Texas is huge, which means there are endless hotel options across the state. But you’re looking for something out-of-the-box, and maybe even a little weird you’ve come to the right place. We know where you can spend the night on a WWII aircraft carrier, up in a tree or even somewhere with a ghost or two. Read on for the scoop on the best of the best weird places to spend the night in Texas!
Amarillo – Goodnight Cabin in Palo Duro Canyon
If you’re looking to become one with the canyons, there is no better place than the Goodnight Cabin in Palo Duro. Placed inside and on the canyon itself, this cabin is made from Palo rocks with unbelievable views of this West Texas landmark. Take in some of the beautiful sunsets at your private getaway or wake up to a sunrise trail just outside your front door. No matter where you stay in Palo Duro Canyon, no place is cooler or weirder than the Goodnight Cabin!
Corpus Christi – USS Lexington
Yes, you can spend the night on the USS Lexington—an actual WWII aircraft carrier—docked in Corpus Christi Bay. The overnight stay includes a tour of the ship, a movie in the Mega Theater, two trips through the “chow line,” ghost stories, a remarkable flag ceremony, bunking in original crew quarters and more! If you’re a Harry Houdini then test out the newest attraction, Lockdown, an escape room exclusively in the museum onboard! You can also try the flight simulator to experience Screaming Eagles, where you will sit in the pilot seat of a fighter jet and try to hit every target thrown at you. The Flight Deck is the most popular attraction on board the ship – get up close to twenty different aircrafts and all their bells and whistles.
Goliad – The Quarters at Presidio La Bahia
This Spanish Colonial Mission in Goliad, Texas, welcomes you to stay the night at The Quarters. The Quarters offers a two bedroom suite complete with a living/dining area, a kitchen and a private restroom. Experience history first-hand with after hours access to the Mission’s courtyard from your backdoor. Most famous for its role in the Texas Revolution, Presidio La Bahia was the site of the Goliad Massacre, where nearly 300 men were killed under Santa Anna’s orders. So cuddle up tight and watch the candle light carefully because who knows, maybe you’ll see shadows on the wall.
Jefferson – Excelsior House
Opening its doors in the late 1850s, the Excelsior House is the oldest hotel in continuous operation in the state of Texas. Over the past century and a half they have had some very famous guests step through their doors such as Ulysses S. Grant and Lady Bird Johnson. The title of oldest hotel definitely makes it unique, but it’s not the only thing keeping things interesting – Excelsior House is allegedly haunted. Yep, haunted. Supposedly, a woman in black that is often carrying a baby and a headless man reside on the second floor. In fact, Stephen Spielberg is rumored to have stayed at the Excelsior House and had to leave in the middle of the night because the rocking chair in his room wouldn’t stop rocking. However, the most legendary spirit that haunts the Excelsior House is Diamond Bessie, a prostitute who was murdered in the woods just outside of Jefferson. Now her ghost is searching for her lost diamonds – she has been known to steal diamond rings right off the fingers of sleeping women. Thrill seekers might want to request the Jay Gould room, said to be especially haunted.
Spicewood – Cypress Valley Canopy
Cypress Valley takes treehouses to a whole new level! Hear the wonderful night time noises, watch fireflies dance across the sky and sleep high up in the canopy of your very own tree. The main cabin is on the ground, while the rooms are high above. with features that you could only dream about. Zipline through the trees and return to the nest for a good night’s sleep.
