48-Hours in Marfa: A Definitive Guide
After 10+ years and countless trips exploring the ever-changing town, here’s how to spend the perfect 48-hours in Marfa, Texas for 2026
A little town in Trans-Pecos…
Marfa, TX is many things to many people: a creative home, a West Texas outpost near Big Bend, and, sure, the town near the Prada Marfa store (installation).
Ever-evolving in the places*, people, and, perhaps, purpose - Marfa is a magical town (truly) that has a bit of something for everyone - especially if you know what you’re looking for or what you’re getting into.
While no guide on Marfa could ever be complete - and Marfa is best experienced by seeing where the day takes you - here’s how to spend 48 perfect hours in Marfa from someone who has racked up countless trips over 10 incredible years.
For sake of timing and benefit of a well-paced trip, let’s imagine you’re arriving late-morning on a Friday and venturing back out on Sunday morning.
*A quick note on Marfa’s ever-evolving places…
“Same places, new names” is how a long-time local of Marfa once reflected on the ever-changing businesses, restaurants, and spots in town. I can’t think of a better way to frame it. Part of loving Marfa is having to acknowledge that a favorite staple may be closed - temporarily or permanently - on your next visit.
Or have changed names. Or concepts. Or locations.
In a Ship of Theseus type of way, Marfa will always treat you to something new on each visit - but not always the old. Even while preparing this guide, I came across a number of beloved spots now temporary and fully closed. But I also came across many new and updated ones I cannot wait to check out on my next trip.
Keep that in mind for your own adventures and be sure to check ahead for hours…and location…and if still open… for places mentioned. And, hey, if you find a great new spot where it once stood, let us know.
We’d love to add it to our list. Now onto the good stuff.
The Journey is the Journey
The pilgrimage to (and from) Marfa is one of my favorite parts - if you’re driving in from a neighboring (in the expansive Texan sense) place such as Austin or Big Bend, get ready to enjoy some of the most beautiful and isolated roads that theatrically build towards your arrival: iconic mountains, vast ranches that creep to the horizon, and the occasional long-forgotten roadside motel or rest stop left that act as chapters on the way. A few quick notes and recommendations on the journey in:
From Austin
Coming from Austin, TX, plan for a 6.5hr drive via I-10 West with notable stopping points - like Fredericksburg (famed mainstreet and hub of Hill Country wineries, just outside of Austin) and Alpine (a fantastic ranching town 30-minutes east of Marfa) for those with extra time in their itinerary.
From Big Bend
Traveling in from Big Bend, plan on either the 2hr 40 “direct route” via 385 or, our strong recommendation, taking the 3.5hr scenic route along the Rio Grande and making time to stop in Terlingua (an iconic ghost town worthy of its own “48 hours in…”), a quick pitstop at the Contrabando Movie Set, and and continuing up to Marfa through Presidio via 67 N.
From Beyond
Whether you’re coming in from Austin, Big Bend, El Paso, or beyond - Marfa will greet you the same way: unfathomably beautiful vast deserts, mountainous terrain, and - as suddenly as an oasis - the nestled town capped by its iconic (and photogenic!) “Marfa” emblazoned water tower. Slow down from those 80mph speed limits and get ready for an incredible 48-hours in my favorite town.
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Day 1
Settle On In & Slow It On Down
Welcome to Marfa.
We’re going to assume you’ve arrived late-morning on a Friday, and could use some refueling. We’ve got just the first stop in town for a light bite - and it is one that will make the drive worth it on its own….
Late-Morning / Noon:
Grab a Light Bite on Arrival
Bordo: Fine Italian Goods
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Bordo describes themselves as an Italian deli with seasonal pastas, sandwiches, gelatos, and various Italian-sourced groceries - but that undersells the fact they’re practically a portal to Tuscany itself with the best wood-fired bread ever to grace a sandwich. (Seriously.)
