One Day in Marfa: A Stop on Your West Texas Road Trip

My interest in Marfa, Texas, started in the same way it does for most people. I saw photos of girls on Instagram wearing those big floppy hats and visiting weird, colorful places surrounded by desert.

It all looked ridiculous enough to potentially result in a good time.

Having been there now, I can’t say I’d go out of my way to plan a trip here, but one day in Marfa is the perfect amount of time to check this place out. The artist hub has become quite the tourist destination, so some of it no longer feels as authentic as it once did. 

If you’re already on a Texas road trip, though, why not stop by and check out the best things to do in Marfa? I’m all about folks experiencing things for themselves. 

Is Marfa worth visiting?

Marfa is a tiny town with a big reputation, especially online, so it’s worth visiting if you’re already passing through West Texas.

The town has its quirks, but we found the thrills here to be pretty limited.

If you’re on a road trip nearby, it’s a convenient and interesting stop. Otherwise, it might not be worth going out of your way, as there’s plenty more to explore in the region.

READ MORE: Going on a road trip through the South? Check out our detailed itinerary to help you plan.

Is one day in Marfa enough?

You don’t need much time in Marfa. A single day is enough to hit the best photo ops, wander the galleries, and grab some grub.

If you have more time, it’s a decent base for travel elsewhere in the region, like Big Bend National Park. The night skies are killer here, too.

How to Spend One Day in Marfa

You can spend one day in Marfa like this:

• Stop by Prada Marfa.
• Check out the Giant mural and town welcome sign.
• Grab coffee inside a laundromat.
• Stroll around the city center.
• Visit the historic Blackwell School National Historic Site.
• Eat Marfa’s best burritos for lunch.
• Pop by an art gallery or two.
• Grab a drink inside a teepee at Planet Marfa.
• Finish up with dinner at LaVenture at Hotel Saint George.

One Day in Marfa

Marfa is a small town, but it’s not compact. You’ll absolutely need a car, both to get here and to see some of the area’s well-known sights. Once you’re in town, you can walk between many of the central stops, but a few highlights sit well outside city limits.

This itinerary works best if you’re passing through the region or pairing Marfa with other stops, like Alpine. One day (or even half a day) is enough to see the essentials and decide whether you want to come back and linger.

Note: If you’ve heard about a tiny Target in nearby Marathon, it no longer exists. It was demolished in 2020, so don’t go looking for it. All you’ll find is dirt.

I don’t start you off with any breakfast or coffee, but there will be opportunities for indulging and caffeinating. There just isn’t much going on around the first couple of stops before arriving in Marfa proper.

Stop 1: Prada Marfa

Despite the name, this attraction isn’t even in Marfa, but in Valentine, nearly 30 miles northwest of your next essential stop. It’s planted alone along a quiet stretch of highway with nothing else of note for miles.

Note: If you’re traveling from the east, it makes sense to start in Marfa and end here. The Marfa itinerary I’m proposing for you here tries to tackle everything as efficiently as possible, so that you’re not driving back and forth with the tumbleweeds drifting.

The permanent art installation was created by artists Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset and is meant to look like a luxury Prada storefront dropped into the desert.

Behind the locked doors, you’ll spot actual Prada shoes and handbags. No, you can’t touch them or go inside.

It’s a surreal commentary on materialism, isolation, and excess, or maybe it’s just a very Instagrammed building in the middle of nowhere. Either way, if Prada Marfa is on your list, it’s best to knock it out first. This is the most driving you’ll do all day.

This is a quick stop, folks. It’s fine. 

Stop 2: Giant Marfa Mural 

This is one of Marfa’s most recognizable landmarks, but you’re still not in the thick of it in town.

The massive roadside artwork pays tribute to the 1956 Western film Giant, which was filmed in and around Marfa and starred Elizabeth Taylor, James Dean, and Rock Hudson.

Artist John Cerney began work on the murals in 2018, using images of the film’s stars along with recreated pieces of the original set. It’s become a must-stop photo op on drives through the area. 

