people stop by for pictures because it’s such a unique looking fire station and a cool reminder of the artsy nature of Marfa. While you’re there taking photos make sure you don’t block the fire trucks or firefighters.
#5 – Stop by Planet Marfa Beer Garden for Lunch
When it’s time to relax for a nice lunch, we recommend Planet Marfa! It’s a laid-back beer garden, a one-of-a-kind eatery decked out with a bunch of funky artwork and odd bits and pieces that give it a very unique vibe. All you need to do is plop down, put up your feet and enjoy a nice cold beer.
Do not miss the giant teepee; it’s a treasure hunt jam-packed with surprises just waiting to be discovered. And, there’s no need to leave your dog(s) in the car. Planet Marfa will welcome your pets with open arms! So, the whole family can join together for a great lunch and a fun time!
#6 – Marfa Mystery Lights
I would be remiss if I failed to mention the Marfa Lights. Although we haven’t seen them yet because we always leave before it gets dark, we definitely want to check them out next time we’re in Marfa. These lights are a real mystery as no one seems to know where they come from. Stories about the Marfa Ghost Lights go clear back to the 1800s. Some say they’re a natural phenomenon, but others believe that something more mysterious or even supernatural is going on. If you’re in town for the Marfa Lights Festival, you’ll not only see these fascinating twinkling lights, but have a great time mingling with locals, viewing the parade, dancing to live music, and more.
Things to Do Near Marfa TX
#1 – Visit Prada Marfa
Prada Marfa is not in Marfa, but 26 miles away in Valentine, TX, but well worth the drive. This is not a real store, but an art installation by Elmgreen and Dragset that looks like a Prada store just standing there in the middle of nowhere. It’s an art piece, so you can’t buy anything. But what you can do is take an epic photo in front of a famous piece of artwork, with the beautiful Texas landscape in the background.
#2 – Explore Terlingua Ghost Town
Visiting the remains of this old mining town will give you a feel for the history of the area. Filled with all kinds of abandoned buildings, you can see the architecture of the time, and even meet a few of the folks now resting peacefully in the town cemetery.
#3 – Visit Big Bend National Park
This is one of Texas’ most spectacular national parks, so grab some snacks and water bottles and drive over. Big Bend has great hiking trails, and beautiful scenery, and clear starry nights.
#4 – Stargaze at McDonald Observatory
The McDonald Observatory is located nearby in Fort Davis, TX. They actually are all set up with stargazing parties that allow visitors to look up at the night sky through giant telescopes and learn all about the stars. It’s an amazing experience for people of all ages, especially children.
#5 – Hike in Davis Mountains State Park
Davis Mountains State Park has a network of trails suitable for all ages and abilities, which makes this the perfect outing for families. Grab your hiking shoes and get ready for a beautiful walk, hike, or climb through this glorious state park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Marfa, Texas famous for?
The town of Marfa gained fame in the 1970s after artist Donald Judd moved there and created some huge eye-popping paintings and sculptures. This drew a lot of other up and coming contemporary artists to Marfa. This eventually became a favorite travel destination for art lovers from all over the country and beyond.
Today, Marfa is known for its vibrant art scene, minimalist art installations, and the Marfa Lights Festival. Even so, the town still retains its down-home Texas charm and cultural identity.
How long should we stay in Marfa?
It all depends on what you plan on doing. If you are art lovers and want to visit the local art galleries, and perhaps take in the Marfa Lights, you can do all that in a weekend. But if you also want to do some shopping, maybe spend a day hiking in the local mountains, and visit Marfa Prada, three or four days should be sufficient.
Which movies were filmed in Marfa?
The most famous movie filmed here was the 1956 film Giant, which starred Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, and James Dean. The production brought Hollywood glamour to this small Texas town. This served to showcase the magnificent desert landscapes of the area to a worldwide audience. Also, Marfa was the backdrop for parts of the 2007 film, No Country for Old Men produced by the Coen brothers, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture that year.
Final Thoughts
Marfa, TX is definitely a town worth visiting, especially if you’re into art! We’ve given you enough recommendations for a fun-filled day or even a week, so pack your bags and get going! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out and we’ll point you in the right direction. Once back home, we’d love to hear all about your trip. Happy travels!
