1. Exploring Marfa on a Walk
Go for a morning walk while it is still cool outside. The neighborhood streets of this small town are worth exploring. Old abandoned adobe houses are falling down next to remodeled cottages that are second or even third homes for the wealthy. It doesn’t really matter where you walk…just leave your hotel or rented house and start exploring. End up at The Sentinel or Marfa Burrito for coffee and breakfast. Morning walks are my must-do activity in Marfa…well, besides eating at all the wonderful restaurants.
2. Presidio County Courthouse
Mondays-Fridays 8 am – Noon; 1 -4 pm. 300 Highland Street. Marfa is the Presidio County seat and this is an active, working courthouse. This Second Empire style building set in the courtyard square was renovated in 2001-2002. The exterior is covered in pink stucco and the octagonal dome is topped with a Lady Justice statue that is famously missing her scales. The interior features a central rotunda, beautiful woodwork, and a large old-fashioned courtroom. I recommend that visitors climb all the stairs to the top cupola for 360-views of this quirky community and the surrounding high plains desert. On my most recent visit to Marfa, I toured the inside of the courthouse for the first time and it was my favorite experience that trip.
3. Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church
Services on Sundays at 9 am. 101 E Washington Street. Sometimes open on other days, just try the sanctuary doors. I’ve been lucky enough to pass by a couple of different times when the priest was there and he has allowed us to tour the sanctuary. Once, he even let me bring my dog inside when we were on a morning walk. Just north of the courtyard square, this river rock church has a beautiful sanctuary that seats 100 and a large parish hall. I appreciate the beautiful stained glass windows, art, and interior of the building. The original church was established in the 1880s, first meeting in a home and then in an adobe structure located where the Hotel Paisano now stands. The current Gothic Revival building was completed in 1930. There is a Texas Historic Landmark plaque outside highlighting the founders of the church and construction of the building. The church seems well-known for its hospitality and welcoming attitude. I plan on attending a Sunday service the next time I am in Marfa.
Tuesdays to Sundays 10 am The Block tour and 1 pm The Studios tour. $30 adult; $17 students or seniors; free for Presidio, Brewster, and Jeff Davis County residents. These often sell out, so book online in advance. My advice is to bring a bottle of water and wear comfortable walking shoes. Each tour is about 2 hours long and visitors must be at least 12 years old. No photography or bags/purses allowed. Click here to reserve a spot.
Marfa is a magnet for modern minimalist art and was put on the map by Donald Judd. There are two foundations dedicated to his art in Marfa, the Judd Foundation and the Chinati Foundation. True modern art lovers will enjoy the Chinati Foundation tours, whereas those with a love of history and architecture will prefer the Judd Foundation tours. The mission of the Judd Foundation is to maintain and preserve Donald Judd’s permanently installed living and working spaces, libraries, archives in New York City and Marfa Texas.
In Marfa, the Judd Foundation offers two guided walking tours for The Block and The Studios. If you are a huge Donald Judd fan, you should do both of these. But even if you have no idea who Donald Judd is and even if you don’t like modern minimalist art, you should sign up for one of these. It’s a great orientation to why so many people visit Marfa. If you are ever in New York City, Donald Judd’s residence and studio at 101 Spring Street is also open for tours.
5. Shopping
Yes, there are many other shops in town. This is a curated collection of my favorites.
Cactus Liquors
Mondays to Saturdays 11 am – 9 pm. 405 S Highland Avenue. It’s a plant store and a liquor store. “Selling alcohol supports my plant problem.” – Faith Gay, owner. They have an amazing selection, especially tequila, mezcal, and sotol plus wine, beer, and anything else (and, then some) you might be looking for here. Plus, they have a really nice selection of succulents, annuals, perennials, and garden supplies. And, fresh produce and cut flowers! Follow on Instagram
Marfa Brand Soap Company
Thursdays & Fridays Noon – 5 pm; Saturdays 10 am – 5 pm; Sunday 10 am – 1 pm. 213 S Dean Street. Handmade soaps and fun products and decor. Scents such as Rosemary Peppermint, Texas Cedar & Lavender, Yucca Root with Sage and Eucalyptus, Bergamot Grapefruit with Lemon Peel and Earl Grey Tea, and Campfire have the shop smelling divine.
Shops at Hotel Paisano
Mondays to Saturdays 9 am – 5 pm. 207 N Highland Avenue. Several rooms with a clothes boutique, gift shop, and art gallery. One of the best places to find a travel souvenir or a gift. Definitely check out the hotel lobby, courtyard, bar, and shops.
Marfa Mood Mercantile
Wednesdays to Saturdays 10 am – 5 pm. 301 W El Paso Street. Entrance is in the alley. Local art, gifts, and jewelry. The owner is super friendly and the store is dog friendly. They even donate to animal shelters as part of every purchase.
Love, Marfa
Wednesdays to Saturdays 11 am – 4 pm. 207 S Highland Avenue. Tiny shop with custom stickers and artworks.
Wrong
Tuesdays to Saturdays Noon – 5 pm; Sundays 1 – 5 pm. 110 Highland Street. Quirky store and gallery in the main downtown area of Marfa.