What to get: Go with the DiFabbio (Imported Italian Fresh Ham, Gorgonzola, Arugula, Basil, Saba, Breadcrumbs) and pair with a Cocchi Americano Aperol Spritz - your tastebuds and/or those you’ve dragged along to Marfa will thank you. Don’t be surprised if you end up going for a second round even if near full, I certainly have.
When to go: Get there early on weekends - they can get busy fast especially in the more popular tourist seasons. Typically, they open at 11am Thursday - Sunday.
bordomarfa.com | 1210 W San Antonio St, Marfa, TX 79843
Early Afternoon:
Stroll and Shop the Main Street
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Head down the road to Highland Street and, as you admire the beautiful courthouse building in the near distance, park in one of the many angled spots that line Marfa’s main street.
As you stroll, here are just a few favorite spots along - and just off - the main street to check out:
Raba Marfa for boutique, high desert items
Raba curates home goods, clothes, accessories, and amenities - all perfectly befitting Marfa’s high desert aesthetic.
rabamarfa.com | 120 Highland St, Marfa, TX 79843
Communitie Marfa for your Western makeover
Tucked into the West Texas Utilities Company building, Communitie Marfa features a selection of western wears and wares - from Stetsons hats to bolo ties. Your Western makeover awaits.
@communitiemarfa | 122 Highland St, Marfa, TX 79843
STOP & READ BOOKS for your next great read (and drink)
What’s better than a great selection of books? A great selection of books and beverages. A newer addition to Marfa, STOP & READ BOOKS is the perfect place to find your next great read and accompanying bottle.
stopandreadbooks.com | 215 Highland St, Marfa, TX 79843
Skóra Marfa for handmade leather goods
We are huge fans of Skóra’s meticulous craftsmanship and contemporary designs, their beautiful home-turned-store is always worth a visit while in town.
skoramarfa.com | 109 W Texas St, Marfa, TX 79843
Image: Ayn Foundation
Bonus: Visit Ayn Foundation Marfa for Warhol’s The Last Supper
You read that right: Andy Warhol’s The Last Supper - an expansive collection of works by Warhol - has been on exhibit in Marfa for over two decades thanks to the Ayn Foundation in a beautiful yet unremarkable building on the main street.
So unremarkable that you could walk past a dozen times without ever knowing what lies beyond the door (true story). There has sadly been some word of the exhibit coming to a close, so be sure to check it out while you can!
aynfoundation.com | 107 - 109 Highland St, Marfa, TX 79843
Mid-Afternoon:
Check-In & Kick your Feet Up
A note on Lodging Options in town
In previous iterations of this guide, I would have strongly suggested a stay at El Cosmico, the boho-meets-high-desert glamping concept from Bunkhouse that for years sheltered and brought in visitors from all over - especially for its Trans-Pecos Festival of Music and Love.
Unfortunately, El Cosmico has closed with plans to return in 2027 as a reimagined concept with 3D-printed facilities and a more resort-like vision. So, in its stead, here are just a few great suggestions on where to stay that still characterize the Marfa experience and invite its slower, more creative, grounded, and vibrant ways.
The Lincoln Marfa Hotel for a boutique stay
The Lincoln Marfa Hotel is perfectly located just off of the main street - which makes it as convenient as it can be to post up and venture out. A long-running boutique hotel with an intimate feel matching Marfa’s aesthetics and calm way of living, The Lincoln is a great choice for those seeking a true Marfa stay.
thelincolnmarfa.com | 105 W Lincoln St, Marfa, TX 79843
MOTEL for a new boho vibe
MOTEL is a new 5-room property just a block or two from the main street - and right near ur favorite brunch spot-boutique store, The Sentinel (more on that below). MOTEL in many ways captures much of what we love about Marfa: small format, communal, high-desert vibes, and boho aesthetics.