We were there without anyone else in view, but it’s not always so sparse. Marfa has suffered from the Instagram effect, so you’ll likely need to share the essential stops with other tourists. 

Stop 3: Welcome to Marfa Sign

As you get back on the road again for civilization, keep an eye out for the old Stardust Motel sign and the classic “Welcome to Marfa” sign.

There’s room to pull off the road safely for photos, and you might as well lean into it. That’s what this place is known for…photo ops. 

Stop 4: Tumbleweed Laundry

Head into town for coffee at Frama inside Tumbleweed Laundry. Yes, it’s a laundromat, and yes, the coffee and ice cream are actually pretty good. 

Fun fact: Travelers have this to say about the laundromat side: “I cannot imagine doing any laundry in this place. Better off washing your clothes in a river than trust the cleanliness of this place.” Classic Marfa.

There’s a mural on one side that you can take some photos with once you’re done with your beverage. 

Stop 5: Downtown Marfa

Marfa’s downtown is compact and full of random surprises. 

Pop into the Wrong Store, which Architectural Digest once named one of the most beautiful independent stores in Texas. I guess that makes sense?

They sell a curated mix of local goods, carved wooden objects, and artsy odds and ends. Avoid being annoying and taking photos inside.

Nearby, the Hotel Paisano is worth a stop, even if you’re not staying there. The hotel played a central role during the filming of Giant and is covered in photos from the production. 

Step outside to see the fountain and courtyard. This was probably the most aesthetically pleasing stop on our visit.

As you continue walking, you’ll pass the Palace Theater, the Presidio County Courthouse, and Marfa’s pink fire station.

The fire station is hard to miss, especially if there’s someone perched on a ladder out front, which somehow feels like it happens more often than not.

Stop 6: The Blackwell School

It’s not all about posing in front of quirky storefronts. The Blackwell School National Historic Site is easily the most important stop in Marfa. This was the only school in the country that officially segregated Hispanic and white students under Texas law.

The exhibits do a good job of explaining the history and the long-term impact of segregation on the community. It’s a quieter stop, but it adds necessary context to a town that’s often framed only through art and aesthetics.

If you want to stop inside, you’ll need to time things right or plan ahead. The school is only open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. If you can only make it to Marfa on a weekday, you can contact the park at least a month in advance for a special tour. 

Stop 7: Lunch 

Marfa isn’t the kind of place where you need to overplan lunch, but it helps to know where to look.

Marfa Burrito is a reliable go-to if you want something quick and filling, but it’s cash only. The burritos are big, the menu is straightforward, and it’s an efficient stop if you’re getting artsy this afternoon.

Otherwise, the food in town is pretty mixed, and the eateries that are available aren’t always open when they claim they are. 

Angel’s Restaurant is another option for Mexican food with what appears to be more stable hours. The Sentinel serves tacos alongside independent journalism, apparently.

READ MORE: You won’t find good Texas barbecue here, but you can in Lockhart. Check out my guide!

Stop 8: Marfa Art Museums and Galleries

Marfa’s contemporary art scene is the reason many people come here.

If you plan ahead and book a guided tour time, the Chinati Foundation is the headline spot. Founded by artist Donald Judd, the museum is spread across a former military base and features large-scale, permanent installations designed specifically for the space.

You can’t see the collection without a tour time, and those are by reservation only. Check times and a full reservation calendar ahead of your visit online.

Fun fact:  In addition to Chinati, the Judd Foundation maintains Judd’s former studios and homes in Marfa. These spaces offer a more intimate look at how he lived and worked, and can also be visited by reservation if you have extra time.

Closer to downtown, you’ll find Ballroom Marfa, RULE Gallery, the Ayn Foundation, and Marfa Open. Pick a couple, and more importantly, see what’s open, and let the artist within you experience Marfa.

I cannot reiterate here how important it is to check whether these places are open. Businesses tend to have fairly limited hours in these parts, or they inexplicably close down between the time you start planning and the time you arrive.

