Marfa, Texas, is a place where art, culture, and nature collide to create a destination unlike any other. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there’s always something new to discover in this charming desert town. Our guide is here to help you uncover the best experiences Marfa has to offer.
We encourage you to explore all that Marfa has to offer and experience the magic that makes this town so unforgettable.
Ballroom Marfa is a contemporary museum with a constantly rotating exhibition program: whenever you go, you’ll experience a different show from a different working artist, such as Roberto Carlos Lange and Kristi Sword’s “Kite Symphony,” which is running at the venue until May. They also commission site-specific works, such as stone circle (2018) by Haroon Mirza, inspired by prehistoric monuments like Stonehenge, and helped bring “Prada Marfa” and “Giant” to life—but more on those later.
There is a definitive must-visit when in Marfa, and that is the Chinati Foundation, the minimalist art museum founded by Donald Judd that catapulted this tiny Texas town into the national spotlight. Wander through Donald Judd’s 100 untitled works made in mill aluminum, housed in old military camp buildings, or take in the neon lights of Dan Flavin’s site-specific installations. For art novices, book a guided tour—and most importantly, stay awhile.
Although much of Judd’s work resides at the Chinati Foundation, his in-town residence allows you to go one step further in understanding the artist. View everything from his extensive collection of books—he famously read for hours each day—to his studio, or even his kitchen. Each room, perfectly preserved from the last time he visited in the 1990s, feels like Judd could walk in at any moment.
In 1956, Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, and James Dean descended on Marfa to film the epic western Giant about a Texas ranch family during the rise of big oil. Nearly 60 years later, artist John Cerney erected massive plywood cut-outs of the Old Hollywood stars and plopped them on the side of Highway 90 near where the historically significant movie was filmed.
Each Star Party includes an open-air tour of the sky followed by glimpses through telescopes scattered around the visitors center. The presentations always begin with a collective gasp from the crowd. As the lecturer turns on their laser pointer for the first time, the green ray of light seems to extend out of the atmosphere and directly into space. Next, they start to rattle off the unmistakable constellations and galaxies, which are all perfectly illustrated.
On the border between Texas and Mexico lies Big Bend National Park. The impressive mountains and landscape of Big Bend have been carved out over millennia by the River Grande. The park is a giant playground for outdoor enthusiasts with hiking trails, camping, canoeing, and bird-watching available. Some of the mountains are very popular with rock climbers wanting to test themselves. Those that prefer more relaxed activities can go for a scenic drive through the park, discover old ghost towns, and take a short boat ride across the river for lunch in Mexico.
Marfa’s coolest spot to lounge by the pool. Full bar and culinary pop-ups. Chaise lounges to enjoy and cabanas available for rent. The Pool operates seasonally—from spring through fall. All MOTEL guests receive 1 pool pass per guest, if you’d like to visit the pool more than once on your stay there are day passes available for $30.
For the quintessential west Texas experience, reach out to West Texas Adventure Co. to make all your cowboy/girl dreams a reality. You can schedule a local horse ride around town just like the good ol’ days or plan a day/multi-day trip down to Boquillas, Mexico. If the 4-wheel adventure is more your style they also have a slew of cool classic cars to ride around in, or you can go for an off road ATV adventure with private access to local ranch land. Excellent for photo ops and a great time!
Marfan’s love music! You can consistently find a place to showcase your vocal talents at several staples in town:
Marfa Spirit Co. features a unique sit down style karaoke on the last Sunday of each month at 7pm.
You can also consistently sing along Tuesdays @ Planet Marfa…start time is 8:30-ish depending on the time of year. According to the pros karaokiers tend to be a little shy before dark!
In true Marfa fashion: you can also sometimes find karaoke Saturdays at The Pony…
So, come show off those tunes you’ve been honing in your vehicle or shower, or just hang out and see the best of west Texas do their thing. Be sure to follow each establishment on insta for the most accurate scheduling and an up to date calendar of live music!
Nestled in the high desert of West Texas, Marfa is more than just an artsy oasis—it’s a treasure trove of unique shopping experiences. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, our guide is here to help you discover the best spots to shop in Marfa, from trendy boutiques to artisanal markets.
Shopping in Marfa means supporting local businesses and artisans who pour their heart and soul into every item they create. We encourage you to explore the independent shops that define Marfa’s character and contribute to its vibrant community.
