San Marcos Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
San Marcos showing a river or creek
Whether you attend a Texas State University sporting event or spend a day exploring the San Marcos River, this town displays Texan charm at its best.

San Marcos, a town in the heart of Texas Hill Country, may be small, but it packs a big punch. Visit to find out what makes it so popular among visitors. Explore its natural wonders or take advantage of its lively cultural scene.

Begin your visit at the San Marcos Tourist Information Center, located in the heart of town. Find out what attractions and special events await you in San Marcos.

The beautiful San Marcos River runs through the town. Take advantage of all the recreational opportunities it offers. Enjoy a lazy tubing ride, go kayaking or take a dip in the crystal clear water.

Learn about the area’s unique natural surroundings at the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment. Peek below the surface of the San Marcos River on a unique glass-bottom boat ride.

Tour a spooky cave formed by an earthquake along the Balcones Fault Line in Wonder World Park. Go on a train ride through the Texas Wildlife Petting Park, where you can feed and interact with deer and other friendly animals.

Become a Bobcat for the weekend. Although the feline variety prefers forests to football games, the mascot of Texas State University pervades San Marcos. Attend a NCAA Division I sporting event or check out the art exhibitions in the University Galleries.

Discover the legacy of San Marcos’ most famous resident at the LBJ Museum. Lyndon Baines Johnson, the 36th president of the United States, lived in town while he was a student at Texas State University. Learn about Johnson’s experiences in Texas and find out how they contributed to his successes later in life.

Bring your sunglasses to San Marcos. Although it does get chilly during the winter, the average temperature remains well above freezing and the sun shines 275 days out of the year on average.

Shop and dine your way through downtown San Marcos. If your visit leaves you wanting even more Texan charm, head to Austin, about a 30-minute drive north. Explore the culture and history of the state’s trendy capital city.

Where to stay in San Marcos

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Rio Vista

While visiting Rio Vista, you might make a stop by sights like Rio Vista Park and San Marcos River.

Rio Vista
San Marcos which includes a statue or sculpture

Downtown San Marcos

While visiting Downtown San Marcos, you might make a stop by sights like San Marcos River and Texas Music Theater.

Downtown San Marcos
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Dunbar

While visiting Dunbar, you might make a stop by sights like Dunbar Park and Calaboose African American History Museum.

Dunbar
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Heritage

While visiting Heritage, you might make a stop by sights like Wonder World and Witliff Collections.

Heritage
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Westover

While there might not be top attractions in Westover, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Wonder World and San Marcos River.

Westover
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Millview East

While there might not be top attractions in Millview East, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Bobcat Stadium and Aquarena Center.

Millview East
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham San Marcos
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham San Marcos
2.5 out of 5
1619 N I 35, San Marcos, TX
The price is NZ$124 per night from 13 Jun to 14 Jun
NZ$124
per night
13 Jun - 14 Jun
Stay at this motel in San Marcos. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
6.6/10 (1,005 reviews)
"Easy access to our room. Accommodation for my handicap mother was great."

Reviewed on 4 May 2024

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham San Marcos
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Marcos Outlet Mall
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Marcos Outlet Mall
2.5 out of 5
111 Centerpoint Ct, San Marcos, TX
The price is NZ$173 per night from 1 Jul to 2 Jul
NZ$173
per night
1 Jul - 2 Jul
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Marcos. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,560 reviews)
"Great stay !"

Reviewed on 4 Jun. 2024

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Marcos Outlet Mall
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos Hotel Conference Center
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos Hotel Conference Center
3.5 out of 5
1001 E Mccarty Ln, San Marcos, TX
The price is NZ$264 per night from 25 Jun to 26 Jun
NZ$264
per night
25 Jun - 26 Jun
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in San Marcos. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness center, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,011 reviews)
"We liked the large sized rooms and the amenities."

Reviewed on 3 Jun. 2024

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos Hotel Conference Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Son's River Ranch Glamping Cabin 32
Son's River Ranch Glamping Cabin 32
3 out of 5
1400 Sherrill Rd, Kingsbury, TX
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Kingsbury. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area.
Son's River Ranch Glamping Cabin 32
Studio 6 Buda, TX
Studio 6 Buda, TX
2 out of 5
5163 Overpass Rd, Buda, TX
Stay at this aparthotel in Buda. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Stagecoach ...
7.2/10 Good! (634 reviews)
"Easy parking at this property. Easy to access."

Reviewed on 10 May 2024

Studio 6 Buda, TX
7A Ranch
7A Ranch
3.5 out of 5
333 Wayside Drive, Wimberley, TX
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in Wimberley. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Blue Hole Regional Park and Jack Glover's Cowboy ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (102 reviews)
"Very relaxing for us, newly weds."

Reviewed on 12 May 2024

7A Ranch
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of San Marcos

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1
" "5 - Excellent 33.333333333333336%
4 - Good
1
" "4 - Good 33.333333333333336%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 33.333333333333336%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

No

3/5 - Okay

Susy

As I had researched, nothing much to do in the area except shop. There are a lot of fast food places, not many or any restaurants.

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