From someone who has spent too much time in the quiet West Texas town.

Marfa, TX, USA

Marfa, Texas Guide

From my experience bringing people on the journey to Marfa, some like it, some love it, and some just don't understand it. The feedback I've received from loved ones is that it is simply too quiet and not much to do... ironically that's the same reason I keep coming back. Because not only do I love the clear-minded thinking the town allows me to have creative projects, myself, and others that are with me, I love that what is there is deeply intentional. To me Marfa is magic and you'll just have to see why for yourself. 

Sharing my top recommendations below. Marfa changes a lot for a small town but these recommendations will stay up to date in all categories as I travel there monthly for work. 

While a significant portion of Judd's work is housed at the Chinati Foundation, his in-town residence offers a deeper glimpse into the artist's world. Explore his extensive book collection—he was known for his daily hours of reading—as well as his studio and even his kitchen. Every room is meticulously preserved as it was during his last visit in the 1990s, giving the impression that Judd could step through the door at any moment.

Ballroom Marfa is a contemporary museum known for its ever-changing exhibitions. Each visit offers a new experience featuring work from a variety of contemporary artists. For instance, you might catch Roberto Carlos Lange and Kristi Sword’s “Kite Symphony,” on display until May. The museum also commissions site-specific installations, like Haroon Mirza’s “stone circle” (2018), which draws inspiration from ancient monuments such as Stonehenge. Additionally, Ballroom Marfa played a role in bringing iconic projects like “Prada Marfa” and “Giant” to fruition—but we'll delve into those details later.

A trip to Marfa isn’t complete without visiting the Chinati Foundation, the minimalist art museum founded by Donald Judd that put this small Texas town on the national map. Explore Donald Judd’s 100 untitled works crafted from milled aluminum, displayed in repurposed military buildings, or enjoy Dan Flavin’s striking neon site-specific installations. If you're new to art, consider booking a guided tour to enhance your experience—and be sure to take your time and soak it all in.

1956, Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, and James Dean descended on Marfa to film the epic westernGiantabout 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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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!

Judd Foundation

Ballroom Marfa

The Chinati Foundation

Star Party

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mutual FriendsSo 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!

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 pistachio 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 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.

Anthony Bourdain filmed one of the final episodes ofParts Unknownat the Lost Horse Saloon, a cowboy bar and grill where the neon sign outside tells youexactlywhat to order: beer. Grab a Lone Star and maybe a burger before you saddle up to play pool all night long.

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!

Marfa, Texas Guide

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