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Things to do in Marfa, TX

There’s more to far West Texas than Big Bend National Park. Before you make it to the winding river and marvelous canyons is an artist’s paradise. Out in the middle of the desert, Marfa is a small town with an original purpose as a military base now transformed into art town with roadside oddities and quirky sculptures you won’t want to miss.

Ready to explore the modern, maybe even quirky, town? Here are some things to do in Marfa, TX.

How Marfa Became a Town of Modernism Art

First, a quick history lesson. In 1883, Marfa became an established water stop for the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio railways. Perhaps foreshadowing or even destiny, the name came from the wife of the railroad executive who suggested a character’s name from a novel she was reading. Marfa served an important role in World War II, building up an advanced flight-training base known as the Marfa Army Air Field. When the war ended, Marfa became practically abandoned, known only as that one town James Dean filmed his final motion picture, Giant. That is, until 1971. Minimalist artist Donald Judd moved out to this town from New York City with one intent: to permanently install his art. With a current population of a whopping 1,640 people, this small desert is a “Cowboy Cool” town where you can grab your boots and walk through the art and history that still lives here today.

See Prada Marfa

The closest airports to Marfa would be either in Midland or El Paso, both a good couple of hours’ drive away. Either way, you’ll want to look for the US Highway 90 toward Valentine for your first art stop, Prada Marfa. Considering it’s a somewhat large building off the side of the road with a “Prada” sign, it’s hard to miss once you’re on the right freeway. Despite its name, it’s not a functioning boutique but a permanent art installation conceived by artists Elmgreen and Dragset in 2005.

See the giant James Dean and Cowgirl

As mentioned before, Marfa was a filming site in the 1955. Left behind also along Highway 90 are giant movie-set Marfa Cutouts of an James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor and a 1953 Ford Crestline Skyliner from the film Giant. These are a bit of an optical illusion in the sense that on the side of the road, you truly don’t understand how large these cutouts are until you’re standing beside them looking up. It is worth a stop and photo op before heading into the heart of Marfa.

Get a Treat & Drink from The Sentinel

Because a great coffee and pastry always enhances a shopping or exploring trip, the first true stop in Marfa outside of your hotel is The Sentinel Marfa. This old adobe building was originally a funeral home, purchased in 2019 and transformed into a newsroom, café and bar. Grab a copy of the Big Bend Sentinel, and order a Spanish Latte (or cocktail if you really want a morning kick) and wind down a bit before heading out to the art and history.

Stay at Hotel Saint George

This historic hotel opened in 1886, once welcoming workers and passing-by visitors from the railway. Like the rest of the town, this hotel is gracefully simplistic, sticking to a clean, mid-century modern look in its lobby and rooms. Location-wise, it’s a good center point for checking into your room here and then heading out for the rest of the adventures.

Eat at Marfa Burrito

After touring in and outdoors, you’ll be ready for a meal, and Marfa Burritos is the place. For one, the burritos are exactly what you’d expect in a small, Texas border-town: giant, homemade tortillas perfectly freckled that are packed with a juicy green chili shredded beef. The atmosphere is fun here too, with an old west theme and vintage art lining the walls. This restaurant is cash only, so be prepared.

Shop at Wrong

Yes, that’s actually the name of this art studio and gallery: Wrong. Shop for modernist art and quirky items like corndog sculptures brought in from local artists along with prints, ceramics, jewelry, and design pieces that blur the line between playful and provocative. The ever-changing collection makes it part gallery, part boutique, part curiosity cabinet—exactly the kind of offbeat stop that gives Marfa its creative pulse. This area is filled with nearby galleries, like the Ballroom Marfa, Marfa Open Gallery and more to spend the rest of your day exploring the many forms of modernism that thrive.

When You Go