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.

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.

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 ¥15,599 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
¥15,599
¥17,939 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (2,661 reviews)
"This is a very nice property overall. we were able to use the pool to relax some but the drawback was bees kept coming very close. My onky real complaint was the breakfast was less than acceptable. The only thing that was tasty was the waffle. I dont expect gourmet breakfast but most of it was near ..."

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2026

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Marcos Outlet Mall
Hilton Garden Inn San Marcos

Hilton Garden Inn San Marcos

3 out of 5
2131 N Highway 35 San Marcos TX
The price is ¥17,033 per night from Jul 26 to Jul 27
¥17,033
¥19,587 total
Jul 26 - Jul 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in San Marcos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
"Great check in. Smooth and quick. Plenty of parking. Nice room. Safe area"

Reviewed on Jul 18, 2026

Hilton Garden Inn San Marcos
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 ¥22,505 per night from Jul 29 to Jul 30
¥22,505
¥26,133 total
Jul 29 - Jul 30
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! (1,244 reviews)
"We had a wonderful stay. Everything was great, only complaint is the $15 parking fee. Other than that, we were very happy. Staff was very accommodating and kind. Room was clean and comfortable. The complimentary drinks were great and breakfast was very good."

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2026

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos Hotel Conference Center
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! (95 reviews)
"I really enjoyed the place! Just wish check in time was earlier so we could have spent more time there!"

Reviewed on Jul 15, 2026

Postcard Cabins Hill Country, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy
Landing Apartments Kyle - Austin

Landing Apartments Kyle - Austin

4 out of 5
4300 Cromwell Dr Kyle TX
Book a stay at this golf aparthotel in Kyle. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Kyle Marketplace and Kyle Crossing ...
9/10 Wonderful! (36 reviews)
"Our stay at the Green was like a nightmare and very embarrassing for my family visiting from Michigan. First of all I paid for a two bedroom and the landing kept insisting on putting me in a Studio for three people. When we walked in, it was dirty the couch had two holes, the bar stools are old and ..."

Reviewed on Jun 12, 2026

Landing Apartments Kyle - Austin
Private River Access, Pool, Hot tub, BBQ grill walk downtown & Bahn. Free Tubes!

Private River Access, Pool, Hot tub, BBQ grill walk downtown & Bahn. Free Tubes!

New Braunfels TX
Stay at this condo in New Braunfels. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Waterpark and Comal River ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (37 reviews)
"The host was awesome. We had a few questions and they immediately responded. Check in and check out was so easy The home was very nice and very clean. The description was definitely on point. They provided tubes to float on the river. The grandkids definitely enjoyed that. This is definitely a family ..."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2026

Private River Access, Pool, Hot tub, BBQ grill walk downtown & Bahn. Free Tubes!
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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