There’s quite a bit of churn and burn in Marfa, it seems.

Stop 9: Planet Marfa

Planet Marfa is an open-air beer garden with picnic tables, a converted school bus, and a teepee where you can enjoy your drinks inside. 

While the teepee sounds like it should be a hoot, it was hot AF inside when we visited, so we quickly returned to the open air after the obligatory photo.

Their hours are also sporadic. They close on especially windy days, which isn’t uncommon in this part of Texas. If it is open, it’s a fun place to sit outside and have a beer as the light starts to change.

Stop 10: Dinner

Honestly, we were done with Marfa by the time dinner rolled around. This place is known for its quirk, but not its dining. Also, most of the places that were on our list for food back then are closed today. Again, that’s just how things seem to go here. 

For one of the nicest meals in town, consider LaVenture at Hotel Saint George. It’s a little more upscale than cash-only burritos.

For those staying overnight, you can partake in the tradition of trying to spot the Marfa Lights. These are unexplained glowing orbs that have been reported in the area for generations. They’re best viewed from the Marfa Lights Viewing Area just east of town.

Even if you don’t see them, which is likely, the dark skies and stars here are pretty good anyway.

With More Time in Marfa

If you can stretch your trip beyond one day, Marfa makes a decent base for exploring more of West Texas. Here are a few day trips to consider, alongside a few more things to do in Marfa proper:

• Attend a Star Party at the McDonald Observatory and see what all the fuss is about when it comes to the night skies here.
• Explore the Marfa and Presidio County Museum to learn about the town’s growth in the 19th and 20th centuries.
• Check out the Marfa Holocaust & Model Ship Museum, a collection that combines historical exhibits with intricate ship models.
• Walk or bike the surrounding desert trails to see wide-open landscapes and the minimalist sculptures scattered throughout the area.
• Visit nearby Fort Davis National Historic Site to see a preserved 19th-century military fort.
• Drive the scenic routes around the Davis Mountains for stunning desert landscapes and potential wildlife spotting.
• Visit Alpine for more dining, shopping, and the Museum of the Big Bend.
• Take a day trip to Big Bend National Park, where you can hike and experience some of the most impressive canyons in Texas.

How to Get to Marfa

Marfa is remote, and I suppose that’s part of its appeal. Most people arrive by car. The town sits along U.S. Highway 90 in West Texas, and driving from nearby cities or airports is the easiest way to get here. 

There are no major commercial flights directly into Marfa. The closest larger airports are El Paso International Airport and Midland International Air & Space Port, both about a three‑hour drive away. That means you’ll want a rental car to explore once you arrive.

You can also reach the region by Amtrak’s Sunset Limited train to nearby Alpine and then drive the remaining 26 miles into town. Regional bus services like Greyhound or FlixBus stop at the station on Berlin Street in Marfa.

Once you’re in town, most of the galleries, shops, and restaurants are walkable from the historic core around the Presidio County Courthouse. You’ll need a car to see things outside the center, like the murals and larger art installations. 

When is the best time of year to visit Marfa?

Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most comfortable temperatures. Summers can be very hot, and winters are mild but can be windy.

Where to Stay in Marfa

We didn’t stay overnight in the West Texas town. I don’t have any FOMO over it, either. This isn’t a town that needs a ton of time. If you do want to stay overnight, whether that’s for the stargazing or your own curiosity, you have options.

The Hotel Paisano is a historic Marfa favorite, as it was used in the movie Giant and has hosted all kinds of celebrities. The Hotel Saint George is a newer, higher-end option.

Use the map below for more options:

Why do people like Marfa so much?

Marfa has always had a buzz around it. Some are drawn to its unique combo of art and those wide-open Texas landscapes. Others love quirky roadside attractions like Prada Marfa and the Giant mural.

To be honest, I’m not sure whether they really like it all that much, or if it’s curiosity that brings people here. Either way, it’s remained a popular stop for travel in West Texas.

If you’re already traveling through the region, it’s worth a stop to see what that buzz is about for yourself!

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