Updated May 2021
It takes 8 hours to get there from Dallas, so once in Marfa, what to do?! It's a small but mighty town and we are sharing what to do while there!
TOUR THE ART GALLERIES
For a town that's barely a spot on the map, Marfa is an art lover's dream. Artist Donald Judd moved to Marfa in the late 70s, ultimately starting the Chinati Foundation, and many other artists followed suit. Reserve a full or partial collection tour at the Chinati Foundation, or take a self-guided walking through the outdoor sculpture colletion "15 untitled works in concrete".
Many smaller galleries exist too, and we recommend:
SEE THE ICONIC PRADA MARFA
SEE THE ICONIC PRADA MARFA
Located about 20 minutes outside of town you'll find this permanent Prada store sculptural art installation by artists Elmgreen and Dragset. You've surely scrolled past instagram photos taken at this spot, and now is your chance to see it for yourself. Take your camera and enjoy the drive outside of town to see this truly unique art exhibit.
HIKE AT DAVIS MOUNTAINS STATE PARK
DAVIS MOUNTAINS STATE PARK
While Big Bend is a decent drive from Marfa, you can get your hiking and nature fix only about 30 minutes outside of Marfa at the beautiful Davis Mountains State Park. Try the 4.5-mile Skyline Drive Trail which meanders up and down mountain ridges and valleys or take the 1.75-mile CCC trail connects to the Fort Davis National Historic Site.You can also horseback ride and stay late into the night to see the stars!
POOL IT UP AT HOTEL ST. GEORGE
POOL IT UP AT HOTEL ST. GEORGE
Even if you aren't a guest at the chic Hotel St. George, you can grab a day pass at their rooftop pool for $30/day. With the desert temperatures reaching hot and hotter throughout most of the year, this pool, complete with food menu and full-service bar, is never a bad way to spend an afternoon.
SHOP LOCAL
Marfa is full of unique, local shops offering hand made goods and souvenirs to take home with you. These are some of our favorites:
SEE THE STARS AT MCDONALD OBSERVATORY
SEE THE STARS AT MCDONALD OBSERVATORY
Located less than an hour outside of Marfa is UT Austin's amazing observatory. The remote location allows for incredible views of the night sky. Visit during the day to get a tour of the facilities and check out their telescopes, or book tickets for an evening "Star Party", where their staff will guide you through what is visible in the night sky, and let you use their powerful telescopes to check it out for yourself.
