Things to Do in Marfa: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Marfa is a tiny ranching town in the West Texas high desert that became an art destination after the artist Donald Judd moved there in the 1970s. Minimalist installations, galleries, wide skies and the unexplained Marfa Lights make it unlike anywhere else in Texas.
This guide covers the best things to do in Marfa, 3, 5 and 7-day plans with Prada Marfa, Fort Davis, the McDonald Observatory and Big Bend, plus what to eat and where to stay.
Top things to see in Marfa
Chinati Foundation
Large-scale works by Judd and others.
Judd Foundation
Donald Judd's home and studios.
Marfa Lights Viewing Area
Watch for the mystery lights.
Prada Marfa
A fake boutique on the highway.
Presidio County Courthouse
Views from the dome.
Ballroom Marfa
Contemporary art space.
McDonald Observatory
Star parties in the mountains.
Big Bend
Wild national park to the south.
Marfa in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Downtown and galleries
Start downtown with coffee, then visit Ballroom Marfa and the small galleries on Highland Avenue. Climb to the top of the Presidio County Courthouse for views over the plains. Have lunch at a food truck. In the afternoon tour the Judd Foundation's home and studios by reservation. At night drive out to the Marfa Lights Viewing Area.
2Day 2 · Chinati Foundation
Spend the morning on a guided tour of the Chinati Foundation, seeing Donald Judd's 100 aluminum boxes in former artillery sheds and the concrete works in the field. Have lunch in town. In the afternoon see the Dan Flavin light installation, then enjoy a sunset drink on a hotel rooftop.
3Day 3 · Prada Marfa and Valentine
Drive west to the Prada Marfa installation near Valentine, a permanent artwork in the empty desert. Have lunch in Marfa. In the afternoon browse bookstores and design shops, then dine at one of the town's ambitious small restaurants.
Marfa in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Fort Davis and the observatory
Visit Fort Davis National Historic Site and drive the scenic loop through the Davis Mountains. Have lunch in Fort Davis, then attend an evening star party at the McDonald Observatory, one of the darkest skies in the country.
5Day 5 · Big Bend National Park
Make a long day trip to Big Bend National Park, hiking into Santa Elena Canyon and driving the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. Bring lunch, water and a full tank.
Marfa in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Alpine and hot springs
Visit Alpine for the Museum of the Big Bend, then soak at Chinati Hot Springs, a remote spot near the Mexican border. Have lunch in Alpine and return for a final desert sunset.
7Day 7 · Last day
Have breakfast in Marfa, buy art books, prints and local crafts, and enjoy a farewell lunch. El Paso's airport is about three hours away, and Midland about two and a half.
What to do in Marfa on a weekend
For a weekend in Marfa, combine galleries, the Chinati Foundation and the Marfa Lights.
Add the McDonald Observatory with a third day.
What to do in Marfa in the evening
Evenings mean the Marfa Lights, rooftop bars, live music and unbelievable stars.
Many places close early or on certain weekdays.
Marfa for couples
Couples will enjoy desert sunsets, a star party at the observatory and a stay in a vintage trailer or teepee.
Marfa with kids
With kids, try the observatory, Fort Davis, the Marfa Lights and short desert walks.
What to eat in Marfa
Brisket tacos
West Texas style.
Burritos
From food trucks.
Pecan pie
Texas classic.
Mexican food
From the nearby border.
Local wine
From Texas vineyards.
Where to stay in Marfa: best areas
Downtown
Historic hotels.
Glamping
Trailers and tents.
Alpine
More options.
Fort Davis
Mountain lodges.
What to do in Marfa when it rains
On rare rainy days, visit the Chinati sheds, galleries, bookstores or the Museum of the Big Bend in Alpine.
How much does a trip to Marfa cost?
Expect $150–300 per night, $12–25 for lunch and about $25–35 for a Chinati tour.
Practical tips for Marfa
Best time to visit
October to April.
Getting around
By car; distances in West Texas are huge.
Our practical tips
- Check opening days before going.
- Book Chinati tours ahead.
- Fill the tank in every town.
- Bring layers for cold nights.
- Reserve observatory star parties.
- Expect weak phone signal.
Mistakes to avoid
- Arriving on a day when everything is closed.
- Driving the desert at night without fuel.
- Expecting a big town.
- Skipping the stars.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Marfa?
See the Chinati Foundation, Prada Marfa and the Marfa Lights.
How many days do you need?
Two to three days, a week with Big Bend.
What are the Marfa Lights?
Unexplained lights seen at night on the horizon.
How far is Big Bend?
About two hours by car.