San Marcos, TX

Travel Guide

A street lined with historic buildings, a bench, and a tree.
A rock partially submerged in flowing water.
A red building with a sign reading "Hays Finance Corporation" and a parking lot with cars.
A waterfall cascading over rocks.
A serene lake surrounded by lush green trees and a large tree trunk on the left.
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

Find the best San Marcos areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about San Marcos
Learn more about San Marcos

Downtown San Marcos

If you're spending some time in Downtown San Marcos, San Marcos River and Hays County Historic Courthouse are top sights worth seeing.

Rio Vista

While Rio Vista might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like San Marcos River and Strahan Coliseum.

Dunbar

When in Dunbar, you can plan a visit to Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park and San Marcos River, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Heritage

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

Millview East

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

LivAway Suites Austin San Marcos

LivAway Suites Austin San Marcos

2 out of 5
1550 River Rd San Marcos TX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥11,820 per night from Nov 9 to Nov 10
¥11,820
¥13,593 total
Nov 9 - Nov 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in San Marcos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions San Marcos Premium Outlets and Bobcat Ballpark are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (492 reviews)
"Alesandra was so polite and kind! Will definitely stay again."

Reviewed on Nov 5, 2026

LivAway Suites Austin San Marcos
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Marcos Outlet Mall

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Marcos Outlet Mall

3 out of 5
111 Centerpoint Ct San Marcos TX
The price is ¥14,725 per night from Nov 29 to Nov 30
¥14,725
¥16,933 total
Nov 29 - Nov 30
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Marcos. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Marcos Outlet Mall
Motel 6 San Marcos, TX

Motel 6 San Marcos, TX

2 out of 5
1321 North I-35 San Marcos TX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥7,717 per night from Nov 9 to Nov 10
¥7,717
¥8,875 total
Nov 9 - Nov 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in San Marcos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
Motel 6 San Marcos, TX
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.
1 King Bed|NS| Kitchen

1 King Bed|NS| Kitchen

San Marcos TX
Stay at this apartment in San Marcos. Enjoy free WiFi, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Blanco Shoals Natural Area ...
1 King Bed|NS| Kitchen
Experience a sunrise you never forget from the deck at the House on Cox Hill

Experience a sunrise you never forget from the deck at the House on Cox Hill

San Marcos TX
Stay at this vacation home in San Marcos. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Five Mile Dam Park and Randall ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (110 reviews)
"Suited our purposes perfectly. Had a great mini-family/friend reunion and an excellent staging point for the texas state football game. Both a scenic and easily accessible rural location and close enough to easily visit San Marcos."

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2026

Experience a sunrise you never forget from the deck at the House on Cox Hill
San Marcos 5BR | Private Pool, Gym, Fire Pit, Walk to TXST, Sleeps 12

San Marcos 5BR | Private Pool, Gym, Fire Pit, Walk to TXST, Sleeps 12

San Marcos TX
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in San Marcos. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a water park. Popular attractions San Marcos Premium Outlets ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (20 reviews)
"This place is so cool! Fabulous living area and kitchen space. It is a multi level home, but thoughtfully equipped with retractable gates to keep toddlers safe. Great bedrooms and baths. We traveled in the fall so didn’t use the beautiful pool, but we enjoyed the outdoor living area. Highly ..."

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2026

San Marcos 5BR | Private Pool, Gym, Fire Pit, Walk to TXST, Sleeps 12
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.

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