Love is in the Texas air, whether it’s a night out with a partner, a trip with friends or even a solo escape. For couples looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day differently, a quick getaway to one of Texas’ smaller towns is becoming an increasingly popular choice.
A new survey from travel company Exoticca asked 3,012 couples nationwide where they would most like to spend a romantic Valentine’s escape and the results show that smaller Texas towns are climbing the ranks.
The Parada Marfa art installation in Marfa, Texas. (Icon Global)
In the survey, Alpine ranked No. 26 nationally, Marfa came in at No. 51 and Wimberley earned the No. 111 spot, putting these Texas towns among the country’s most sought-after cozy Valentine’s destinations.
Alpine sits in West Texas near Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park, offering couples a mix of outdoor adventure and small-town charm. The “Hub of the Big Bend” blends ranching history with a vibrant arts scene, including murals, galleries and live music, alongside quirky attractions like Kokernot Field and historic saddle shops. Its high-elevation setting and dark skies make stargazing unforgettable.
Drone shot of Alpine, Texas, a small city in the Big Bend region of West Texas on a clear day in early spring. (Getty Images/ halbergman)
Marfa is a desert oasis where stark landscapes meet world-class art and small-town character. Couples can explore minimalist installations at the Chinati Foundation, which was established by artist Donald Judd, visit the surreal Prada Marfa or shop at locally-owned boutiques. With access to Big Bend vistas and the largest international dark sky preserve, Marfa combines art, history and desert scenery for a memorable escape.
Wimberley, in the Texas Hill Country between Austin and San Antonio, is known for natural attractions like Blue Hole Regional Park and Jacob’s Well, as well as Wimberley Square with boutique shopping, dining and a lively arts community. Scenic trails, waterways and vistas make it an ideal spot to relax, while its small-town charm and proximity to two major cities keep it accessible.
The Cypress Creek Nature Preserve, located in downtown Wimberley, was made into a public space when the town was first incorporated 25 years ago. The city purchased the land to protect it from being developed on. Today, the park serves as a space for residents and tourists to hike, picnic and play. (Jill Ament for MySA)
While no Texas towns cracked the national top 25, they rank alongside other small towns celebrated for unique winter-focused getaways, including Lake Placid and Aurora, New York; Ouray, Colorado; Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Taos, New Mexico.
Alpine, Texas. (Getty Images)
This article originally published at Three Texas towns rank among America’s best Valentine’s getaways.