San Marcos Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

While Rio Vista isn't home to many top sights, San Marcos River and Strahan Coliseum are some notable places to visit nearby.

Rio Vista
San Marcos which includes a statue or sculpture

Downtown San Marcos

While visiting Downtown San Marcos, you might make a stop by sights like San Marcos River and Texas Music Theater.

Downtown San Marcos
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Dunbar

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Dunbar and surrounding area, you can visit Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park and San Marcos River.

Dunbar
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Heritage

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

While there might not be top attractions in Westover, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park and San Marcos River.

Westover
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Millview East

While there might not be top attractions in Millview East, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Bobcat Stadium and Meadows Center for Water and the Environment.

Millview East
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Marcos Outlet Mall
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Marcos Outlet Mall
2.5 out of 5
111 Centerpoint Ct, San Marcos, TX
The price is ₹8,350 per night from 11 May to 12 May
₹8,350
₹9,603 total
includes taxes & fees
11 May - 12 May
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Marcos. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,987 reviews)
"The stay was really nice"

Reviewed on 24 Apr 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 ₹7,406 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
₹7,406
₹8,517 total
includes taxes & fees
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Marcos. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"It was very clean and seemed newly remodeled. The ladies at the desk were so friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 23 Apr 2025

Wingate by Wyndham San Marcos
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham San Marcos
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham San Marcos
2.5 out of 5
1619 N I 35, San Marcos, TX
The price is ₹5,679 per night from 20 May to 21 May
₹5,679
₹6,531 total
includes taxes & fees
20 May - 21 May
Stay at this motel in San Marcos. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
6.4/10 (1,005 reviews)
"Shower floor very slippery. Breakfast sucks. Reception very friendly. Good rooms."

Reviewed on 8 Apr 2025

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham 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.
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Comal River and Schlitterbahn ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (34 reviews)
"Quiet location and close to HEB and shopping. Perfect for solo business traveler."

Reviewed on 19 Apr 2025

Mission Hill Apartments By Barsala
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.
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"We found our family weekend or short getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life! Our stay was amazing!! Our first time here and we were so surprised that everything you need to stay comfortably with all the basic necessity are well provided. Our kids had a wonderful time too. We will definitely ..."

Reviewed on 21 Apr 2025

Postcard Cabins Hill Country
7A Ranch
7A Ranch
3.5 out of 5
333 Wayside Drive, Wimberley, TX
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in Wimberley. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Jack Glover's Cowboy Museum and Wimberley Zipline ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (127 reviews)
"The buildings were really cool 😎"

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2025

7A Ranch
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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