San Marcos, TX

Travel Guide

San Marcos
San Marcos
San Marcos
San Marcos
San Marcos
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 Charles S. Cock House Museum 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.

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 ¥15,356 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
¥15,356
¥17,659 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
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 helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,606 reviews)
"It was great!! Breakfast was a solid plus."

Reviewed on Jun 18, 2026

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 ¥22,353 per night from Jul 1 to Jul 2
¥22,353
¥25,958 total
Jul 1 - Jul 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Marcos. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness center, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,239 reviews)
"I’ve stayed here a few times and it’s always great. Same this time. Staff super helpful and clean, modern, comfortable accommodations."

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2026

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos Hotel Conference Center
LivAway Suites Austin San Marcos

LivAway Suites Austin San Marcos

2 out of 5
1550 River Rd San Marcos TX
The price is ¥11,466 per night from Jul 1 to Jul 2
¥11,466
¥13,186 total
Jul 1 - Jul 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in San Marcos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions San Marcos River and San Marcos Premium Outlets ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (179 reviews)
"No complaints, the hotel did what it needed to do. Just needed a nice place to lay my head. Everything was clean well put together and a great space."

Reviewed on Jun 18, 2026

LivAway Suites Austin San Marcos
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.
Postcard Cabins Hill Country, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

Postcard Cabins Hill Country, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

2 out of 5
1405 Pump Station Rd Wimberley TX
Stay at this cabin in Wimberley. Enjoy free parking, patios, and climate control. Popular attractions Labyrinth and Jacob's Well Natural Area are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (90 reviews)
"Aw some weekend experience. We had everything we needed rest and all."

Reviewed on Jun 14, 2026

Postcard Cabins Hill Country, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy
Guadalupe River Roost,  WiFi,  King Bed  Sleeps 8, 3BR 2BA

Guadalupe River Roost, WiFi, King Bed Sleeps 8, 3BR 2BA

New Braunfels TX
Stay at this condo in New Braunfels. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Waterpark and Guadalupe ...
10/10 Exceptional! (44 reviews)
"My family and I truly enjoyed our stay here."

Reviewed on Jun 15, 2026

Guadalupe River Roost, WiFi, King Bed Sleeps 8, 3BR 2BA
Treetop Retreat on the Guadalupe Ultra Private 3rd Floor End Unit

Treetop Retreat on the Guadalupe Ultra Private 3rd Floor End Unit

New Braunfels TX
Stay at this condo in New Braunfels. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Waterpark and Guadalupe ...
10/10 Exceptional! (325 reviews)
"What a wonderful stay at one of our favorite places in New Braunfels! Comfortable and private, overlooking the trees and onto the beautiful green area down to the river. The pools and hot tubs and private river access are top-knotch! We LOVE this place!!!"

Reviewed on Jun 8, 2026

Treetop Retreat on the Guadalupe Ultra Private 3rd Floor End Unit
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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