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 Centre, 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 Centre 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

Default Image

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 Hays County Historic Courthouse.

Downtown San Marcos
Default Image

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
Default Image

Heritage

While visiting Heritage, you might make a stop by sights like Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park and Witliff Collections.

Heritage
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
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 Rp1.453.704 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
Rp1.453.704
Rp1.671.759 total
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Marcos. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,166 reviews)
"Everything was great"

Reviewed on 22 Aug 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 Rp1.370.635 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
Rp1.370.635
Rp1.576.230 total
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Great place !!!!"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Wingate by Wyndham San Marcos
Residence Inn by Marriott San Marcos

Residence Inn by Marriott San Marcos

3 out of 5
625 Commercial Loop, Building 2, San Marcos, TX
The price is Rp1.596.224 per night from 16 Sept to 17 Sept
Rp1.596.224
Rp1.835.658 total
16 Sept - 17 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Marcos. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (377 reviews)
"It’s less than ten minutes from Texas State and across the highway from the outlets"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Residence Inn by Marriott 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.
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! (41 reviews)
"A great escape with a lot of nearby sights, hikes/trails and places to explore!"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Postcard Cabins Hill Country
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Comal River and Schlitterbahn ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (92 reviews)
"Nice place for a family who needs space."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Westpointe Drive Apartments by Landing
Landing Apartments Kyle - Austin

Landing Apartments Kyle - Austin

4 out of 5
4300 Cromwell Dr, Kyle, TX
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Kyle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Kyle Marketplace and Kyle Crossing are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
"Fully furnished, clean,washer dryer! Peaceful environment"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Landing Apartments Kyle - Austin
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

Cities near San Marcos