How to have a not-so-ordinary honeymoon in Marfa, Texas

We've talked about honeymooning tips for Aruba, Tulum, and trans-friendly locations. Now let's talk tips for honeymooning in Marfa, Texas, of all places!

Marfa is home to a wide variety of incredible modern art installations, eclectic food offerings, and a cozy retro retreat. This tiny — and super remote — destination in West Texas is the perfect getaway locale for couples in search of that not-so-ordinary honeymoon.

Where to stay

Get away from it all at El Cosmico — an 18-acre rural retreat featuring 14 hotel rooms set within safari tents, traditional Sioux teepees, and renovated vintage trailers. If you’re seeking a little adventure and simple relaxation, this is truly an ideal spot to drop your bags.

The property also stands out with a hammock grove, an outdoor kitchen and dining area, a community lounge and mercantile, and loaner bikes for exploring town. Couples can even rent a wood-fired hot tub, ideal for romantic nights under the stars.

Where to eat

Dig in to New York-style pizza at Pizza Foundation, located inside an old gas station at the only stoplight in Marfa. The thin-crust, hand-tossed pizza is made entirely from scratch and often incorporates ingredients produced by local farmers. Go with their specialty margherita pie or choose from delicious toppings such as Canadian bacon, jalapeños, and roasted garlic.

Don’t miss an upscale dinner at Cochineal. Featuring a top-notch cocktail menu, 40-seat courtyard, an extensive wine list, on-site vegetable garden, and ever-changing menu, this acclaimed restaurant is a terrific choice for that ultimate honeymoon splurge meal. Previous mouth-watering menu offerings have included the likes of Chilaquiles (a traditional Mexican casserole dish), Mesquite Grilled Texas Quail, and a Tequila Old Fashioned.

What to see

In recent years, Marfa has emerged as a contemporary arts mecca thanks to acclaimed artist Donald Judd, who moved to the small town from New York in the 1970s. Ever since, the town has been a magnet for artists and other creatives.

Must-see sites include…

• The Chinati Foundation, an art museum inspired by the ideas of Judd.
• Ballroom Marfa, an eclectic cultural arts space housed within a converted dance hall,
• Prada Marfa, a faux-boutique Prada store set in the middle of the desolate West Texas desert.
• If you can swing it, plan your honeymoon trip during the Trans-Pecos Festival of Music + Love, which takes place every fall. The festival boasts an impressive music lineup, a marketplace, and even arts and crafts workshops.

Where to explore

Less than a two-hour drive from Marfa, Big Bend National Park makes for a worthwhile detour. The massive park (it’s actually bigger than the state of Rhode Island!) protects a large expanse of Chihuahuan desert, and features everything from undulating mountains to the incredibly scenic Rio Grande Valley.

With over 200 miles of trails, it’s a fabulous destination for hiking. Start with the 4.8-mile Lost Mine Trail, which offers outstanding views of notable wonders like Juniper Canyon and the Sierra del Carmen in Mexico. Other popular activities include horseback riding and float trips down the Rio Grande. Want to spend more than a day exploring? Book a room at Chisos Mountains Lodge, nestled within the Chisos Mountains.

Anyone else have Marfa honeymoon tips? Leave 'em in the comments!