San Marcos Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

San Marcos, located in the heart of Texas, is a vibrant city that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and a vibrant cultural scene. As you explore this charming city, you will discover a plethora of attractions and activities that cater to all interests.

One of the highlights of San Marcos is the beautiful San Marcos River, which flows through the city. This crystal-clear river offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can rent a kayak or a tube and float down the river, enjoying the picturesque surroundings and the refreshing water. For those seeking adventure, there are also opportunities for paddleboarding and snorkeling.

In the heart of the city, you will find the historic downtown area, filled with unique shops, delicious restaurants, and lively entertainment venues. Stroll down the charming streets, browse through the boutiques, and indulge in the local cuisine. Don't miss the vibrant farmers market, where you can taste fresh local produce and artisanal products.

History enthusiasts will be delighted to explore the rich heritage of San Marcos. The city is home to several historic sites, including the Hays County Courthouse, a stunning architectural gem, and the Calaboose African American Museum, which sheds light on the African American history in the region. For a glimpse into the past, visit the Dick's Classic Garage Car Museum, which showcases a collection of vintage automobiles.

Nature lovers will be in paradise in San Marcos. In addition to the San Marcos River, the city is surrounded by beautiful parks and natural areas. The Spring Lake Natural Area offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and the chance to explore the Aquarena Springs, a historic site that was once a popular swimming spot.

Alternative names: Population: 60.7 thous.Area: 34.26 mi²Elevation: 607 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 29°52'58"N, 97°56'27"W

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TexasUnited States

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San Marcos Top Attractions

San Marcos Attractions - What to See and Explore

San Marcos offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Bobcat Stadium, First United Methodist Church, Rio Vista Park, Wonder World. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Arenas and stadiums • Football • Sport venue
Bobcat Stadium
Bobcat Stadium is a football stadium on the campus of Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. It opened in 1981 and was expanded in 2011–2012 to its present 30,000-seat capacity.
Nursery school • Church
First United Methodist Church
First United Methodist Church is a historic church at 129 W. Hutchison in San Marcos, Texas. An easily recognized landmark of the San Marcos skyline is the Carpenter Gothic sanctuary of First United Methodist Church. The sanctuary was built in 1893, but the congregation dates back to 1847 in the earliest days of the city of San Marcos.
Park
Rio Vista Park
Rio Vista Dam is a dam in San Marcos, Texas. The dam was badly damaged during the flood of 1998. Following a US$2.1 million project, Recreation Engineering and Planning was commissioned to reconstruct the failing dam to enhance existing usage for recreational visitors and tourists alike while improving a stimulant of the local economy.

