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 ¥13,358 per night from Dec 22 to Dec 23
¥13,358
¥15,362 total
Dec 22 - Dec 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! (2,336 reviews)
Very nice clean room good breakfast.

Reviewed on Dec 12, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Marcos Outlet Mall
Baymont Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Marcos Outlet Malls

Baymont Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Marcos Outlet Malls

2.5 out of 5
4210 IH-35 South San Marcos TX
The price is ¥8,169 per night from Jan 6 to Jan 7
¥8,169
¥9,395 total
Jan 6 - Jan 7, 2026
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in San Marcos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
6.6/10 (1,001 reviews)
Autumn was wonderful, knowledgeable, and very smoothly got us checked in and settled.

Reviewed on Dec 15, 2025

Baymont Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Marcos Outlet Malls
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 ¥17,084 per night from Jan 5 to Jan 6
¥17,084
¥19,839 total
Jan 5 - Jan 6, 2026
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,082 reviews)
Everything was great...I do wish I would have know that there was a convention going on....it was quite different...

Reviewed on Dec 14, 2025

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.
Twin Oaks Estate - Enormous 3 Home Estate w/Heated Pool & Pickleball Court

Twin Oaks Estate - Enormous 3 Home Estate w/Heated Pool & Pickleball Court

San Marcos TX
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in San Marcos. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a water park. Popular attractions Wimberley Glassworks and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (31 reviews)
Great place

Reviewed on Nov 9, 2025

Twin Oaks Estate - Enormous 3 Home Estate w/Heated Pool & Pickleball Court
Twisted Oaks

Twisted Oaks

San Marcos TX
Stay at this campground in San Marcos. Popular attractions Five Mile Dam Park and Blanco Vista Neighborhood Park are located nearby.
Twisted Oaks
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.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (58 reviews)
Great place to stay. Camping with a plus. Room was clean and supplies for fire were great. Wimberley is a cute town to visit too. We would go back again.

Reviewed on Nov 26, 2025

Postcard Cabins Hill Country, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy
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

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