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 Hays County Historic Courthouse.

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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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
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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
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 ฿2,998 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
฿2,998
฿3,448 total
10 Aug - 11 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! (2,135 reviews)
"Great property"

Reviewed on 6 Aug 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 ฿2,151 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
฿2,151
฿2,474 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star 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 ...
6.4/10 (1,000 reviews)
"Plenty of fast food options near by. Beds were a little soft for my taste."

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham San Marcos
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Austin San Marcos

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Austin San Marcos

2.5 out of 5
1250 North IH-35, San Marcos, TX
The price is ฿3,036 per night from 21 Aug to 22 Aug
฿3,036
฿3,492 total
21 Aug - 22 Aug
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 breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"The staff was friendly and our room was clean."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Austin 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Comal River and Schlitterbahn ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (88 reviews)
"It was okay, the only thing I would say is to not suggest that the interior is “luxurious” because"

Reviewed on 29 Jul 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! (37 reviews)
"If you want to unwind and get connected to your inner self …Try it !"

Reviewed on 3 Aug 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, TX
Stay at this 3.5-star golf holiday home in Canyon Lake. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 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.

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