From splashing in the crystal-clear waters of the San Marcos River to exploring the bustling Downtown Square, there's always something to do and see in San Marcos.
Just about three hours west of Houston, San Marcos proves you don't have to travel far — or even get on a plane — to have a truly memorable summer vacation. Here are eight adventurous ways to explore this Central Texas city.
1. Make a splash
Tubing is a summer tradition in the Lone Star State, so get started at Lions Club Tube Rental. Expert tip: Purchase a shuttle pass so you can float down the river and be ferried back as many times as your heart desires. Looking for a longer, more rustic floating experience a little outside the city limits? Check out Don's Fish Camp and Texas State Tubes.
Whether you're a long-time tuber or a tubie newbie, here are some river rules to keep in mind:
- Bring your drinks in reusable containers to help keep the river clean
- If you must bring your drinks in disposable containers (like plastic water bottles, pouches, cans, etc.) stick to the Go Zones, or the areas of the park where there are picnic tables
- Bringing a cooler into the water? There is a limit of one 30-quart cooler per person allowed in the water and along the water's edge.
- Wear shoes that firmly strap to your feet, and don't bring anything into the river you don't want to lose.
Learn more about the rules and plan your river trip here.
2. Hip to be square
While "The Square" in Downtown San Marcos is literal, the vibes are anything but. You can find live music every night of the week here, at everywhere from career-launching stages to small hole-in-the-wall bars, big concert theaters to quaint coffee shops. You can find a lineup of upcoming live music here.
Hungry yet? Seek out pink coffee, crazy good pizza, homestyle favorites, colorful craft libations, chips with curry queso, margaritas with a view, unique burger toppings, cold beer, and so much more.
3. Hit the trails
From leisurely strolls on ADA-accessible trails to more challenging hikes on rugged terrain, San Marcos has trails suitable for all fitness levels. With more than 2,100 acres of natural areas and a lot of native wildlife and migratory birds, there’s plenty of nature for you to see and explore.
And speaking of birds: The Golden-cheeked warbler also likes to visit San Marcos during the spring and summer months. The Golden-cheeked warbler's nesting season starts in March and they leave again, with their little ones, in July. Please observe and respect any closed trail signage due to these special birds.
Here are a few tried-and-true spots to check out:
- Upper Purgatory Creek has a beautiful ADA trail that’s perfect for families, leisure walkers, and, well, anyone! The entrance is a winding, slightly sloping 2-mile-long and 8-feet-wide crushed granite pathway. The trail is also very easy to follow: Take the Styx trail to Grandma’s Oak, take the loop, and head on back.
- A quick but slightly challenging journey can be had at Spring Lake Natural Area. Enter on the Lime Kiln entrance and follow the Blue Heron trail to go in a circle (stop at the dock). There is a steep and rocky hill, so this is an intermediate-level hike. Beginners will enjoy the Tonkawa trail, which starts at the Aquarena Springs entrance.
- The San Marcos River Walkway's new 10-foot-wide concrete path (which is an ongoing project) currently goes from City Park to Ramon Lucio Park. The trail offers beautiful views of the San Marcos River and runs through town, allowing a calming respite in the heart of the city.
4. Art for all
With an ever-growing collection of murals, sculptures, galleries, and more, San Marcos has created a thriving culture for art lovers and artists alike. You never know what you’ll find, and new art seems to pop up in the most unexpected places. Next time you stroll around the Downtown Square, look in alleyways and behind buildings to find your new favorite piece.
One of San Marcos' unique attractions is the Mermaid March, a colorful collection of larger-than-life mermaid sculptures scattered throughout the city. Each mermaid represents a different facet of San Marcos' history and culture, from its local stories and popular attractions to its rich natural flora and fauna. Make sure you stop at the Art Park for more cool sculptures, including four new pieces that will be installed this year.
Head to Wimberley Glassworks to see what magnificent pieces they've been hand-blowing in the hot shop. Thursdays through Sundays from 10:30 am-3 pm, you can even venture to the back to watch them hard at work. Just down Ranch Road 12, the Silo Glass Gallery features more than two dozen Texas artists specializing in 3-D art forms. Set next to a beautiful grotto with two relaxing waterfalls, Silo Glass is the largest purpose-built, warm glass studio in Central Texas. They also have classes and supplies for those ready to make their own glass creations. But wait, there's more! Visit River City Glassworks to see their stained glass studio gallery, buy supplies for your own pieces, or even take a hands-on class.
The San Marcos Art Center is a classic stop for art lovers. Located on the Downtown Square, the Art Center has gallery space with rotating featured exhibits, plus art from member artists and fine crafts for sale. Housed in an old, beautiful church just two blocks from the Art Center, the Price Center features local art and photography along with live performances of all kinds. The Walkers' Gallery at the San Marcos Activity Center, known for its rotating exhibits, features works from artists of all backgrounds and mediums, making it a longstanding staple of the local art scene.
