What To Do In Marfa, Texas | Dallasites101

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Relocating to DFW Back Feb. 26, 2024

Located in West Texas, Marfa is a small but mighty desert town full of charm and character. It's known as an art and alien activity hotspot, full of galleries, famous sculptures (like the iconic Prada Marda), and strange phenomena. From Instagrammable spots and local shops to hiking and stargazing, saddle up to explore all this famous Texas town has to offer!

Updated February 2024

ART GALLERIES

Chinati Foundation Marfa

Chinati Foundation

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 walk through the outdoor sculpture collection "15 untitled works in concrete". (Pictured)

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. (Featured header image)

Ballroom Marfa

Housed in a historic 1920s ballroom, this art gallery is internationally recognized and helped bring the iconic Prada Marfa to life! Other notable pieces here include a Stone Circle, a steampunk-style silver school bus, murals, films, and more. Check out their website for art-viewing guides to help you interpret what you're seeing, and fun events and activations happening at the gallery!

INDE jacobs

If you're a minimalist or a fan of the aesthetic, this spot is for you! Designed by Stockholm artist Claesson Koivisto Rune, the space features clean lines, muted colors, and bright natural light. You'll leave ready to simplify your space and redecorate your home!

The Ayn Foundation

Founded in 1993, The Ayn Foundation has connections to some of the world's most famous museums. It's home to many large-scale art projects -- everything's bigger in Texas! Notable pieces on display include Andy Warhol's The Last Supper, and Maria Zerres' September Eleven. Whether you're an art expert or just casually interested, this gallery is worth a visit.

OUTDOORS

Photo courtesy of Texas Parks & Wildlife

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 that connects to the Fort Davis National Historic Site. You can also horseback ride and stay late into the night to see the stars! (Pictured)

HOTEL ST. GEORGE POOL

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 per day. With the desert temperatures reaching hot and hotter throughout most of the year, this pool, complete with a food menu and full-service bar, is never a bad way to spend an afternoon.

MARFA MYSTERY LIGHTS

Is it aliens? Is it something paranormal? Is it all a hoax? Nobody is quite sure, but one thing is for certain -- the Marfa Mystery Lights are just something you have to see to believe. The mysterious phenomenon started many years ago, with people reporting seeing blue or red orbs flying through the sky. Head to the viewing park to try to see for yourself!

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 -- the stargazing here is seriously unmatched. 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.

SHOPPING

Marfa Brands

Communitie Marfa

What's a trip to West Texas without a hat?! Housed in the old West Texas Utility Company building, Communitie is full of Western-chic shirts, decor and hats galore!

Garza Marfa

This place is funky, boho home decor heaven! You'll find tons of furniture and Khadi textiles, which are ethically sourced from fair-trade co-ops in India. Everything is handmade and of amazing quality!

Marfa Book Company

If you're looking for a unique souvenir, check out the books at Marfa Book Company! They offer a unique selection of books, lots of them about Marfa, and many that would look great on a coffee table.

Marfa Brands

This adorable little store is full of handmade local goods -- they make their own Marfa Brand Soap! The soaps come in dozens of scents and perfect for gifts. You may even catch a glimpse of the soap-making process while you're there! (Pictured)

RABA MARFA

Vintage fans, look no further! Raba Marfa is full of unique vintage pieces and other handmade items like robes, hats, candles, and more.

The Marfa Shop

For a classic souvenir, grab a Marfa hat or t-shirt from The Marfa Shop! This spot is half art gallery, half store, and full of stuff that says "Marfa" on it.

The Sentinel

This historic building is home to two local newspapers, a coffee shop, restaurant, and gift store. It's one of our favorite places to eat and drink in Marfa, so be sure to grab a cup of coffee and a pastry while you shop!

Wrong Marfa

This eclectic, colorful art gallery and store is Pinterest-worthy everywhere you look. Admire and shop one-of-a-kind art pieces -- everything here is truly stunning!