@motel.marfa | 202 W El Paso St, Marfa, TX 79843
Hotel Paisano for the heritage alone
Hotel Paisano is worth venturing into on its own given the charming and historic grounds, collection of memorabilia and photographs from Giant, the 1956 James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor western filmed in Marfa that used the hotel as base, and assorted shops on ground floor. Hotel Paisano dates back to the 1930s and - along with its original sibling property, Hotel El Capitan, just north in Van Horn, TX - was in many ways the gateway to the West for those venturing to and through Marfa back in the day.
hotelpaisano.com | 207 Highland St, Marfa, TX 79843
Other Great Ways to Stay
There are plenty of other great spots in Marfa to call home for your trip depending on your desired style, experience, and budget. From the luxurious Hotel Saint George (and its pool) to newer concepts like BOHEMIO - plus plenty of superb Airbnbs - there is truly something for everyone.
Late-Afternoon:
Local Art and Fun Shops
After you’ve settled in and had a chance to freshen up, head out to Chinati to experience the work of the artist who helped put Marfa on the map: Donald Judd.
The Chinati Foundation for Judd’s works and so much more
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Famed for his contemporary sculptures and works that can be seen in museums around the world from Berlin to his chosen home of Marfa, TX, the late Donald Judd’s works are not to be missed while in town.
Park and stroll the concrete sculptures along the field for free (sticking to the trails and watching out for tics and critters) or, better yet, check-in to the visitor’s center at The Chinati Foundation then explore at your pace the entire collection that includes works from Judd and visiting artists - spanning multiple buildings across town.
chinati.org | 1 Cavalry Row, Marfa, TX 79843
Ballroom Marfa for world-class exhibits
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Keep the culture tour going: After visiting Chinati (including its galleries housed around town), hop on over to Ballroom Marfa to explore its ever-rotating exhibitions on display. Although small by comparison to Chinati, the works are never not amazing and truly world-class. An absolute must.
ballroommarfa.org | 108 E San Antonio St, Marfa, TX 79843
While you’re in the area, check out these Marfa-focused shops for fun items, gifts, and more:
The Marfa Store for fun items…and to say you did
Tucked away just behind Ballroom Marfa is The Marfa Store - a curated shop with all kinds of items, art, and apparel that represent (symbolically or quite literally by way of text) Marfa.
themarfastore.com | 201 E Dallas St, Marfa, TX 79843
Marfa Brand Soap Co. for gifts (that may or may not be for yourself)
A wide collection of beautiful handmade soaps and other great smelling items, Marfa Brand Soap Co. is a worthy stop, especially for those looking to bring back a part of Marfa for themselves or as a gift.
marfabrands.com | 213 S Dean St, Marfa, TX 79843
Se Vende for the novelty and novelties
Honestly, I don’t even want to ruin this one for you. Tucked just across from the Sunoco and diagonal to Ballroom Marfa, there you’ll find Se Vende. Enjoy!
107 S Dean St, Marfa, TX 79843
Evening:
Libations, Dining, and Music
After a full day of driving, exploring, and enjoying Marfa, you’ll be forgiven for wanting a bit of rest before heading back out for the evening. Enjoy the hammock and cowboy pool, then gear up for more of what makes Marfa so special, starting with…
Alta for drinks and lite bites
Tucked away next to a laundromat just off the main street, you’ll find a beautiful wine bar with great bites by local winemaker Alta. Perfectly executed with its bar and small format, grab a glass or two while editing your favorite photos from the day to share (good luck - you’ll have plenty).
altamarfa.com | 120 N Austin St, Marfa, TX 79843
Margaret’s in Marfa for an award-worthy dinner
If there’s one thing that is true about Marfa, it is that there’s seemingly no end of truly world-class meals and experiences to be had. Margaret’s is one of them. A beautiful restaurant in its design with a large oblong bar, fresh dishes, and warm service, Margaret’s would be just as at home in NYC as it is in Marfa.
If you face the unenviable challenge of having to pick just one spot for dinner in Marfa, you can’t go wrong with Margaret’s. (That said, more great dining options can be found in our Field Notes section at the bottom of this post.)
margaretsinmarfa.com | 103 Highland St, Marfa, TX 79843
Planet Marfa for drinks, music, and great conversations
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Planet Marfa is an eclectic patio-bar that is as authentic Marfa as you can get and often hosts great music on weekends. Grab a seat at the bar, in the tent, in an old school bus, or up the winding stairs to the one-table rooftop! Be sure to check out their site and instagram for upcoming shows.