Theme park • Nature and wildlife • Park
Wonder World
Wonder World is a natural theme park located in San Marcos, Texas. The park's primary attraction is Wonder Cave, an ancient earthquake cave and Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. Other attractions include an anti-gravity house, a trackless motor train, and a wildlife park.
29°52'34"N • 97°56'26"W
Farmers Union Gin Company
Farmers Union Gin Company was an American cotton processing company located in San Marcos, Texas. Its main facility, located at 120 Grove Street, is now a registered historic site.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
Fort Street Presbyterian Church
Fort Street Presbyterian Church is a historic Presbyterian church building at 516 W. Hopkins Street in San Marcos, Texas. The late-Gothic Revival building was constructed in 1901 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
Hot springs
San Marcos Springs
San Marcos Springs is the second largest natural cluster of springs in Texas. The springs are located in the city of San Marcos, Texas, about 30 miles southwest of Austin and 46 miles northeast of San Antonio.
Specialty museum • Museum • History museum
Dick's Classic Garage
Dick's Classic Garage was an automobile museum in San Marcos, Texas. It was founded in 2009 by Dick Burdick, a Texas businessman and car collector, who also operated the now defunct Central Texas Museum of Automotive History in Rosanky, Texas. Dick's Classic Garage was inaugurated in 2009. It closed to the public on December 31, 2018.
Historical place • Architecture
Hays County Courthouse
The Hays County Courthouse is an historic courthouse located in San Marcos, Hays County, Texas. It was built in the Classical Revival style in 1908. It is recognized by both the National Register of Historic Places and Texas Historical Commission.
Quad • Library
Alkek Library
The Albert B. Alkek Library is the main central library of Texas State University. The Wittliff collections of Southwestern Writers and Southwestern & Mexican Photography is located on the seventh floor of the Alkek...
29°53'1"N • 97°56'15"W
Charles S. Cock House Museum
Museum • Downtown San Marcos
29°52'58"N • 97°56'29"W
LBJ Museum of San Marcos History
Museum • Downtown San Marcos
29°53'41"N • 97°55'28"W
The Texas State University Golf Course
Universities and schools • Golf
Gothic Revival architecture
Old Main
Old Main is a red-roofed Victorian Gothic building on the campus of Texas State University. Situated at one end of the quad, it was Texas State's first building, built in 1903, and remained the only building on campus until 1908.
29°53'7"N • 97°55'53"W
San Marcos Public Library
Library
29°53'6"N • 97°56'10"W
Sights And Sounds of Christmas
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Art gallery • Library
Wittliff Collections
The Wittliff Collections, located on the seventh floor of the Albert B. Alkek Library at Texas State University, was founded by William D. Wittliff in 1987. The Wittliff Collections include the Southwestern Writers Collection and the Southwestern & Mexican Photography Collection.
29°53'19"N • 97°56'21"W
Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State
The Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State is a 26-acre forensic anthropology research facility located on the Freeman Ranch in San Marcos, Texas. It is one of the seven extant body farms in the United States and the largest such forensics research facility in the world.
29°53'20"N • 97°56'20"W
I-35 Rivalry
The I-35 Rivalry is a college rivalry between the Texas State University Bobcats and the University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners. It is named for the Interstate Highway that connects the two universities.

Things to See and Do in San Marcos by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in San Marcos.

Active

Bobcat Stadium
San Marcos
Arenas and stadiumsFootballSport venue
The Texas State University Golf Course
San Marcos
Universities and schoolsGolf
Bobcat Ballpark
San Marcos
BaseballSport venueSport
Strahan Coliseum
San Marcos
Sport venueSport

Day trips

San Marcos – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of San Marcos, it's worth seeing attractions such as: The Alamo (San Antonio), Texas State Capitol (Austin), Blanton Museum of Art (Austin).

45 milesSW
Legendary fort and Texas-history museum
The Alamo, San Antonio
The Alamo, a historic Spanish mission and fortress compound, is a revered landmark nestled in the heart of San Antonio, Texas. Known primarily for the pivotal 1836 Battle of the Alamo during the Texas Revolution, this site symbolizes the heroic resistance of a small...
30 milesNE
Home to the state legislature
Texas State Capitol, Austin
The Texas State Capitol, located in the heart of Austin, is a prominent landmark that serves as the home of the Texas legislature and the office of the governor. Completed in 1888, this historic structure is an architectural marvel, renowned for its distinctive...
30 milesNE
Museum, Art museum, Art gallery
Blanton Museum of Art, Austin
Nestled in the heart of Austin, Texas, the Blanton Museum of Art stands as a cultural beacon for art lovers and tourists alike. As one of the foremost university art museums in the country, it is part of the University of Texas at Austin and offers a diverse collection...
46 milesSW
Museum, History museum, Art museum
Institute of Texan Cultures, San Antonio
The Institute of Texan Cultures is a vibrant cultural center nestled in the heart of San Antonio, Texas. Established as part of the 1968 World’s Fair, this institute is dedicated to celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures that have shaped the state of Texas.
48 milesSW
Museum, History museum, Hiking trail
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, San Antonio
Nestled in the heart of San Antonio, Texas, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park offers a unique glimpse into the rich history that shaped the region. This national park, established to protect and preserve four of the city's Spanish frontier missions, is...

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Best Time To Visit San Marcos

Learn when is the best time to travel to San Marcos weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June and July are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May and August.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July, August and September. While the coldest is in January and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in January, March and July. Most of it rains in May.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in San Marcos?

The top attractions to visit in San Marcos are:

What is the best time to visit San Marcos?

June and July are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May and August. The highest air temperature is in June, July, August and September. While the coldest is in January and December.