Marfa sits like a hidden gem in the vast West Texas desert, where art meets mystery under endless starry skies. This tiny town has become famous worldwide for its amazing art museums, strange glowing lights, and quirky roadside attractions that seem to appear out of nowhere. Artists, travelers, and curious visitors flock here to experience something truly different from typical tourist destinations.
1. See the Mysterious Marfa Lights
Strange glowing orbs dance across the desert horizon east of Marfa, baffling scientists and thrilling visitors for over a century. Nobody knows exactly what causes these mysterious lights that appear as white, red, or blue spheres moving through the darkness.
Head to the official viewing area nine miles east on Highway 90, where you’ll find parking and benches. Bring blankets, snacks, and patience since the lights don’t appear every night.
Local legends claim everything from ghost campfires to alien spacecraft, but the mystery remains unsolved even today.
2. Visit the Famous Prada Marfa Installation
A luxury boutique stands alone in the middle of nowhere, thirty-five miles northwest of Marfa, looking completely out of place against the desert backdrop. Artists Elmgreen and Dragset created this permanent sculpture in 2005 as a commentary on consumer culture and isolation.
The fake store displays real Prada handbags and shoes behind glass windows, but you can’t actually shop here. This roadside art piece has become one of Texas’s most photographed landmarks.
Plan your visit during golden hour for the best lighting, and remember to respect the artwork by not vandalizing it.
3. Explore the Chinati Foundation Museum
Artist Donald Judd transformed abandoned military buildings into one of the world’s most impressive contemporary art museums. Massive aluminum boxes, concrete sculptures, and site-specific installations fill former army barracks and airplane hangars across 340 acres.
Guided tours help visitors understand how the art interacts with the desert landscape and natural light. The museum showcases works by Judd himself plus other renowned artists like Dan Flavin and John Chamberlain.
Reserve tour tickets in advance, especially during busy seasons, and wear comfortable walking shoes for the outdoor portions.
4. Stroll Through Downtown Art Galleries
Marfa’s compact downtown buzzes with cutting-edge galleries housed in converted storefronts and historic buildings. Each space offers something different, from avant-garde installations to desert-inspired paintings and photography.
Gallery hours can be unpredictable, so check schedules before visiting or simply wander and see what’s open. Many galleries feature rotating exhibitions by international artists who come to Marfa for residencies.
Don’t miss Ballroom Marfa, which hosts experimental performances and exhibitions in a former dance hall. The gallery scene reflects Marfa’s reputation as a serious art destination despite its small size.
5. Climb the Presidio County Courthouse Dome
This stunning 1886 courthouse dominates Marfa’s skyline with its distinctive dome and Victorian architecture. Built from pink granite, the building served as inspiration for the courthouse in the movie “Giant,” which was filmed here.
Visitors can climb to the dome for breathtaking 360-degree views of the town, surrounding desert, and distant mountains. The courthouse also houses local historical exhibits and government offices.
Photography enthusiasts love capturing the building’s details and the panoramic vistas from the top. Visit during late afternoon when the pink granite glows beautifully in the desert sunlight.
6. Taste Authentic West Texas Cuisine
Marfa’s food scene blends traditional Tex-Mex flavors with modern culinary creativity, reflecting the town’s artistic spirit. Food Shark, a converted pickup truck, serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes that have gained national attention from food critics.
Al Campo offers upscale dining with locally-sourced ingredients, while Marfa Burrito keeps things simple with hearty, homemade breakfast burritos. Jett’s Grill provides classic American fare in a relaxed atmosphere.
Restaurant hours can be limited and unpredictable, so call ahead or ask locals for current schedules and recommendations.
7. Learn Local History at the Visitor Center
The Marfa Visitor Center provides essential context for understanding how this remote railroad town became an international art destination. Interactive displays explain the area’s ranching heritage, military history, and cultural transformation.
Short films cover topics like the Marfa Lights phenomenon, Donald Judd’s arrival in the 1970s, and the town’s role in Hollywood movies. Knowledgeable staff can recommend current exhibitions and events.
Pick up maps, brochures, and insider tips for making the most of your visit. The center also sells local artwork and books about Marfa’s unique history and culture.
8. Experience World-Class Stargazing
Marfa’s remote location and minimal light pollution create some of the darkest skies in the United States, perfect for astronomical observation. The Milky Way appears brilliantly overhead on clear nights, along with countless stars invisible in cities.
Plan visits during new moon phases for the darkest conditions, or time your trip with the annual Marfa Lights Festival. McDonald Observatory in nearby Fort Davis offers guided star parties with powerful telescopes.
Bring warm clothing since desert temperatures drop significantly after sunset, even in summer months. Camping chairs and blankets enhance the stargazing experience.
9. Stay in Unique Desert Accommodations
Marfa’s lodging options are as creative as its art scene, from vintage trailers to luxury safari tents. El Cosmico offers glamping experiences in restored Airstreams, teepees, and yurts spread across twenty-one acres of desert.
Hotel Paisano, where James Dean stayed during “Giant” filming, provides historic charm with modern amenities. Smaller inns and guesthouses offer intimate experiences with personalized service.
Book accommodations well in advance, especially during festival weekends and peak season. Many properties embrace the desert aesthetic with minimalist design and outdoor living spaces perfect for stargazing.
10. Take Day Trips to Natural Wonders
Marfa serves as the perfect base camp for exploring West Texas’s stunning natural attractions within driving distance. Big Bend National Park lies two hours south, offering hiking trails, river rafting, and diverse desert ecosystems.
Davis Mountains State Park provides cooler temperatures and different landscapes just thirty miles away. Fort Davis National Historic Site preserves a frontier military post with original buildings and exhibits.
McDonald Observatory atop Mount Locke features some of the world’s most advanced telescopes and public viewing programs. Pack plenty of water and sun protection for desert adventures outside town.
