A survey of unusual vacation lodges in the state shows a dizzying variety of concepts, experiences, and, well, shapes out there. Bubbles, shipping containers, treehouses, tents, trailers, railroad cars—if there’s a way to make the place you’re staying for the night more intriguing, innovative Texans have found a way. These locations have enough personality to carry an entire trip, transporting you every bit as much as the attractions around them do.

Basecamp Terlingua & Bubble Terlingua

Basecamp Terlingua, a lodging spot near Big Bend National Park, added two bubbles to its portfolio in 2018. These futuristic, inflatable orbs resemble the visored head of a cartoon astronaut, and have a cool echo inside to boost the sci-fi vibes. Five more bubbles have popped up at the camp, and at a newer nearby 10-bubble complex, you can relax with a dip in a serene, rectangular pool stretching 80 feet. Enjoy your bubble’s hotel-standard amenities, or soak in a hot tub of one of the newer models, while you watch burgers sizzle away on provided barbecue grills, luxuriate in the atmosphere of fire pits, and take in the endless sea of stars on outdoor seating. Enjoy unobstructed views here and at nearby Terlingua Ranch, the worlds largest international Dark Sky Reserve.

Missing Hotel

Tucked away in the Hill Country near the city of Marble Falls, the Missing Hotel might be the closest thing Star Wars fans will ever find to the planet Endor. Dotting the lush, green treetops are six kinds of geodesic domes and various villas where guests can immerse themselves in nature. Each dome comes with standard hotel amenities. Imagine beginning your morning on your outdoor deck followed by a dip in the hot tub or pool. These spacious domes span across 10 acres of lodging, surrounded by 100 acres of natural reserve where guests are free to hike and commune with the forest. But perhaps the biggest perk of Missing Hotel is the generous panoramic views.  At 1,000 feet above sea level, sunsets and starry nights are that much sweeter.

FlopHouze Shipping Container Hotel

The FlopHouze Shipping Container Hotel, midway between Austin and Houston in Round Top, offers an artistic and sustainable twist on both architecture and hospitality. The place features six shipping containers converted into kitschy-cool abodes, each embodying a light, fun blend of industrial and rustic. Bright colors, retro touches, and cubist art bedeck the walls, and the broad side of each has a window with sweeping views of the surrounding plains. The immersive decor will capture your attention, as will the curiosity showroom and store nearby. Here, you can find items as diverse as animal skulls, steel aircraft parts, and Gothic chandeliers—a mere sampler of what’s to come if you’re in town for the biannual Original Round Top Antiques Fair.

Wahwahtaysee Resort

Luxury safari tents custom made in South Africa dot the land at Wahwahtaysee Resort in Kingsbury, a small town northeast of San Antonio. Looking more like small homes with windows and hardwood floors, seven of these 630-square-foot dwellings dot the resort’s 100 acres. Stocked with amenities, resort guests can watch time slow down from their sitting rooms or spend time on the San Marcos River. There you can float peacefully or try your luck at fly-fishing. There are also fishing holes right on the property. When you’re not basking in luxury, explore the lush grounds and surrounding towns. Fun experiences await at nearby historic Gruene Hall, the state’s oldest dance hall; Schlitterbahn Waterpark; and the world famous barbecue destination city of Lockhart.

El Cosmico

Since 2006, El Cosmico in Marfa has been the gold standard in unorthodox luxury stays. The boho-chic glamping site features trailers, tipis, yurts, safari tents, and more, where you can lay your head down in impeccable style and close to nature. The lodges come in a range of vivid colors and sizes with ever-expanding sets of amenities. The Cosmic Kasita, a custom micro-home, resembles a sleek, mirrored cube on the outside and an artist’s retreat on the inside. While you’re in Marfa, make sure to check out the expansive Texas dark sky filled with thousands of stars. Also look out across the horizon for those mysterious Marfa lights. There are also interesting art installations to explore, from the home of renowned minimalist artist Donald Judd to the collections at the Chinati Foundation. When you are ready for drinks in a lively atmosphere, try Planet Marfa for its outdoor bar and live music. Or stop into Marfa Spirit Co., where they make Sotol, before tucking into dinner at gourmand-approved Restaurant Cochineal.

These unique accommodations make their own kind of memories, offering plenty of fun and conversation when you get back home.

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