San Marcos, TX

Travel 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

San Marcos featuring a statue or sculpture

Downtown San Marcos

If you're spending some time in Downtown San Marcos, San Marcos River and Texas Music Theater are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown San Marcos
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Rio Vista

3/5(37 area reviews)

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

Rio Vista
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Dunbar

If you're spending some time in Dunbar, Dunbar Park and Calaboose African American History Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Dunbar
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Heritage

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

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

Heritage
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Millview East

When in Millview East, you can plan a visit to Bobcat Stadium and Aquarena Center, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Millview East
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Westover

When in Westover, you can plan a visit to Wonder World and San Marcos River, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Westover
Wingate by Wyndham San Marcos
Wingate by Wyndham San Marcos
2.5 out of 5
108 N I-35, San Marcos, TX
The price is ¥14,564 per night from May 21 to May 22
¥14,564
per night
May 21 - May 22
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Marcos. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"The check in service was great! Room is perfect!"

Reviewed on May 11, 2024

Wingate 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥15,227 per night from May 19 to May 20
¥15,227
per night
May 19 - May 20
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! (1,513 reviews)
"The staff was very friendly and helpful. The hotel was clean and beds were comfortable to sleep in. It was easy to take my dog out for walks. It is next to the outlets for convenient shopping."

Reviewed on May 12, 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥19,730 per night from May 19 to May 20
¥19,730
per night
May 19 - May 20
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! (1,004 reviews)
Clean and friendly
"This hotel was clean and staff were very friendly. Food choices for breakfast was not quite the same as most Embassy Suites weve stayed in, not a complaint, just not as many choices."

Reviewed on May 7, 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.
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! (627 reviews)
"Easy parking at this property. Easy to access."

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Studio 6 Buda, TX
7A Ranch
7A Ranch
3.5 out of 5
333 Wayside Drive, Wimberley, TX
Stay at this cabin in Wimberley. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Jack Glover's Cowboy Museum and Wimberley Zipline Adventures ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (97 reviews)
"We stayed in Megs Boarding House for my birthday weekend. Didnt help that it rained and a cold front came thru. But didnt stop us from utilizing the pool. I dont think id stay in megs boarding house again though and would definitely upgrade to a newer cabin. But glad i got to experience staying in ..."

Reviewed on May 1, 2024

7A Ranch
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 cabin in Kingsbury. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area.
Son's River Ranch Glamping Cabin 32
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

Things to do

Reviews of San Marcos

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
463
" "5 - Excellent 47.9296066252588%
4 - Good
405
" "4 - Good 41.92546583850932%
3 - Okay
83
" "3 - Okay 8.592132505175984%
2 - Disappointing
9
" "2 - Disappointing 0.9316770186335404%
1 - Terrible
6
" "1 - Terrible 0.6211180124223602%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 5, 2020

I will be visiting again soon

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 29, 2020

I love San Marcos is a beautiful place to go with you family and friends

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
May 25, 2020

Love the city itself but this I dont expect or want b to smell mold as soon as I enter a room!

4/5 - Good

Ross
May 19, 2020

Traffic intersections are a bit odd. Like some traffic engineer was told, "you can't do that"!! They said, "wanna bet"!!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
May 12, 2020

San Marcos is busy, but nearby Gruene was our destination and we greatly enjoyed it!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 11, 2020

The Sons Blue River Camp is a MUST SEE when down in San Marcos

Cities near San Marcos