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Activities to Explore in Marfa, Texas: Top 12 Must-Sees

Exploring the eccentric charm of Marfa, Texas, uncovers a variety of cultural attractions and breathtaking landscapes. Check out these top activities in Marfa, Texas, from perusing art galleries to admiring the vast skies and scenic mountain vistas.

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Unmissable Activities in Marfa, Texas: Top 12 Recommendations
Unmissable Activities in Marfa, Texas: Top 12 Recommendations

Activities to Explore in Marfa, Texas: Top 12 Must-Sees

Discover the Big Bend region of Texas with this list of family-friendly activities that offer a mix of history, nature, art, and outdoor adventures.

Marfa

  1. Marfa Mystery Lights Viewing: Witness the enigmatic lights northwest of town, an intriguing natural phenomenon great for families in the evening.
  2. Magical Marfa Scavenger Hunt: Embark on a fun interactive scavenger hunt through the town, exploring art and landmarks suitable for kids and adults alike.
  3. Art Galleries and Outdoor Installations: Marfa is known for its vibrant art scene; families can enjoy kid-friendly installations and galleries throughout town.
  4. Camping near Marfa: Try family-friendly campgrounds like Tumble In RV Park or Lost Alaskan RV Park in nearby Alpine, offering spacious sites with facilities.
  5. Visit McDonald Observatory (nearby Fort Davis): A day trip from Marfa where families can enjoy astronomy programs and star viewing (great educational outing).

Dining in Marfa

Marfa's dining scene is noted for its quality and variety, with options open even during holidays like Christmas Eve. While specific restaurant names aren't mentioned in the search results, Pizza Foundation, LaVenture at Hotel Saint George, Jett's Grill at the Hotel Paisano, Cochineal, and Food Shark are some of the favourite Marfa restaurants for takeout or dining.

Fort Davis

  1. Fort Davis National Historic Site: Explore restored 1880s military buildings and enjoy a junior ranger program designed for kids to learn about history interactively. The trails are wheelchair accessible, and there is bird watching with over 150 species recorded.
  2. Bird Watching at Fort Davis National Historic Site: An easy, accessible bird-watching activity where kids can spot various species.
  3. Self-Guided Walking Tour at the Fort: Learn about frontier military life at your own pace, with interpretive signs and living history demonstrations during some seasons.

Alpine

  1. Nature and Camping: Davis Mountain RV Park in Fort Davis and Lost Alaskan RV Park near Alpine provide clean camping facilities for families who enjoy the outdoors.
  2. Exploring Alpine’s Small Town Charm and Local Parks: Enjoy local parks, family-friendly eateries, and small shops in Alpine.

Dining in Alpine and Fort Davis

Dining options generally include family-friendly restaurants and cafes close to historic sites and campgrounds, often serving Texan and Southwestern cuisine.

For more specific restaurant recommendations, including highly rated family-friendly places, it might be advisable to check the latest local guides or platforms like TripAdvisor or Yelp for current popular spots.

  • The Indian Lodge Loop trail in the Davis Mountain State Park is a challenging 2.5-mile hike with rocky steep inclines and declines, offering breathtaking mountain views and a view of the McDonald Observatory.
  • The Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center features hiking trails, a cactus museum collection, and a replica of a 19th Century silver mine. Entry is $6.50 for adults, with children 12 and under free.
  • Balmorhea State Park is about a 50-minute drive from Marfa. It's an oasis in the high desert, home to the largest spring-fed swimming pool in the world.
  • The Madera Canyon Trail is a stop on the scenic loop drive, offering a picnic spot with stunning views.
  • Ballroom Marfa is a contemporary art and performance space in Marfa, Texas, with rotating exhibits and performances, open from 11am-6pm Wednesday-Saturday, and admission is free.
  • Big Bend National Park is 1.5 hours from Marfa and offers a variety of activities for multiple days of exploration.
  • Prada Marfa is a permanent art installation 26 miles northwest of Marfa, but may not impress younger visitors.
  • Balmorhea State Park is an oasis in the high desert, home to the largest spring-fed swimming pool in the world.
  • Fort Davis is a national historic site, originally built as a frontier military post in the American Southwest. Entry is $20 per vehicle.
  • El Cosmico in Marfa, Texas, offers unique and quirky accommodations, including teepees, for those who enjoy camping.
  • The Davis Mountain State Park, 30 minutes west of Marfa, offers beautiful hikes for families with children. The park's entry fee is $6 per person 13 years and older.
  • Frama coffee is part of a laundry mat in Marfa, and it's a popular destination for a bike ride, offering takeout coffee, muffins, and ice cream.
  • The Marfa Stone House is located in a way that makes it easy to explore Marfa via bike or foot. The house rental comes with 2 adult bikes, and it is recommended to bring bikes or scooters for children. The house has a backyard with a chiminea and a large picnic table for outdoor dining.
  • Clayton's Overlook at the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center offers a 360-degree view of the area.
  • Hancock Hill Hike offers a 1.5-hour round-trip hike with views of Alpine, a bike tree, and an old desk full of notebooks.
  • The official Marfa Lights viewing area is located 9 miles east of town on Highway 90, towards Alpine. The Marfa Lights are a must-see, with distant glowing orbs appearing at dusk.
  • McDonald Observatory offers 90-minute guided daytime tours, but no hands-on access to telescopes. Bring quarters for the paid telescopes at McDonald Observatory's Mt. Locke and Mt. Fowlkes.
  • The scenic loop drive around Fort Davis includes breathtaking views of Mt. Livermore, Sawtooth Mountain, and the Sierra Viejo Mountains.
  • The Marfa Stone House is 1 block away from the local elementary school, providing easy access to the playground in the evenings.

These activities offer historical, natural, artistic, and outdoor experiences suitable for families traveling in the Big Bend region of Texas. The accessibility and junior ranger programs at Fort Davis National Historic Site stand out as particularly family-friendly educational activities. Camping sites near these towns enhance the experience for families wanting to stay close to nature. The Marfa Mystery Lights and local scavenger hunts add a unique, engaging adventure for all ages.

  1. Shopping for Souvenirs: After exploring the Big Bend region, families can visit small shops in Alpine to purchase mementos of their trip, such as artisanal food products, home decor, and unique lifestyle items.
  2. Discovering Food-and-Drink Establishments: In addition to the recommended dining spots in Marfa and Alpine mentioned earlier, families can also explore local food trucks, food-and-drink markets, and coffee shops offering traditional food-and-drink options.
  3. Enjoying Garden and Patio Stores: The Big Bend region boasts several garden stores selling flowers, plants, and outdoor furniture. Families can find home-and-garden items that enhance the beauty of their outdoor spaces back home.
  4. Book a Travel Guide: For a personalized travel experience, families can hire a local travel guide who offers insightful recommendations, driving tours, and historical context about each destination, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the Big Bend region.

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