Find a list of current exhibits around town here.
5. Out and about
Head over to The Meadows Center for a very cool — and quintessential — San Marcos experience: the Glass-Bottom Boat Tour. The 30-minute tour of Spring Lake allows you to see the very bottom of the lake through a glass panel on the boat. The guides are full of facts and trivia about the history of the area and the many creatures that call Spring Lake and the San Marcos River home. Also at The Meadows Center is the Wetlands Boardwalk, where you can walk a self-guided trail over the water to see more of the local flora and fauna in their natural habitat.
The Meadows Center's Eco Adventures include kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling tours that explore one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in North America.
Head to Wonder World Park to explore the very cool (literally) earthquake-formed cave. Guides lead visitors deep into the Balcones Fault Line Cave for an educational and entertaining tour where you'll see fossilized prehistoric life embedded in the formations and learn about the Edwards Aquifer. After the cave tour, visit the park’s other quirky attractions like the Anti-Gravity House, where water flows uphill, and the Texas Wildlife Petting Park.
6. San Marcos from above
Soar to new heights at Skydive Spaceland San Marcos and experience the thrill of free-falling from the sky. Whether you're a first-timer or an experienced skydiver, Skydive Spaceland San Marcos offers a year-round picturesque setting for your jump.
If you prefer to keep your feet (mostly) on the ground, take a ride in a military warbird from World War II at the Commemorative Air Force Central Texas Wing. While you won't be doing any literal spins (due to their age), flying in these warbirds promises an exhilarating and historically significant experience.
For a different kind of aerial adventure, channel your inner Schwarzenegger with a Leading Edge Helicopter tour. Choose from various flight paths, including over Texas State University, the San Marcos Outlets, the San Marcos River, and more.
7. History haven
Interested in historic military warbirds? You'll absolutely want to make a quick jaunt to the Commemorative Air Force Exhibit for the military museum and amazing WWII planes. Housed in a 1943 vintage wooden hangar, the CAF is home to airworthy historic military warbirds, including “That’s All, Brother,” the Douglas C-47 Skytrain that led the Allied invasion on D-Day in Normandy. There’s also a military museum that’s dedicated to aviation through all eras, though primarily focused on WWII.
History lovers with a penchant for pop culture will really enjoy a trip to the Wittliff Collections, housed on the Texas State University campus. The exhibitions tell the stories of the Southwest and Mexico, taken from the diverse collections of work by writers, photographers, filmmakers, and musicians. While the exhibitions change continually and there is always something new to discover, the Lonesome Dove collection remains on display year-round. The costumes, props, and other memorabilia used in the miniseries are a must-see for any TV buff. The Texas Music Collection is also incredible, with handwritten song lyrics, beloved instruments, iconic outfits, and so much more from a variety of Texas musicians.
Did you know Texas State University (it was Southwest Texas State Teachers College at the time) is the only Texas university to graduate a future President of the United States? (It’s the only one for Vice Presidents as well.) The LBJ Museum of San Marcos showcases the legacy of Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th President of the United States, and focuses on his years spent as a student in San Marcos. See mementos up close, learn about the city's Presidential past, and hike up the hill to the Texas State University Quad for a photo with the LBJ statue.
The Calaboose African American History Museum is dedicated to African American history and culture within San Marcos and Hays County. The museum is a great place to learn about Buffalo Soldiers, Tuskegee Airmen, WWII, civil rights, Ku Klux Klan, and general San Marcos-area history. There is also lots of memorabilia from Eddie Durham, who was a renowned composer and musician born in San Marcos in 1906.
8. Shop 'til you drop
Explore more than 240 name-brand and luxury stores spanning 1.2 million square feet at the San Marcos Outlet Shopping Center. Covering the entire center clocks in at four miles, so make sure to dress comfortably for the hot weather, rest and refuel at one of the 20 eateries and restaurants on-site, and let the little ones burn off some energy at the play areas.
Don't miss out on San Marcos' vibrant markets. From arts and vintage to farmers and mystical, there's a market for every taste and interest. Discover the creations of local artisans, savor the flavors of San Marcos from regional vendors, and uncover hidden gems you never knew you needed.
Keep the shopping going by browsing through artisanal stores and galleries offering San Marcos-made ceramics, hand-blown glass, textiles, jewelry, and more. Go treasure-hunting at vintage shops, a handmade soap store, apothecaries, a toy store, trendy boutiques, record stores, and more. You just might find the perfect souvenir to take home.
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Learn more and plan your perfect summer itinerary in San Marcos here.
Photo courtesy of Visit San Marcos
It's not summer in Texas until you tube the river.
