Marfa, Texas

Set amid the high desert plains of West Texas, Marfa fuses minimalist art with small-town charm. Once a ranching and railroad hub, it now draws creatives, stargazers, and curious travelers seeking wide-open skies, curious installations, and a distinctly offbeat, desert-chic atmosphere.

MUST-DO CHECKLIST

• Visit the Chinati Foundation – Explore Donald Judd’s large-scale installations and minimalist works spread across 340 acres, blending art, architecture, and the desert landscape.
• Snap a Photo at Prada Marfa – Drive 26 miles to Valentine to see this full-scale faux Prada boutique standing alone in the vast desert.
• Search for the Marfa Mystery Lights – Head to the official viewing area east of town to watch for the eerie, unexplained orbs glowing across the desert night sky.
• Explore Indoor Galleries and Outdoor Art – Stroll contemporary art spaces like Ballroom Marfa and seek out vibrant public works, including the Frida Kahlo and Giant Marfa murals.
• Stay Somewhere Iconic – Sleep at the Hotel Paisano, which has hosted the likes of James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor, or choose the midcentury-modern charm of the Thunderbird Hotel.

Recommended Reading: Marfa Modern: Artistic Interiors of the West Texas High Desert showcases 21 homes that reflect Marfa’s blend of art, architecture, and desert landscape. This book offers a vivid look at how creativity shapes life in this remarkable Texas town.

Photo Credit: Mick Haupt/Unsplash