What’s Marfa?

“Tough to get here, tougher still to explain, but once you get here, you get it.”

— Official Marfa slogan

A tiny town of about 1,700, Marfa sits in the high deserts of far West Texas. Founded as a water stop in the 1880’s, the city became a minimalist art hub after artist Donald Judd arrived in the 70’s, acquiring and renovating many of the existing structures. It’s a special place for us, as we’ve been many times together and now own a small home in the area. Every visit is both an escape and an adventure.

Getting here

If you’re flying, the closest airport is El Paso (ELP), about a 3-hour drive to the destination. Let us know if you’d like some assistance getting to Marfa in your RSVP, and we can help arrange some transportation with you.

Otherwise, it’s a cute road trip. Coming in from the west, you’ll pass the iconic Prada Marfa installation and Giant murals of James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor. We recommend stopping at both for a quick photo opp before continuing into town.

 

Where do we stay in Marfa?

There are a ton of places to stay in Marfa, and they’re all solid. Below are our hotel recommendations, each with their own perks and personalities. We don’t have a hotel block anywhere, but please let us know if you need some assistance or have any questions.

  • Hotel Saint George - $$$

    The “nice hotel” option, right in the center of town

    Book

  • Hotel Paisano - $$

    Kitschy and historic, has housed James Dean

    Book
  • Motel Marfa

    Motel Marfa - $$

    Brand spankin’ new and supes cute

    Book

  • The Lincoln - $-$$

    Centrally located with several great stay options

    Book

  • Thunderbird Hotel - $

    Cute, affordable, walkable to our reception venue

    Book

  • El Cosmico - $

    The iconic Marfa experience with lots of stay options

    Book

  • Airbnb - $-$$$$

    You really can’t go wrong anywhere

    Book

What do we do in Marfa?

  • Larry's - $
    Easy, messy, truly delicious smash burgers. Veg options available. Open Wed-Sat 11a-4p

    Asters Cafe & Bakery - $
    Brunch staple with baked goods. Open Wed-Sun for lunch

    The Sentinel - $
    Brunch staple pt. II with cocktails and newspaper. Open daily til 3p

    Para Llevar - $
    Can't-go-wrong pizza. Open daily 11a-8p

    El Turista - $
    Easy taco truck behind Thunderbird, open most nights til 10p

    Marfa Burrito - $
    Local favorite burrito spot. Cash only, open daily for lunch until 2p

    Bordo - $$
    Italian food in West Texas? Surprisingly incredible. Open Fri-Sun for lunch.

    Water Stop - $$
    Can't-go-wrong dinner. Open daily for dinner

    Margarets - $$
    Very cute, with a very good tuna melt. Open Wed-Sat for dinner

    Cochineal - $$$
    Splurge here for a truly spectacular evening, open Thurs-Sat evenings

  • Coyote Coffee - Coffee
    Coffee and brekkie sandos open @ 8a

    Sentinel - Coffee/brunch
    Great coffee, food, and gift shop

    Mutual Friends/Alta Marfa - Coffee/wine
    Coffee shop by day, wine bar by night

    Marfa Spirit Co - Distillery/bar
    House-made sotol cocktails and more

    Planet Marfa - Beer garden/bar
    Cute and quirky, open all day

    The Pony - Bar
    Divey, with live music sometimes

    Otherside - Bar
    Tiny bar open Thurs-Sat nights

    Pool @ Saint George - Pool/bar
    Sip n' swim, $30 entrance fee

    Capri - Bar
    Gorgeous. If it's open, go.

  • Garza Marfa
    Textile designer and home-goods paradise

    Wrong Marfa
    Art gallery and gift shop that's wrong but so right

    Among My Souvenirs
    Vibey hats, apparel, and crystals

    Cobra Rock
    Luxury leather goods and fine fragrances

    Sticks & Bones
    Vintage and artisan desert supply

    Mira Marfa
    Skincare boutique that also offers facial services

    Moonlight Gemstones
    Weird but cool rock shop and jewelry designer

    El Cosmico gift shop
    If we've given you a gift from Marfa, it was probably from here

    Marfa Brand Soap Co.
    Locally handmade soap and home goods

    Se Vende
    A literal vending machine of Marfa's finest goods

    Ranch Candy
    Best name for a candy and gift shop

    Raba Marfa
    Expertly curated good goods

    Stop & Read Books
    Cutest lil’ bookshop with local and rare finds

  • Ballroom Marfa - 0 miles
    Works by contemporary artists displayed in a restored 1920s ballroom.

    Chinati Foundation - 1 mile
    See Donald Judd's cement cubes and Dan Flavin's light installations. A must for first-time Marfa visitors

    Marfa Lights Viewing Area - 8 miles
    Come in the evening to see the famous, mysterious floating lights

    Chihuahuan Nature Center - 26 miles
    Cute lil hike and botanical gardens, dog friendly

    McDonald Observatory - 36.5 miles
    Weekend star parties atop the Davis Mountains, with some of the largest telescopes in the world.

    Chinati Hot Springs - 50 miles
    The one attraction we've admittedly not experienced yet. Must book an on-site room to enjoy the springs

    Balmorhea State Park - 54 miles
    A cool oasis in the high desert, the natural swimming pool stays 72-76º year-round.

    Big Bend National Park - 98 miles
    If you've got some more time, Texas' largest national park has some of the best stargazing skies in the world

    WANNA GET PHYSICAL?

    Pickleball @ Bohemio
    Open court, BYO paddle and ball

    Boxing @ Maintenant
    Free training on Sundays at 10a

    Yoga @ Big Sky Yoga
    Daily classes, check schedule online