San Marcos, TX

Travel Guide

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
San Marcos which includes a park, a river or creek and rainforest
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

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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
San Marcos featuring a statue or sculpture

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.

Downtown San Marcos
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Dunbar

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

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 Cave & Adventure Park and Witliff Collections.

Heritage
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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 ¥13,659 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥13,659
¥15,708 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Marcos. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,103 reviews)
"That it is right behind the outlets of San Marcos."

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Marcos Outlet Mall
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 ¥12,781 per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
¥12,781
¥14,698 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
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 helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,019 reviews)
"Decent property. I’ve stayed many times recently. My only issue is I wish they would switch up the breakfast options. Sausage patty, eggs, biscuits and gravy. Bacon Or ham"

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Wingate by Wyndham San Marcos
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Austin San Marcos

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Austin San Marcos

2.5 out of 5
1250 North IH-35, San Marcos, TX
The price is ¥13,858 per night from Jul 28 to Jul 29
¥13,858
¥15,937 total
Jul 28 - Jul 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! (999 reviews)
"Nice stay. Good rooms and a good breakfast. Check in staff was beyond fantastic. We had a small problem, and Olivia rectified it quickly and efficiently. Totally would recommend this place"

Reviewed on Jul 15, 2025

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott 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.
Twisted Oaks

Twisted Oaks

San Marcos
Stay at this campground in San Marcos. Popular attractions San Marcos River and Five Mile Dam Park are located nearby.
Twisted Oaks
Postcard Cabins Hill Country

Postcard Cabins Hill Country

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.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (29 reviews)
"It was a lovely stay :) they provided everything we needed!"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Postcard Cabins Hill Country
Mission Hill Apartments By Barsala

Mission Hill Apartments By Barsala

4 out of 5
2745 Westpointe Dr, New Braunfels, TX
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in New Braunfels. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Comal River and Schlitterbahn ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (81 reviews)
"We loved our stay. Very safe for me and my granddaughter. We loved the two pools and very close to HEB and everything else. Would definitely stay again. Apartment had everything you needed."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Mission Hill Apartments By Barsala
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 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