West Texas · Music & Culture · Country & Small Towns
Marfa
Marfa, Texas
A high-desert town of minimalist art, open skies and the mysterious Marfa Lights.
Many shops and galleries keep short hours early in the week — plan for Thursday through Sunday.
Know before you go
Plan your visit
Location: Marfa · About 4 hrs from El Paso · Explore the Marfa city guide →
- Best season
- Fall and spring
- Time needed
- 1–2 days
- Cost
- $–$$
- Getting around
- Small, walkable town; many shops open Thursday–Sunday only.
- Reservations
- Book Chinati tours and lodging early.
For families: The lights viewing area has restrooms and room to run.
Where to eat
Marfa Burrito
Giant handmade burritos, cash only.
Family friendlyCochineal
Seasonal dinners in a desert courtyard.
Things to do nearby
Chinati Foundation
Donald Judd's landmark art installations.
Marfa Lights Viewing Area
Watch for the lights east of town at dusk.
Family friendlyStar parties 40 minutes north.
Hours and details change — check before you go.
Also nearby
West Texas · Tech & Space
McDonald Observatory
Research telescopes atop Mount Locke and public star parties under some of the darkest skies in North America.
West Texas · Nature
Balmorhea State Park
The world's largest spring-fed swimming pool — crystal-clear, 72 degrees and full of tiny desert fish.
West Texas · Nature
Big Bend National Park
Desert, river and mountains in one park — the Chisos range, Santa Elena Canyon and the darkest skies in Texas.
Parks & recreation nearby
Featured in
Tours, tastings & tickets
Book experiences in Marfa
Instant confirmation and free cancellation on many tours. You book and pay directly on Viator.
Viator links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosures
Where to stay
Places to stay near Marfa
Stay links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosures
Ask the Texan