What to do In and Out of Marfa

Marfa Day Trips and Escape Routes (You will need them.)

Everything here is within a 4-hour drive from Marfa, ideal for a same-day road trip or even a 48-hour (or longer if camping in Big Bend) getaway.

Marathon, TX

• Details:

  • Gage Hotel: Historic hotel offering luxury accommodations and fine dining. An easy day trip from Marfa where you won’t need to pack a lunch. https://gagehotel.com/

  • Gage Gardens: Beautifully landscaped gardens perfect for a leisurely stroll.

    https://gagehotel.com/experiences/at-the-gage/

  • Marathon Coffee Shop: Cozy spot for breakfast and local treats.

    https://gagehotel.com/v6-cafe/

Terlingua, TX

• Details:

  • Terlingua Ghost Town: Explore the remnants of a historic mining town. https://ghosttowntexas.com/ghosttown.html

  • Starlight Theatre: Enjoy live music and Tex-Mex cuisine in a unique setting.

    http://thestarlighttheatre.com/mobile/

  • Pro Tip: On the edge of Big Bend National Park, you can combo these two for a multi-day trip: Hiking, bird-watching, horseback riding, and some of the best photo opps you’ll ever have.

    https://www.nps.gov/bibe

El Paso, TX

• Details:

  • Note: Distance of 3+ hours makes it not exactly a day trip, but there’s more to do than just drive in from the airport.

  • El Paso Museum of Art: Features American, European, and Mexican art collections.

    https://epma.art/

  • Plaza Theatre: Historic venue hosting concerts and Broadway shows.

    https://elpasolive.com/venues/plaza-theatre

  • Costco Wholesale: For shopping needs during your trip. C’mon.

Del Rio, TX

• Details:

  • This little gem was kind of wanting before, but is now seeing a bit of an artsy revival with public murals and street art cropping up everywhere.

  • Amistad National Recreation Area: Ideal for boating, fishing, and swimming.

    https://www.nps.gov/amis

  • Whitehead Memorial Museum: Learn about local history and culture.

    https://whiteheadmuseum.org/

  • Val Verde Winery: Texas's oldest winery offering tours and tastings. https://valverdewinery.com/

Balmorhea, TX

• Details:

  • Balmorhea State Park: Home to one of the world's largest spring-fed swimming pools, perfect for a refreshing dip. Picnic, stay, stay longer. Drive home that same day.

    https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/balmorhea

Top 7 Easy Drives from Marfa

Here are the big easies as far as day trips from Marfa go, with driving distances attached. Big Bend and Terlingua would do best with all-wheel/4wd, but the others are mostly highway and can be done at a moment’s notice. Marfa’s a great jumping-off point for day trips. Imo, the most rewarding:

1. Marfa Mystery Lights (15 minutes): Hard to officially count this as a trip, but it’ll be night, and even if you stand a good chance of saying “I’m not sure I saw anything,” it’s a good stop to make if you’re driving east to Alpine on Rt. 90 past sundown. Look for the signage and viewing station along the south side of the road.

2. Prada Marfa (35 minutes): This iconic art installation in Valentine, TX, is a must-see. It's a permanently installed, non-functioning Prada store in the middle of the desert—perfect for a quick photo op.

3. Fort Davis & Davis Mountains State Park (45 minutes): Visit Fort Davis National Historic Site to explore an old military post. Davis Mountains State Park has stunning hiking trails and scenic views. Stop by the McDonald Observatory (about an hour from Marfa) for world-class stargazing.

4. Alpine, TX (25 minutes): A charming small town with a thriving arts scene. Visit the Museum of the Big Bend for regional history. Enjoy great local food and drinks, like at Reata Restaurant.

5. Big Bend National Park (2 hours): One of Texas's most breathtaking parks, known for its dramatic landscapes, hiking trails, and the Santa Elena Canyon. If 2 hours each way is too much, consider Big Bend Ranch State Park, which is slightly closer.

6. Terlingua Ghost Town (1 hour 45 minutes): A quirky, historic mining ghost town with cool desert vibes. Grab a drink at the Starlight Theatre and enjoy the views.

7. Balmorhea State Park (1 hour 45 minutes): Home to the world's largest spring-fed swimming pool, perfect for a dip on a hot day.