Marfa, Texas had been a place on my radar for years - ever since seeing the Prada Marfa print in the van der Woodsens' apartment, in Gossip Girl years ago and reading about the town. I had always wanted to visit here, but had yet to make it - until 7 Moons Wine invited us for a weekend of glamping and wine tasting, and we jumped at the chance to finally visit.
What we found was one of the coolest little American towns we had stumbled across - a mix of middle-of-nowhere landscape, with a surprisingly urban feel. Somewhere between Palm Springs, SoHo, and small town America, Marfa is a place unlike any other - and photographs like nowhere else - read on for our breakdown of the 16 best spots to shoot and share.
Know Before you Go:
- Marfa is especially rewarding for a long weekend, but opening days vary between its galleries, shops, and restaurants. Check the places you most want to visit before choosing your dates.
- Marfa is remote: El Paso and Midland-Odessa are the main commercial-airport gateways, so allow several hours for the drive and plan to rent a car.
- El Cosmico hosted the Trans-Pecos Festival during our visit. Its original property is now closed, so check its official announcements for future events rather than relying on the old festival schedule.
- The best meals we had here were at: Cochineal (this was one of the most incredible dinners we had had anywhere - definitely not to be missed!), Jett's Grill (get the fried artichokes) and, the Food Shark truck
1. Prada Marfa
Prada Marfa is a permanent art installation, not a functioning store. It has stood near Valentine, about 30 minutes northwest of Marfa, since 2005. Photos here are both iconic and wonderfully weird.
2. El Cosmico Hotel
These photos are from our stay at the original El Cosmico, which is now closed. I have a huge soft spot for camping and anything with a summer-camp feel, and its colorful trailers, safari tents, and desert setting made it one of my favorite places to photograph. A new location is planned for 2027; check the hotel’s official site before planning a stay.
Where To Stay Nearby: Hotel Saint George - Stay in downtown Marfa, with a pool and an easy base for exploring the town’s galleries.
If glamping feels too much, Marfa’s RV parks are a solid alternative. No artsy El Cosmico flair, but you’ll get epic views, retro vibes, and that same star-filled sky. Rent or bring a camper, string up some lights, and make your own photogenic setup – enamel mugs and sunrise coffee included.
3. The Chinati Foundation
The Chinati Foundation is a contemporary art museum founded by Donald Judd and opened in 1986 on the former Fort D. A. Russell site. Its outdoor concrete works frame the desert landscape, while the collection includes Judd’s aluminum works and Dan Flavin’s colored fluorescent-light installations. Book through Chinati and check which buildings are accessible during restoration work.
What To Do Nearby: Chinati Foundation tours - Reserve directly with the museum and check current collection access before your visit.
4. The McDonald Observatory
McDonald Observatory is in the Davis Mountains near Fort Davis, roughly an hour’s drive from Marfa. Reserve a Star Party to explore the night sky through visitor telescopes; during our visit, we saw Jupiter, Saturn, and the Milky Way.
What To Do Nearby: McDonald Observatory Star Parties - Book an evening of telescope viewing in the Davis Mountains, roughly an hour from Marfa.
5. Raba Marfa
Raba is Marfa's highest recommended vintage store full of unique finds, and adjacent to one of the most popular cafes in town. Every element of both is high-design and desert chic.
6. Marfa National Bank and Brite Building
Located in town and right next to some of the Chinati Installations, the Marfa National Bank is a gorgeous, art deco, icon of the town. While this one shows just a hint of it, wide shots work here even better.
Where To Stay Nearby: The Hotel Paisano - This historic downtown hotel puts you close to Highland Street’s architecture and galleries.
7. The Food Trucks
Food Shark is Marfa's most famous food truck, but this mint-green Dirt truck, located just outside of Raba Marfa, was my favorite for photos.
8. Planet Marfa
A bar, restaurant, beer garden, and performance space, Planet Marfa was one of our favorite places to spend an evening. Check its current opening hours before heading over.
9. The Street Art
See the signage behind Brandon? We found this street art all over town - from Trash cans labeled "art" and "not art" to murals, to giant paintings warning of UFOs - hop a bike or a car and cruise around town to find them all for yourself.
10. The Night Sky
The dark skies around Marfa made the Milky Way visible during our visit. After years in NYC, that felt incredible. Bring a tripod, choose a clear moonless night, and experiment with your exposure time to photograph the stars.
11. The Open Road
All Hail West Texas - the roads here are expansive and full of old Western, big-sky Americana. Stop only in a safe, legal pull-off and keep yourself and your tripod out of the road.
12. The Sunrises
Get up early one day if you can - the desert sunrises here were absolutely unmatchable! This one is right in front of El Cosmico.
13. The Desert Architecture
For the ~vibes~. Located: literally everywhere.
14. Tumbleweed Laundry
Tumbleweed Laundry was one of our favorite coffee stops on this trip, with lavender lattes, a Scrabble-tile menu, and a colorful mural out front. These photos capture our visit; check current hours and the menu before stopping by.
15. Thunderbird Marfa
Thunderbird is a desert hotel with a gorgeous pool area, bikes, and upscale amenities - this is the place to be if glamping is not your thing.
16. ....Did I Mention El Cosmico?
These photos show the original El Cosmico property from our visit. That location is now closed; the hotel has announced plans to reopen at a new site in 2027. Scroll down for more memories from the original camp.
Get Inspired:
Roadside views from Prada Marfa
And the Real Husbands of Instagram show us how fashion is really done.
Feeling like Spice Girls at the Chinati Foundation.
Chinati Art Installations
And the Chinati Sculpture Garden
Grapevines growing at El Cosmico.
Desert Style, Cactus, and El Cosmico's famous Texas sign.
And the perfect interior of our Safari Tent
Or maybe a hot pink trailer is more your style?
Biking around town is definitely the best way to see it all - just make sure to go early morning before it gets too hot!
Sunrises along the endless highway.
Our Sunset wine party with 7 Moons Wine - with my love Officially Quigley
I was so in love with the grapevines all around the El Cosmico property!
Until next time, Texas!
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