Nostalgic Sidebar: There was a time not long ago when Planet Marfa was THE place you ended up at 3pm in the afternoon making a lunch of bar peanuts and choosing between Topo Chico or Beer (“dark or pale”) when no other restaurant was serving in the odd hours after lunch and before dinner. Fortunately, the Marfa of today no longer greets those who’ve poorly planned their days with this dilemma just as the beer/drinks selection at Planet Marfa has grown.
planetmarfa.com | 200 S Abbot St, Marfa, TX 79843
Late Night:
Bars and More
By this time, most might be enjoying the final embers of a firepit and calling it an eve, but for those looking to embrace a few final hours in the night, look no further.
Otherside for swanky cocktails and speakeasy vibes
A recent and welcomed addition to Marfa, Otherside has quickly carved out its spot amongst the repertoire of Marfa’s best late night spots. A cocktail bar that often hosts pop-up dinners, you’d be in great company if you find yourself here late. Open Fridays till 12am and Saturdays till 1am.
www.othersidemarfa.com | 110 E El Paso St, Marfa, TX 79843
The Pony for some hole-in-the-wall charm
The iterations of the bars in the spot now home to The Pony could fill a few chapters of Marfa’s history on its own. To keep it short, what was once and for awhile Lost Horse bar, The Pony is a quintessential hole-in-the-wall (in the best way) bar with pool tables and great drinks. Open most eves till 12am and Saturdays until 1am.
thepony.bar | 306 E San Antonio St, Marfa, TX 79843
That’s a wrap on Day 1
Hang up your cowboy hat and grab some rest - you’ll need it for Day 2. Look up at the stars as you do, they’re bountiful out here.
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Day 2
Easy Exploring and Easy Enjoying
Today is all about enjoying the exploration.
Now that you’ve checked the major boxes for Marfa, we’re going to venture out and around to some of the places and spaces that make this area special.
Shake out your boots (really though, you never know what’s made home in there overnight…) and let’s ease-in to Day 2.
Morning:
Ease-In and Venture-Out
The Sentinel for coffee, breakfast, and the paper
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I’ll be honest, it has taken a ton of restraint to not mention The Sentinel until now. One of my favorite places in town and open from 7a-3p most days, The Sentinel is so much more than a great spot for coffee and breakfast.
Be sure to check out their selection of boutique items and custom creations, grab a local paper of the same name (formerly associated with and funded by this very establishment), and enjoy the beautiful back patio.
You could spend all of Day 2 here - grabbing lunch and then drinks in early afternoon - and nobody would question your great judgement.
thesentinelmarfa.com | 209 W El Paso St, Marfa, TX 79843
Drive TX-17 to Fort Davis, one of the most beautiful roads in Texas
Yes, this is honestly about the road well-traveled. TX-17 is a beautiful expanse of road that connects Marfa to Fort Davis and is honestly right out of Iceland. Enjoy the swooping vistas as you cruise along, windows down and music up, towards Fort Davis, about 20 minutes away. Feel free to stop in Fort Davis if you like or continue on to our main attraction…
TX-17 N
Davis Mountain State Park for a stunning hike
Located just 30-minutes north of Marfa, the Davis Mountain State Park features campgrounds and well-marked trails with beautiful vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges. Want a great hike? Check out Skyline Drive Trail continuing on with Old CCC Trail (map). Be sure to bring sufficient water, appropriate shoes/gear, and check for any active alerts. Water and maps are available at the visitor’s
Hiking not your thing? No worries - many of the vistas are also accessible by car.
Davis Mountains Website | TX-118, Fort Davis, TX 79734
Feeling peckish after that hike?
Grab a quick snack for the road back in Fort Davis at Stone Village Market then continue onwards - we’ve got too much to enjoy.
