Location: Marfa
Top Things to do in Marfa
What to do and see in Marfa, Texas (TX): The Best Things to do
Marfa is a city in the high desert of the Trans-Pecos in far West Texas, located between the Davis Mountains and Big Bend National Park. It is the county seat of Presidio County, and its population as of the 2010 United States Census was 1,981. The city was founded in the early 1880s as a water stop; the population increased during World War II, but the growth stalled and reversed somewhat during the late 20th century. Today, Marfa is a tourist destination and a major center for Minimalist art. Attractions include Building 98, the Chinati Foundation, artisan shops, historical architecture, a classic Texas town square, modern art installments, art galleries, and the Marfa lights.
Restaurants in Marfa
1. Chinati Hot Springs
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By 493clayn
This is a great little place. The cabins are comfortable, the shared kitchen facilities are well appointed, the hot tub is excellent, staff is friendly, and the scenery is hard to beat. It is out in the middle of nowhere. Know that you aren't going to get a cell signal out there, there is no WiFi, and that you should top off your gas tank in Presidio. Bring anything you want to eat or drink with you. The 7-mile dirt road to get there isn't bad. Anything that isn't lowered could get there. Make sure you put a heavy rock on your cooler to keep out the critters. There is a great little canyon trail leading to a bunch of painted rocks. They aren't artifacts or anything, but they are cool. Don't climb the stairs near there. It leads to private property.
2. Ballroom Marfa
3. Marfa Art Supply
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
4. Presidio County Courthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By WayneW79 - Phoenix, United States
The Presidio County courthouse is an excellent example of West Texas courthouses and has been restored to its old glory. I especially recommend walking to the cupola which provides a fantastic panorama of Marfa and the surrounding countryside. A perfect way to spend 30 minutes of your time in Marfa
5. Marfa and Presidio County Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By 595heatherk - Houston, United States
This is a tiny museum in a historic house. Lots of really cool antiques and collections. Friendly worker. Free! We learned a bit of history about the area and appreciated the stop.
6. Cobra Rock
7. Judd Foundation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Guided visits to Judd Foundation properties in Marfa offer visitors direct engagement with Donald Judd’s art and vision. Judd’s formerly private living and working spaces provide firsthand experience of Judd’s concept of permanent installation in the Chihuahuan Desert. Judd Foundation offers two different guided visits of properties in downtown Marfa, La Mansana de Chinati/The Block and The Studios. Advance reservations for guided visits are required. La Mansana de Chinati / The Block Daily, 11:00am-12:30pm and Thursday-Sunday from 4:30pm-5:45pm. Doors open 10 minutes in advance of start time. Visits to The Block begin promptly at their scheduled time. Advance reservations are required. Guided visits start at the gated entrance to La Mansana de Chinati/The Block, across from Godbold feed mill, at 400 West El Paso Street, which is at the intersection of Kelly and El Paso streets, 3 blocks west of Judd Foundation offices. La Mansana de Chinati, Judd’s residence and studio in Marfa, informally known as The Block, is the site of some of the artist’s first large-scale architectural projects. Guided visits provide access to Judd’s three main studios, which are permanently installed with his early work, and his personal library, which houses his collection of over 13,000 books. Ticket Prices $25 per person, $12.50 students and seniors, with valid ID. Guided visits are free for full-time residents of Presidio, Brewster, and Jeff Davis counties. The Studios (Architecture Studio, Art Studio and the Cobb and Whyte Houses) Friday and Saturday, 1:30-3:15pm. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 2:00-3:45pm. Visits to The Studios visits begin promptly at their scheduled time. Advance reservations are required. Guided visits start at the Judd Foundation offices, 104 South Highland Avenue, south of the railroad tracks, across the street from the Hotel St. George. The Studios visit provides access to a selection of Juddʼs downtown spaces, including the Architecture Studio, Art Studio, and the Cobb and Whyte Houses. These spaces contain furniture by Judd, as well as his early paintings from the 1950s and 60s, along with an extensive collection of modernist and period furniture, and works by other prominent twentieth century artists and designers. Ticket Prices $25 per person, $12.50 students and seniors, with valid ID. Guided visits are free for full-time residents of Presidio, Brewster, and Jeff Davis counties.
Reviewed By WayneW79 - Phoenix, United States
We took “The Square” tour which focused on Judd’s move to the area, his early permanent displays, and an introduction to his philosophy of art. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable about Judd and his work. She carefully balanced her narrative script with a willingness to branch off into topics of interest to the guests. A great tour. Reservations are required from the Judd Foundation website.
8. The Marfa Mystery Lights
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 560 reviews
Mysterious dancing lights ("ghost lights") in the sky over Marfa after dark.
Reviewed By runner24 - Orlando, United States
On advice of friends, we made a visit to the viewing center after it was dark. The center is a very nice facility with seats and restrooms. Did we see the lights? Nope. We did see some car lights off to the west, which some people insisted were lights. Don’t be fooled. As for the lights, it was overcast, but we had no luck. We still enjoyed it as so many people came out. Enjoy
9. Fort D. A. Russell
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 17 reviews
A former U.S. Cavalry post called Camp Marfa which was the bachelor officers quarters and party house of Fort D.A. Russell from the late 1800s to the end of World War 2.
Reviewed By janisp183 - Stephenville, United States
I had read on Trip Advisor that this was a stop not to miss in Marfa, and that is totally true. Miss Mona leads you through the marvelous stories of the military stationed at Fort D.A. Russell, including Gen. George Patton, the German prisoners interred there, two of whom painted floor to ceiling murals on the walls of Building 98, the purchase of the facility by Mr. Roosevelt (Teddy's nephew), and then Mona's purchase and unbelievable renovation. Allow time to enjoy the beautiful antique furniture, paintings, rugs, and all sorts of relics from various centuries and decades. It is now a venue for weddings, artist's displays, including Miss Mona's late son's breathtaking pictures and other creations from metals, apartments for artists in residence, and visitors from all over. The $10 entry fee is a steal! You MUST make plans in advance and call for a reservation, and it make take a day or two to hear back. But it is so worth the effort!!
10. Chinati Foundation
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 322 reviews
An art museum operated by the Chinati Foundation, housed in a former U.S. Cavalry post, Fort D.A. Russell.
