San Marcos

Travel Guide

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

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 Charles S. Cock House Museum.

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 San Marcos River and Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park.

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
3 out of 5
111 Centerpoint Ct, San Marcos, TX
The price is S$148 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$148
13 Jul - 14 Jul
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! (2,092 reviews)
"The hotel was great."

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Marcos Outlet Mall
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 S$130 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
S$130
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Marcos. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
Excellent Stay
"Very clean and all staff was friendly."

Reviewed on 30 Jun, 2025

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Austin 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 S$173 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
S$173
20 Jul - 21 Jul
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! (1,003 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 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.
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! (29 reviews)
"It was a lovely stay :) they provided everything we needed!"

Reviewed on 3 Jul, 2025

Postcard Cabins Hill Country
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 WiFi, free parking, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Landa Park and Comal River are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (81 reviews)
"We loved our stay. Very safe for me and my granddaughter. We loved the two pools and very close to HEB and everything else. Would definitely stay again. Apartment had everything you needed."

Reviewed on 2 Jul, 2025

Mission Hill Apartments By Barsala
Mission Hill By  Landing
Mission Hill By Landing
4 out of 5
2745 Westpointe Dr, New Braunfels,, TX 78132, New Braunfels, TX
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in New Braunfels. Enjoy free parking, in-room washers/dryers, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (11 reviews)
"The property was great, close proximity for what we needed. The only gripe I have is there was no dish detergent or sponge to clean the few dishes we had."

Reviewed on 18 May, 2025

Mission Hill By Landing
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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