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All the United States Texas Marfa

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Marfa

12 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Marfa, Texas

Updated July 8, 2025
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Unusual Attractions in Marfa

Prada Marfa.

Valentine, Texas

Prada Marfa

A Prada store in the West Texas desert that is never open for business.

Marfa, Texas

Marfa Lights

Mysterious glowing orbs float through the desert night.
Stardust Motel sign.

Marfa, Texas

Stardust Motel Sign

This old abandoned sign flickers to announce a motel that isn't even there.
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Donald Judd’s works at The Chinati Foundation.

Marfa, Texas

Chinati Foundation

Minimalist modern art on a repurposed military base in rural Texas.
Wrong Store

Marfa, Texas

Wrong Store

This quirky outpost and gallery inside a former church is an unexpected trove of handcrafted art.
Hotel Paisano

Marfa, Texas

Hotel Paisano

A little stop along the Texas highway where Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, and James Dean stayed while shooting the 1955 film "Giant."

Marfa, Texas

The Sentinel

With print dying, this local paper keeps the lights on by doubling as a stunning cafe and cocktail bar.
See All 12 Things To Do in Marfa

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Marfa

Marfa, Texas

The Sentinel

With print dying, this local paper keeps the lights on by doubling as a stunning cafe and cocktail bar.
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Atlas Obscura Itineraries

8 Out-There Art Destinations in Texas

Sponsored by Travel Texas

A surplus of space always means a surplus of creative possibility. Texas, with its never-ending skies, wide deserts, and even bigger imaginations, takes this idea to thrilling conclusions. If you’re interested in planning an art-focused road trip, you won’t find a better destination than Texas, where one day you’ll be browsing an obsessive collection of outsider art, and the next day you’ll be walking through a hidden alley covered in umbrellas or beneath a neon skyscape. Here are eight of the most exciting art destinations in the state to inspire your mind and thrill your eyes.

View Itinerary

Explore Marfa, Texas

Art 3
Sculptures 2
Restaurants 2
Prisons 1
Hotels 1
Museums 1
Murals 1
Statues 1
Film 1
Deserts 1
Stores 1
Shops 1
Food Museums 1
Electricity 1
Optical Oddities 1
Will O Wisps And Spooklights 1
Unique Restaurants & Bars 1
Signs 1
Sculpture Gardens 1
Giant 1

Marfa Leaderboard

Places Added

  1. Jake Uitti
    2
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    1
  3. Melissa Marshall
    1
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    1
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Places Edited

  1. Jason Michael Walker
    9
  2. Darrell Powers
    5
  3. notoriousFIG
    4
  4. cait7911
    4
  5. stefaniemklett
    3

Places Visited

  1. lunarassault
    11
  2. JHV2
    10
  3. Michonne
    10
  4. dslaternv
    9
  5. Aty Trocious
    9
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Recent Marfa Activity

  • fievrealisha

    has been to ‘Sleeping Figure’

  • fievrealisha

    has been to Faith Alive Cowboy Church Radio Station

  • fievrealisha

    has been to Hotel Paisano

  • fievrealisha

    has been to Chinati Foundation

  • fievrealisha

    has been to Marfa Lights

Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
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