Spiritual shoppers should look no further than Moonlight Gemstones, a rock shop that offers rare crystals and handmade silver agate jewelry. Ogle beautiful brimstones or turquoise rings, and don’t be surprised if you come home with a bag of rocks of your own.
Garza carries everything from furniture to ceramics, but their in-house designed textiles are the real stars of the shop. Come home with a colorful tablecloth, blanket, or bolster that’ll be a colorful statement piece in your home for years to come.
When you come to Marfa, you will undoubtedly want to dress like a cowboy, even if you don’t have the wardrobe to make that sartorial dream a reality. So stop by Raba, a store that specializes in “high desert” vintage. Raba carries an eclectic mix—when this writer was there, she spotted everything from old-school suede jackets, fringed jackets, quilted coats, a Chloé poncho, and even a matching set by Christian Dior—but they all fit a classic Western aesthetic.
If you’re looking for a little break for your desert dry skin, let Mira Marfa pamper you! Book a facial, browse their books, indulge in their skincare goodies, or find a new fit amongst their vintage collection. They’ve truly got a little bit of everything to revive your spirit!
Marfa mainstay offering a well-curated offering of books, home decor items and local wisdom. Situated along the main drag, it’s easy to pass an afternoon going shop to shop.
Unquestionably the cutest spot to shop in Marfa! From candies in huge glass jars to toys you never knew you needed…this place is full of things that make you go “awe!” A great oasis to find super cute Marfa-specific merch, they also have an adult only section in the back full of treasures. A perfectly pastel spot to get lost in.
In the heart of the West Texas desert, Marfa may be known for its art scene, but it’s also a haven for coffee lovers. Whether you’re starting your day with a strong brew or taking a midday break, our guide will help you find the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee around town.
Every cup of coffee in Marfa tells a story—of the people who brew it, the community that drinks it, and the culture that surrounds it. We invite you to explore the town’s coffee culture, support local businesses, and savor the unique flavors that make Marfa’s coffee scene so special.
The breakfast tacos and turmeric lattes are enough of a reason to go to The Sentinel, a quaint coffee and lunch spot just off the main drag of Marfa town. But there’s also a tasteful assortment of artisan goods—think silver jewelry, woven baskets, colorful blankets, and earthy candles—as well as the ethical mission behind it all: the sales benefit two local independent newspapers, the Big Bend Sentinel and Presidio International.
Sip freshly brewed coffee and soak up all the retro vibes at this airstream trailer coffee shop! Find all the classic cafe drinks like pour-over coffee, americanos, cold brew, matcha lattes, and more, best enjoyed on the quaint patio. Big Sandy also has an ever-changing food menu, featuring dishes like breakfast tacos and sandwiches, scones, carrot cake, and other pasties, and even house-made granola to go!
If you’re looking for a great breakfast or brunch to kick off your day exploring Marfa, look no further than Aster. Explore the large menu, highlighted by a large selection of house-made pastries, while you sit on their dog-friendly patio.
So close you can stumble there even before you’ve had your cup of Joe, this cozy spot was a thoughtful build out by Silla and the owners (who also run the joint). Rotating menu of morning food items pair nicely whether you choose to sit inside under the vaulted ceiling or outside and the tumbleweeds and locals roll themselves to work.
Mario kart with a side of coffee and house-made baked goods? Yes, please! If board games and classic Mortal Kombat aren’t your thing, Lindsay’s the only person in town offering rotating kolache flavors! She also just happens to make a perfect oat milk lavender latte every time. The location is a bit tucked away, so it’s also a great way to skip long lines! *be sure to check their insta for movie nights and vintage pop-ups as well!
In the heart of West Texas, Marfa is a culinary oasis where local ingredients meet creative flair. Whether you’re craving classic Tex-Mex, farm-to-table freshness, or a gourmet twist on comfort food, Marfa’s dining scene has something to satisfy every palate. Our guide is here to help you discover the best places to eat in this charming desert town.
From food trucks serving up creative street food to fine dining establishments showcasing the best of the region, Marfa’s eateries offer a taste of the town’s vibrant culture. We invite you to explore, indulge, and enjoy the rich culinary experiences that make Marfa a true food lover’s destination.
The restaurant sits on the first floor of the historic old Brite Building, and with the high ceilings and warm lighting, you feel like you might want to stay awhile. Tables line the wall but the best place to sit is at the horseshoe counter, where it’s easy to have a conversation with your neighbor. Bottle or glass from the international wine list will get the conversation rolling followed by an amazing rotating menu full of delicious plates.