Early Afternoon:
Prada Marfa and Valentine, TX
Take the Scenic Route to Prada Marfa
Depending on timing/interest, you can drive from Fort Davis to the iconic Prada Marfa via TX-166 N in about 45 minutes or you can head for the longer scenic route - one that we love that goes past the Davis Mountain State Park, McDonald Observatory on TX-118 followed by a swooping and gorgeous meander on TX-166 S. Sure, it will take 1hr 20mins, but you came all the way out here anyway, right? Just make sure your car is topped off to avoid undue anxiety given a lack of petrol stations nearby.
Don’t ask me how I know that feeling.
Prada Marfa for the installation and iconic photos
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No judgement here if this was your first introduction to Marfa - or the reason you’re going. Prada Marfa is one of the coolest and most iconic / well-known art installations that has captivated imaginations around the world - often being mistaken for a real Prada store in the middle of the desert.
The site-specific installation created in 2005 by artist duo Elmgreen & Dragset features items from Prada’s Fall/Winter 2005 collection. At nearly all times of day (and night), this iconic work is worthy of the visit and ample photos.
Ballroom Marfa: Prada Marfa | 14880 US-90, Valentine, TX 79854
Explore Valentine, TX as you head back to Marfa
Contrary to popular belief and the name, Marfa is not the closest town to the Prada Marfa. That title is held by Valentine, TX a subdued yet incredibly cool town with a population under 100 just a few minutes from Prada Marfa towards Marfa proper.
What’s to see/do? Well, for one, the cemetery and backstreets offer much to explore. More than that, the town draws in folks from all over through its annual Music Festival on Valentines’ Day.
It is even the site of one of the hippest new bars, Valentine Texas Bar, that is, if you can catch it during its less-than-predictable opening hours (all part of the charm!). How to tell if it is open? Just look for the detached car door on the side of the road with the words “Bar Open.” We’re big fans of this spot.
Late-Afternoon into Early Eve:
Grab A Burger and Hang A Bit
Late lunch at Larry’s for the burgers and tunes
You’ve earned it after the hike, driving, and tons of photos - so head back the 30 minutes from Valentine to Marfa and get ready for some of the best burgers, full-stop. Open most days from 11a-4p, Larry’s features incredible burgers (with a huge following in Austin from the pop-up days), beer, wine, and great tunes on cassette - all that and a great outdoor patio too.
@larrysinmarfa | 303 E El Paso St, Marfa, TX 79843
Find your solace around town
A trip to Marfa is incomplete without some amount of truly unplanned and unstructured time.
Freshen up back at your lodging and find a spot of solace there, at a great watering hole such as Marfa Spirit Co. or Planet Marfa (round 2), or just around town. You can even get a day pass to the pool at Hotel Saint George.
The important thing here is just hanging for a bit - whatever that looks like for you / your style.
Marfa is best enjoyed when it is enjoyed.
Night:
A Well Spaced Kind of Eve
Head over to The Water Stop for Dinner
Is it odd to say a place is best enjoyed in an unexpected downpour? The Water Stop is exactly that kind of place - especially with its partially covered outdoor patio and great aesthetics.
Fortunately, it is also good in just about all other weather.
With great cocktails, Guiness on draught, a wide variety of bistro items on the menu, and some solid desserts too, The Water Stop is a great place to hang for a while - be it for a drink or dinner.
As a quick note - and one one I remind myself of on each visit - it can, at times, feel slow when it comes to service, so prepare yourself and embrace the slow west way. But, hey, by now in your Marfa explorations, you might have already acclimated to that pace.
Go See Spectacular Sights or Ease in for the Eve…
The choice is yours. Personally, I’m a fan of easing in on the eve of Day 2 and can often be found reading, journaling, and/or chatting with folks at any given watering hole in town - but for those who want to make the most of their final night in Marfa, here are two great options everyone should do at least once:
See Marfa Lights for a truly inexplicable mystery
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Aliens? Gases? Reflections? The Marfa Lights are truly a mystery and a great thing to see (if you’re so lucky to catch them that eve). A rather nice visitor center is the destination to do so - just a bit outside of town due east.
visitmarfa.com/mystery | US-90, Marfa, TX 79843
Bonus + Alternative:
Attend a Star Party for the best view in/of the galaxy
The McDonald Observatory is a beautiful observatory run by University of Texas in Fort Davis, a Dark Skies area. An approximately ~45 minute drive from Marfa, the observatory runs “Star Parties” most Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays where attendees are able to learn about stars and planets and see them up-close through powerful telescopes set-up around the site.
