v2.webp){kind=logo}
- Chinati Foundation — Donald Judd’s massive, site-specific installations in converted military buildings; the scale and quiet of the works (especially the large-scale concrete, metal and room pieces) are what make Marfa feel like nowhere else.
- Judd Foundation (Marfa buildings) — visit the artist’s living and working spaces and see his furniture, architectural interventions, and restored compound that explain why Judd stayed and made Marfa a home for minimalism.
- Hotel Paisano — the historic 1930s hotel where the cast of Giant stayed; it’s charming, often has film-era photos and local color, and is a real jump-off point for Marfa history and storytelling.
- El Cosmico — quirky, campy lodging and cultural hub with yurts, vintage trailers, and tents; even if you don’t sleep there, the vibe,
- Chinati Foundation — Donald Judd’s massive, site-specific installations in converted military buildings; the scale and quiet of the works (especially the large-scale concrete, metal and room pieces) are what make Marfa feel like nowhere else.
- Judd Foundation (Marfa buildings) — visit the artist’s living and working spaces and see his furniture, architectural interventions, and restored compound that explain why Judd stayed and made Marfa a home for minimalism.
- Hotel Paisano — the historic 1930s hotel where the cast of Giant stayed; it’s charming, often has film-era photos and local color, and is a real jump-off point for Marfa history and storytelling.
- El Cosmico — quirky, campy lodging and cultural hub with yurts, vintage trailers, and tents; even if you don’t sleep there, the vibe, communal fire circles, and occasional events capture Marfa’s offbeat hospitality.
- Ballroom Marfa — contemporary art space in town that programs rotating exhibitions, talks, and film; it’s a great place to see current work tied to Marfa’s art scene without leaving downtown.
- Crowley Theater — an old-school, beautifully restored theater that hosts films, live performances, and community events; it’s one of the best ways to feel local life and catch a cool show.
- Presidio County Courthouse — the downtown clocktower/courthouse dominates the square; you can walk around it, admire the architecture, and get good photo angles of the town from near the roofline and plaza.
- Blackwell School Cultural and Community Center — an essential, small but powerful museum and site of Chicano civil-rights history; visiting gives real context to the region’s social history beyond the art world.
- Marfa Book Company — tiny, independent bookstore with an artful selection of books, local zines, and a friendly vibe; perfect for a slow browse and to take a piece of Marfa reading home.
- Lost Horse Saloon — a classic bar with live music, strong drinks, and desert-town character; it’s where locals and visitors converge and you’ll hear good stories and often live Texas tunes.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
Best Backpacking
.jpg)
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.