San Marcos, TX

Travel Guide

San Marcos
San Marcos
San Marcos
San Marcos
San Marcos

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

Journey

Rio Vista

3/5(37 area reviews)

While Rio Vista might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like San Marcos River and Strahan Coliseum.

Rio Vista
Aerial View of the College Town of San Marco, Texas

Downtown San Marcos

If you're spending some time in Downtown San Marcos, San Marcos River and Charles S. Cock House Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown San Marcos
Aerial View of a large Public University in San Marco, Texas

Heritage

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

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

Heritage
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Dunbar

When in Dunbar, you can plan a visit to Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park and San Marcos River, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Dunbar
Aerial View of a large Public University in San Marco, Texas

Westover

When in Westover, you can plan a visit to Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park and San Marcos River, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Westover
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Millview East

When in Millview East, you can plan a visit to Bobcat Stadium and Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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
$91 nightly
The price is $105 total per night from Apr 19 to Apr 20
$105 total
Apr 19 - Apr 20
Total with taxes and 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! (2,530 reviews)
It was a very clean and pleasant get away for us. We will be back.

Reviewed on Apr 13, 2026

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
$140 nightly
The price is $161 total per night from Apr 23 to Apr 24
$161 total
Apr 23 - Apr 24
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Marcos. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness center, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,170 reviews)
We had a fantastic experience staying at Embassy Suites in San Marcos. The rooms were clean, spacious, and very well maintained, which made for a relaxing and comfortable visit. The staff was consistently friendly, professional, and eager to help, which really elevated the overall experience. One ...

Reviewed on Apr 8, 2026

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos Hotel Conference Center
Motel 6 San Marcos, TX

Motel 6 San Marcos, TX

2 out of 5
1321 North I-35 San Marcos TX
$51 nightly
The price is $59 total per night from Apr 14 to Apr 15
$59 total
Apr 14 - Apr 15
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in San Marcos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
Motel 6 San Marcos, TX
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, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

Postcard Cabins Hill Country, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

2 out of 5
1405 Pump Station Rd Wimberley TX
Stay at this cabin in Wimberley. Enjoy free parking, patios, and climate control. Popular attractions Labyrinth and Jacob's Well Natural Area are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (79 reviews)
We love everything! Very clean and all the details are amazing, Thank you for the personalized Welcome card we love it! Would love to have a bed and pillows so soft and comfortable like the ones in this Cabins! Very relaxing!

Reviewed on Apr 13, 2026

Postcard Cabins Hill Country, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy
** NEW 5 STAR HILL COUNTRY RETREAT **

** NEW 5 STAR HILL COUNTRY RETREAT **

Dripping Springs TX
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Dripping Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
10/10 Exceptional! (75 reviews)
The home was perfect for a corporate retreat. It was clean and exceeded our expectations.

Reviewed on Mar 14, 2026

** NEW 5 STAR HILL COUNTRY RETREAT **
Romantic Luxury Cabin! Has it all Hot tub, Fireplace, Gorgeous Views!!!

Romantic Luxury Cabin! Has it all Hot tub, Fireplace, Gorgeous Views!!!

Wimberley TX
Stay at this cabin in Wimberley. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and pillowtop beds. Popular attractions Labyrinth and Jacob's Well Natural Area are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (267 reviews)
amazing place, enjoyed every minute in it. Thanks a lot.

Reviewed on Apr 10, 2026

Romantic Luxury Cabin! Has it all Hot tub, Fireplace, Gorgeous Views!!!
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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