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 San Marcos River and Texas Music Theater, 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 ¥13,971 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
¥13,971
¥16,067 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
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! (2,736 reviews)
"Room was very clean! Breakfast was great and staff was very helpful. We enjoyed the outdoor pool and will definitely stay again."

Reviewed on Sep 10, 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 ¥20,028 per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
¥20,028
¥23,258 total
Sep 27 - Sep 28
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,332 reviews)
"I have nothing further to say"

Reviewed on Sep 11, 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 ¥10,921 per night from Sep 13 to Sep 14
¥10,921
¥12,559 total
Sep 13 - Sep 14
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 San Marcos River ...
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.
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 San Marcos River and Five Mile ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (108 reviews)
"This place was so awesome and cool!!! The absolute best views and perfect distance to everything!!! Would definitely stay here again!!!"

Reviewed on Aug 25, 2026

Experience a sunrise you never forget from the deck at the House on Cox Hill
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! (112 reviews)
"Great property for star gazing and disconnecting yet with modern amenities for comfort."

Reviewed on Sep 8, 2026

Postcard Cabins Hill Country, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy
Beautiful Lakefront Cabin Something For Everyone

Beautiful Lakefront Cabin Something For Everyone

4 out of 5
222 Camp Porter Rd, New Braunfels, Tx 78130, Usa New Braunfels TX
Stay at this vacation home in New Braunfels. Enjoy a picnic area, furnished balconies or patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Guadalupe River ...
Beautiful Lakefront Cabin Something For Everyone
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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