San Marcos, TX

Travel Guide

San Marcos showing a garden and heritage architecture
San Marcos showing a garden and heritage architecture
San Marcos showing a river or creek
San Marcos which includes a garden
San Marcos which includes 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

Aerial View of the College Town of San Marco, Texas

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
Aerial View of a large Public University in San Marco, Texas

Heritage

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

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

Heritage
Journey

Rio Vista

3/5(37 area reviews)

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.

Rio Vista
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Dunbar

When in Dunbar, you can plan a visit to San Marcos River and Texas Music Theater, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Dunbar
Aerial View of a large Public University in San Marco, Texas

Westover

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

Westover
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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.

Millview East
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 ¥14,350 per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
¥14,350
¥16,503 total
Mar 22 - Mar 23
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,490 reviews)
Very convenient to the outlet mall area. Staff was helpful and friendly. We enjoyed our stay

Reviewed on Mar 9, 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 ¥19,278 per night from Mar 16 to Mar 17
¥19,278
¥22,388 total
Mar 16 - Mar 17
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! (1,150 reviews)
The room was very clean, and

Reviewed on Feb 24, 2026

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos Hotel Conference Center
Motel 6 San Marcos, TX

Motel 6 San Marcos, TX

2 out of 5
1321 North I-35 San Marcos TX
The price is ¥8,670 per night from Mar 10 to Mar 11
¥8,670
¥9,972 total
Mar 10 - Mar 11
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 ...
6.2/10 (1,005 reviews)
Only 1 washer worked.dryer took $6 to dry 1 load. No fridge,no microwave no dresser

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2026

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.
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 attraction Jacob's Well Natural Area is located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (72 reviews)
Very clean and well maintained!

Reviewed on Mar 7, 2026

Postcard Cabins Hill Country, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy
Romantic Luxury Cabin! Has it all Hot tub, Fireplace, Gorgeous Views!!!

Romantic Luxury Cabin! Has it all Hot tub, Fireplace, Gorgeous Views!!!

Wimberley TX
Stay at this cabin in Wimberley. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and pillowtop beds. Popular attractions Jacob's Well Natural Area and Driftwood Estate Winery ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (260 reviews)
Amenities were really great. It was private, the cabin was beautiful and exceptionally clean. VRBO was great with communication and directions to get to cabin since it was a little hard to find. We would go again. The place was perfect! Just what I was looking for!

Reviewed on Mar 5, 2026

Romantic Luxury Cabin! Has it all Hot tub, Fireplace, Gorgeous Views!!!
** NEW 5 STAR HILL COUNTRY RETREAT **

** NEW 5 STAR HILL COUNTRY RETREAT **

Dripping Springs TX
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Dripping Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
10/10 Exceptional! (74 reviews)
Everything was wonderful. The amenities, the ease of “check in and out” Clean and comfortable!

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2026

** NEW 5 STAR HILL COUNTRY RETREAT **
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

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
463
5 - Excellent 48%
4 - Good
405
4 - Good 42%
3 - Okay
83
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
9
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
6
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I will be visiting again soon

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

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

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

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Cities near San Marcos

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