Not feeling up for the drive? We get it. Just look up at the stars from Marfa - while not quite the same, you’ll see more stars than you ever thought possible on a clear evening. It is genuinely spectacular.
mcdonaldobservatory.org | 3640 Dark Sky Dr, Fort Davis, TX 79734
That’s Day 2 in the books.
< El Cosmico Tent at Night Photo>
Day 3
One final morning and homeward-bound
You have done Marfa.
As you gear up for a final morning in town before venturing off home, take along some of the tranquility of Marfa back with you and make a list of the places you can’t wait to visit on your next trip.
Morning:
Packing Up and Heading Out
Grab coffee and breakfast at Coyote Coffee
A service station turned coffee shop is exactly the right way to bid farewell to Marfa’s charm. With great offerings ranging from caffeinated drinks to breakfast sandwiches, you’ll find the fuel you need for the trip back home. Eat there or take to-go.
@coyotecoffeemarfa | 317 W San Antonio St, Marfa, TX 79843
One last drive down main street and a picture of the watertower
Before you hit the road in whichever direction takes you back home - and back to the bustle of it - do yourself the favor of one last leisurely drive down Highland Street towards the courthouse. Stop by the famed and picturesque Marfa Watertower and snap a shot to seal the deal. Okay, now you can really say you have done Marfa.
Enjoy your journey back home - great memories and all.
Gone so soon?
48-hours in Marfa is barely enough - especially if you’re driving in and out for a portion of that time. Despite the deceptively small scale of the town, there’s always so much more to do and see.
On repeat visits, you’ll find yourself spending your first day checking the boxes of places you love and spending the rest of the trip trying out the many new ones that have popped up since your last visit - even if not long ago. That’s just the way of Marfa.
Marfa truly is a special and spectacular place. There’s no wrong or right way to do it as long as you’re embracing the joy and serenity that comes with the more grounded, creative, and downright deeper way of living life out West.
Thanks for Exploring
We hope this guide has given you good start on what to see, do, and experience in Marfa as you plan your own explorations. Be sure to share it and check out the Field Notes, below, for a quick run-down of key recommendations plus a few more tips and thoughts.
EXPLRER’s Marfa Field Notes
Recap of key recs and beyond for your explorations
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Prada Marfa
Ballroom Marfa
The Chinati Foundation
Shops on Highland St.
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The Sentinel (Breakfast + Lunch)
Larry’s (Burgers)
Alta Marfa (Wine Bar & Bites)
The Water Stop (Dinner)
Margaret’s in Marfa (Dinner)
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Planet Marfa
The Sentinel
Marfa Spirit Co.
Otherside
The Pony
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Live Music at Planet Marfa
Pop-ups around town for food, art, and music
Donald Judd’s Concrete Works
Easy mornings at The Sentinel
Hiking Davis Mountain State Park
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Agave Festival (June, typically)
Marfa Film Fest (July, typically)
Marfa Invitational (varies)
Marfa Lights Fest (August, typically)
El Cosmico reopening in 2027
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The Capri lives on - Check out The Capri’s Instagram for occasional pop-up dinners and events from the once beloved bar / restaurant
Explore Alpine - Just 30 mins due east, Alpine has great restaurants, a baseball team, farmers markets, and nightlife worth exploring for those in town for longer than 48 hours or on repeat trips
What Else?
Marfa always has something special going on. Be sure to check the Instagrams of local bars/spots, spot flyers on bulletin boards/telephones, and ask locals - you’ll be amazed at the pop-ups, events, and other just-under-the-surface experiences that await on any given weekend in Marfa.
Enjoy and Explore Well.
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