San Marcos

Travel Guide

San Marcos featuring heritage architecture and a garden
San Marcos showing a river or creek
San Marcos showing a park
San Marcos
San Marcos showing a river or creek, rainforest and a park

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 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 which includes a statue or sculpture

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.

Downtown San Marcos
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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.

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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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
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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
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 P5,771 per night from Sep 11 to Sep 12
P5,771
P6,636 total
Sep 11 - Sep 12
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! (2,144 reviews)
"Everything was nice"

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

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

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham San Marcos

3 out of 5
1619 N I 35, San Marcos, TX
The price is P3,799 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
P3,799
P4,369 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star motel in San Marcos. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
6.4/10 (1,000 reviews)
"Plenty of fast food options near by. Beds were a little soft for my taste."

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham San Marcos
Hilton Garden Inn San Marcos

Hilton Garden Inn San Marcos

3 out of 5
2131 N Highway 35, San Marcos, TX
The price is P6,018 per night from Sep 4 to Sep 5
P6,018
P6,920 total
Sep 4 - Sep 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in San Marcos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Property was clean and staff was polite"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Hilton Garden Inn 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.
Westpointe Drive Apartments by Landing

Westpointe Drive Apartments by Landing

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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (91 reviews)
"Nice place for a family who needs space."

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

Westpointe Drive Apartments by Landing
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.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (39 reviews)
"If you want to unwind and get connected to your inner self …Try it !"

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Postcard Cabins Hill Country
Waterfront Lake House With Hot Tub & Firepit

Waterfront Lake House With Hot Tub & Firepit

3.5 out of 5
Canyon Lake
Stay at this 3.5-star golf vacation home in Canyon Lake. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and patios. Popular attractions Comal Park and North Park are located ...
Waterfront Lake House With Hot Tub & Firepit
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

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