San Marcos Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

San Marcos which includes a park and heritage architecture
San Marcos showing a river or creek
San Marcos which includes a park
San Marcos
San Marcos which includes a river or creek, a park 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

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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 showing 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 NZ$172 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
NZ$172
18 Aug - 19 Aug
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! (2,150 reviews)
"Bed is comfy, water pressure sucks, and they still don’t have enough seating for breakfast. A whole bar area that doesn’t get used and lots of seating area but limited breakfast tables. Sometimes ur left standing because it’s so packed. Hotel is nice and clean, pool was so refreshing!! We come every ..."

Reviewed on 10 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 NZ$128 per night from 21 Aug to 22 Aug
NZ$128
21 Aug - 22 Aug
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 (1,003 reviews)
"The stay was excellent. The room and bathroom were very clean upon arrival and had been cleaned on the day after. The bed and pillows were just fine. I brought my own stacks and the frige worked well."

Reviewed on 10 Aug. 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 NZ$203 per night from 4 Sept to 5 Sept
NZ$203
4 Sept - 5 Sept
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Property was clean and staff was polite"

Reviewed on 1 Aug. 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.
Twisted Oaks

Twisted Oaks

San Marcos
Stay at this campground in San Marcos. Popular attractions San Marcos River and Five Mile Dam Park are located nearby.
Twisted Oaks
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 8 Aug. 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 3 Aug. 2025

Postcard Cabins Hill Country
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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