San Marcos

Travel Guide
San Marcos which includes 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

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 Texas Music Theater.

Downtown San Marcos
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Rio Vista

While visiting Rio Vista, you might make a stop by sights like Rio Vista Park and San Marcos River.

Rio Vista
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Dunbar

While visiting Dunbar, you might make a stop by sights like Dunbar Park and Calaboose African American History Museum.

Dunbar
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Heritage

While visiting Heritage, you might make a stop by sights like Wonder World 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 Aquarena Center.

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 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
2.5 out of 5
111 Centerpoint Ct, San Marcos, TX
The price is S$145 per night from 22 May to 23 May
S$145
per night
22 May - 23 May
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 pool in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,507 reviews)
"No"

Reviewed on 10 May,2024

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Marcos Outlet Mall
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos Hotel Conference Center
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos Hotel Conference Center
3.5 out of 5
1001 E Mccarty Ln, San Marcos, TX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$199 per night from 21 May to 22 May
S$199
per night
21 May - 22 May
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in San Marcos. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness center, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
Clean and friendly
"This hotel was clean and staff were very friendly. Food choices for breakfast was not quite the same as most Embassy Suites weve stayed in, not a complaint, just not as many choices."

Reviewed on 7 May,2024

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos Hotel Conference Center
Wingate by Wyndham San Marcos
Wingate by Wyndham San Marcos
2.5 out of 5
108 N I-35, San Marcos, TX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$145 per night from 21 May to 22 May
S$145
per night
21 May - 22 May
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Marcos. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
Definitely a repeater!
"Great place for 2 nights. Staff extremely friendly and helpful. Breakfast very good & kept well stocked both mornings. Beds comfy but pillows a little too firm for me. Missing tile in bathroom and bathroom door needs to be replaced. Warping terribly next to shower. Difficult to close."

Reviewed on 8 May,2024

Wingate by Wyndham 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.
Studio 6 Buda, TX
Studio 6 Buda, TX
2 out of 5
5163 Overpass Rd, Buda, TX
Stay at this aparthotel in Buda. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Stagecoach ...
7.2/10 Good! (626 reviews)
"If you are looking for a simple, no frills place to stay that is clean and comfortable, this place fits the bill. Bed was comfy, shower was great, bathroom was small but clean. No carpet in the room but the floors were clean. Our room actually had a small kitchen! Only downside is the elevator had ..."

Reviewed on 28 Apr,2024

Studio 6 Buda, TX
7A Ranch
7A Ranch
3.5 out of 5
333 Wayside Drive, Wimberley, TX
Stay at this cabin in Wimberley. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Jack Glover's Cowboy Museum and Wimberley Zipline Adventures ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (104 reviews)
"We stayed in Megs Boarding House for my birthday weekend. Didnt help that it rained and a cold front came thru. But didnt stop us from utilizing the pool. I dont think id stay in megs boarding house again though and would definitely upgrade to a newer cabin. But glad i got to experience staying in ..."

Reviewed on 1 May,2024

7A Ranch
Son's River Ranch Glamping Cabin 32
Son's River Ranch Glamping Cabin 32
3 out of 5
1400 Sherrill Rd, Kingsbury, TX
Stay at this cabin in Kingsbury. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area.
Son's River Ranch Glamping Cabin 32
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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