In a town where many restaurants keep peculiar hours, the Water Stop is reliably open. While you are waiting for your food, take a look around. The walls and the flat surfaces are packed with obscure old art, porcelain animals, and vintage photos from nowhere in particular, which gives the Water Stop a dreamy feel. The other side of the space has an ice cream counter. In the summer, the outside patio is a perfect place to eat and relax, especially if you have a dog.
A fancy Italian deli in a thirties-era service station on the main highway through town. The small main room is always crowded, but the line is a good thing because it give you time to parse the menu choices and pass the time watching the crew prepare plates and call out orders. The true stapes of Bordo are the sandwiches, prepared with homemade bread baked in an old wood-fired oven out back. Loaves are stacked in a basket at the counter, not far from a basket selling bags of homemade pasta—strozzapeti, radiatori, mafaldini. On the off chance you have room for dessert, you could try the hot cocoa gelato (if it’s available), which is salty and sweet (and also homemade).
There’s no better—or bigger—burrito in town than at Marfa Burrito, run by local celebrity Ramona Tejada. (She’s got photos on the wall with Matthew McConaughey and Mark Ruffalo to prove it.) The simple yet hearty menu is handwritten on hot pink paper—think entries for “egg and chorizo” or just “carne.” Stop by for a breakfast burrito after a late night at…
Cochineal put Marfa on the culinary map after its executive chef and co-owner, Alexandra Gates, was nominated for a prestigious James Beard Award. Gates takes cues from the cuisine of West Texas and Europe with her elevated seasonal menu, which includes everything from elk osso buco, to venison meatballs, to cast-iron trout.
In the heart of West Texas, Marfa is a culinary oasis where local ingredients meet creative flair. Whether you’re craving classic Tex-Mex, farm-to-table freshness, or a gourmet twist on comfort food, Marfa’s dining scene has something to satisfy every palate. Our guide is here to help you discover the best places to eat in this charming desert town.
From food trucks serving up creative street food to fine dining establishments showcasing the best of the region, Marfa’s eateries offer a taste of the town’s vibrant culture. We invite you to explore, indulge, and enjoy the rich culinary experiences that make Marfa a true food lover’s destination.
In a tin building a block or two off of Marfa’s main drag is Marfa Spirit Co., a distillery, tasting room, and restaurant specializing in signature cocktails made with their own “Chihuahuan Desert” brand liquor, from sotol to grapefruit liqueur. Go there for steak night on Fridays and get ready to knock back some cocktails.
The love child brought to you by the owners of Alta Wine, this is the place to find a truly food driven pop-up type experience with a consistent schedule. Alta is dedicated to featuring the best of the best local and visiting chefs to compliment their uniquely Texas made wines. Skeptical about Texas wine? These guys are committed to flipping the script, sourcing locally, and have been featured on wine lists from some of the state’s top restaurants. Alta wine bar is the perfect meeting place for quality, consistency, and a comfortably casual dining experience.
Eclectic. Open. Party. One of the toughest parts of remote locations is consistency, and Planet Marfa is committed to being a place you can rely on. Open 7 days a week, with classic bar foods such as hot dogs, pizza, and grilled cheese available till midnight each night, locals and visitors have learned to rely on Planet Marfa as a staple in everyday life. The open-air bar is surrounded by unique enclosed features including an old school bus with moody lighting, an underground teepee for a little privacy, and a room full of books and classic cowboy photography to peruse on the walls. Planet calls to you with their live music or karaoke that can be heard walking down the street almost any night of the week!
Tucked behind Glitch gallery in the alley between the police station and Stripes is the best little vibey lounge you’d never know was there. If you’re looking for a sneaky spot to have a cosy conversation and a glass of wine accompanied by thoughtful tunes, moody lighting, and a classic film being silently projected behind you…this is your spot.
An oasis of design and re-opened with much fanfare, this Lake Flato Architecture bar hosts many weddings and with good reason. A little class in the desert.
Anthony Bourdain filmed one of the final episodes of Parts Unknown at the Lost Horse Saloon, a cowboy bar and grill where the neon sign outside tells you exactly what to order: beer. Grab a Lone Star and maybe a burger before you saddle up to play pool all night long.
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