Marfa Book Company
Fridays & Saturdays 1 – 6 pm. 300 S Kelly Street. They are closed for all of 2026 except during special events. Located in a renovated adobe, the Marfa Book Company has a great collection of art, poetry, and eclectic books. The owner Tim Johnson is knowledgeable on many topics, including the region. He is a driving force behind Marfa’s Agave Festival in the summer. Follow on Instagram.
The Get Go
Mondays to Saturdays 10 am – 9 pm; Sundays 10 am – 6 pm. 208 S Dean Street. Local indie grocery store with high quality foods including lots of vegan and gluten free options. It’s a neat place to browse and grab some food items during your stay. I was a little put off by no prices listed anywhere. But, hey, you’re on vacation…so, get what you want. Follow on Instagram.
Lowe’s Market
Mondays to Saturdays 7 am – 9 pm; Sundays 7 am – 8 pm. 717 W San Antonio Street. This is a typical small grocery store chain for essentials.
Dollar General
Everyday 8 am – 10 pm. 501 E San Antonio Street. Stays open later than anywhere else. DG has everyday essentials.
6. Art Galleries
Ballroom Marfa
Wednesdays to Saturdays 11 am – 6 pm; Sundays 11 am – 3 pm. 108 E San Antonio Street. Free changing exhibitions by modern artists in a restored 1920s ballroom. Shows are site-specific and site-inspired commissions by this non-collecting contemporary art museum. Be sure to visit the permanent sculptural art installation of Prada Marfa 26 miles west of town. Also, there’s a parody art installation of the “World’s Smallest Buc-ee’s” between Marathon and Sanderson that is worth stopping for a photo op.
Marfa Studio of Arts
Wednesdays to Saturdays 12 -5 pm. 106 E San Antonio Street. Community-based nonprofit providing in-school art programs for children and young adults. I like to buy something here every visit to support this organization. Plus, they have good art and fun merchandise!
RULE Gallery
Wednesdays to Saturdays 11 am – 5 pm. 204 E San Antonio Street. Contemporary art gallery based in Marfa and Denver.
Ayn Foundation Marfa
Fridays & Saturdays 12 – 5 pm. 107-109 Highland Street. Free exhibition space housing Andy Warhol’s The Last Supper, as well as other artists. The last few times I have been in Marfa this space has been closed, which is really unfortunate. It’s worth walking by to see if the space is open. Good luck!
Wednesdays to Sundays 9 am – 5 pm. Guided walking tours begin at the Visitor Center at 1 Cavalry Row. These often sell out, so book online in advance. My advice is to bring a bottle of water and wear comfortable walking shoes. No photography or bags/purses allowed. Click to book a tour.
So, I’m not mis-spelling that…it isn’t the Italian wine, but named after the nearby Chinati Mountains. The name derives from an Apache word for “mountain pass”. In 1986, artist Donald Judd established the Chinati Foundation as a site for the permanent installation of large-scale works of art. Judd believed that the placement of a work of art was as critical to its understanding as the work itself. So, with support from the Dia Art Foundation, he bought and transformed the former 340-acre Fort D.A. Russell. In addition to the historic fort buildings, the Chinati Foundation also maintains the John Chamberlain Building in downtown Marfa — all with large-scale art installations by 13 artists. Judd’s goal was a museum with exhibition space that united art, buildings, and the natural environment.
On Your Own (Free) Donald Judd’s 15 untitled works in concrete are available for viewing and exploring on your own from 9 am – 5 pm. There is a maintained path across from the Visitor Center. The front desk will answer any questions you might have, plus they have a water station and clean bathrooms. The Visitor Center also sells books and a small collection of merchandise.
Focus Guided Tour ($15) visits Judd’s 100 untitled works in mill aluminum and any special exhibitions. Typically offered at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm, guided tours walk about 1 mile and last 1.5 hours. This is the best tour for the uninitiated, i.e. you have no idea who Donald Judd is and you’ve never been here before.
Selections Guided Tour ($25) visits Judd’s 100 untitled works in mill aluminum, Dan Flavin’s untitled Marfa project, Robert Irwin’s untitled dawn to dusk, and the John Chamberlain Building. Typically offered at 10 am and 2 pm, guided tours walk 2 miles and last 3 hours. I’ve done it, but not sure I would do it again.
Full Collection Guided Tour ($35) visits all available installations in Chinati’s collection, including the John Chamberlain building in downtown Marfa, and any current special exhibitions. Typically starting at 9:30 am, guided tours walk over 2.5 miles and last 5 hours with a lunch break on your own. This is for the true minimalist art fanatic. I have yet to endure this tour.
Honestly, I wish the Chinati Foundation would change how they organize their tours. My favorite installations that I’ve seen are Donald Judd’s 100 untitled works in mill aluminum and Robert Irwin’s untitled dawn to dusk, as well as some very interesting temporary exhibitions. But, anything over an hour with a group of people you don’t know admiring minimalist art is really just too long for me. Really, even the Focus Tour is too long. I wish the Chinati Foundation would do separate tours to each installation/exhibition. Let people pick and choose.
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