Located within the Texas Hill Country, the picturesque city of San Marcos offers visitors plenty of things to do. The San Marcos River is popular with nature lovers keen on water activities such as swimming and kayaking. For an incredible experience, take the Glass-Bottom Boat Tour at The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment with the underwater sights of Spring Lake. San Marcos Premium Outlets is one of the country’s largest outlet shopping centres making it an unmissable stop for shopping enthusiasts. You can also check out Middleton Brewing, Roughhouse Brewing and Sean Patrick’s – the top breweries to try out here. Indeed, this city offers a wide range of options for exciting outings, not just outdoors but indoor activities, too. So, read on and discover the top things to do indoors in San Marcos, Texas.
1. Admire vintage aircrafts at Commemorative Air Force Central Texas Wing
A treat for history buffs and aviation enthusiasts, Central Texas Wing Museum allows you to get close to vintage aircraft deployed in the World War II era.
The planes here are under the Commemorative Air Force – a national organisation dedicated to preserving historical aircraft. This particular centre hosts seven planes. These include the Douglas Sktrain C-47 That’s All Brother and Bell P-39Q Airacobra Miss Connie. Some aircraft here are available for those interested in a once-in-a-lifetime flight experience.
The museum also hosts social events such as a dinner and dance night that you can join in.
Commemorative Air Force Central Texas Wing
Address: 1841 Airport Rd, Bldg 2249, San Marcos, Texas 78666, United States
Website: Commemorative Air Force Central Texas Wing
Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat: 9am - 4pm (closed on Tue, Thurs & Sun)
Price: Admission is free (guests need to buy tickets for the rides and dance events)
2. Deep dive into regional art and culture at The Wittliff Collections
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
We're hiring! We are searching for a copyright and permissions coordinator to help us develop a comprehensive rights...
Posted by The Wittliff Collections on Tuesday, July 25, 2023
The Wittliff Collections at Texas State University is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Texas, its neighbouring southwestern areas and Mexico. Its expansive collection contains memorabilia, photographs, documents and materials related to artists from the region across music, film, literature and other fields of the arts.
Spend a day exploring the museum’s exhibits to learn more about the region’s cultural icons and their works. The displays are organised under different heads, such as Southwestern Writers, Southwestern & Mexican Photography and Texas Music. A permanent exhibit you should not miss is the one themed on the famed TV show Lonesome Dove.
The centre rotates many of its exhibits frequently so you’ll find something new each time you visit.
The Wittliff Collections
Address: 7th floor, Albert B. Alkek Library, Texas State University, 601 University Dr., San Marcos, Texas 78666, United States
Website: The Wittliff Collections
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 4:30pm; Sat: 12pm - 4:30pm; Sun: 1pm - 4:30pm
Price: Free
3. Discover exhibits at San Marcos Art Center
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by San Marcos Art Center on Saturday, April 10, 2021
Located in the heart of downtown San Marcos, San Marcos Art Center feature local artists and their artwork. The showcased artists change regularly, so you can discover fresh art every time you visit. The centre also hosts events, such as artist talks and receptions. Check out the calendar on its site to learn about upcoming events and exhibitions.
Step inside the dedicated sales floor if you want to pick up a gift or something for your home. Here, gorgeous craft pieces across different media are available, from stained glass to assemblage.
San Marcos Art Center
Address: 117 N. Guadalupe St, Suite 101, San Marcos, Texas 78666, United States
Website: San Marcos Art Center
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 11am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: Free
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Enjoy a play or a show at Patti Strickel Harrison Theatre
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Patti Strickel Harrison Theatre is one of the two theatres located in Texas State University’s Performing Arts Center. These theatres host shows and performances by the university’s School of Music and the Department of Theatre and Dance and those by local theatre and dance companies.
At this theatre, you will find a thriving calendar of performances, with many events being held there, including the Texas State University Opera and Mariachi Fest. Moreover, musicals, Shakespeare plays, opera and dance performances are hosted here, so you are sure to find something to your interest.
Patti Strickel Harrison Theatre
Address: Texas State University School of Music, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, Texas 78666, United States
Website: Patti Strickel Harrison Theatre
5. Learn to make a gorgeous stained glass (from USD 175.0)
Have you admired stained glass panels in churches and wondered how they are made? In this class, you will learn how to create gorgeous stained glass.
An artist with over 15 years of experience facilitates the class. Moreover, the three- to four-hour session will revolve around the basics of cutting glass and handling essential tools. Once done, you can try your hand at creating an artwork yourself. A pattern for a suncatcher is provided on which you’ll use your newfound knowledge to craft the piece.
The class fee includes the tools, the glass material and safety equipment.
Learn the art of stained glass · ★5.0
Duration: 4 hours
6. Discover the African American history at Calaboose African American History Museum
This museum is dedicated to preserving and highlighting the history and culture of the African American community in San Marcos. It is within a historic building, the first jailhouse of Hays County built in 1873. Now renovated, it hosts a wide range of documents, photographs, memorabilia and artefacts that throw light on African American life.
Some exhibits here cover Tuskegee Airmen, the Buffalo Soldiers, World War II, Civil Rights and Ku Klux Klan. It also hosts materials related to noteworthy African American locals such as Eddie Durham.
Calaboose African American History Museum
Address: 200 W Martin Luther King Dr, San Marcos, Texas 78666, United States
Website: Calaboose African American History Museum
Opening hours: Sat: 10am - 3pm
Price: Free
7. Learn about Lyndon Baines Johnson's early life at LBJ Museum
Lyndon Baines Johnson was the 36th President of the United States. This museum highlights his years as a student of Southwest Texas State Teachers College, now called Texas State University, and as a teacher in South Texas. You will find early photographs, memorabilia, local news articles, college yearbook copies and other artefacts, such as a collection of pens used to sign important legislation.
The museum also has a special exhibit that focuses on the First Lady’s campaign tour across the South in 1964.
LBJ Museum
Address: 131 N. Guadalupe, San Marcos, Texas 78666, United States
Website: LBJ Museum
Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 11am - 5pm (closed Mon to Wed)
Price: Free
8. Try your hand at climbing at Armadillo Boulders San Marcos
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Bouldering is worth exploring if you are looking for sporty activity. It is not only invigorating as a physical workout but also mentally. Explore the sport at Armadillo Boulders San Marcos, which is friendly to newcomers. Here, you can choose climbing or bouldering routes that fit your fitness levels. There are separate training areas that you can learn and practice before heading to the main walls.
This place also offers an orientation on your first visit. If you want to dive deeper into the sport, check out the courses and classes, which revolve around essential techniques and movements.
Armadillo Boulders San Marcos
Address: 211 S Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos, Texas 78666, United States
Website: Armadillo Boulders San Marcos
Opening hours: Mon & Thu: 8am - 10pm; Tue - Wed, Fri - Sun: 10am - 10pm
Price: Day pass: from 14 USD; Membership: from 72 USD per month
9. Sharpen your bowling skills at Sunset Bowling Lanes
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Sunset Bowling Lanes on Thursday, January 10, 2019
Are you planning a night of fun? Spend an evening at Sunset Bowling Lanes and try to one-up your companions with your bowling skills. The venue offers beer and refreshments to keep your energy levels up. If you are an enthusiast, you’ll be pleased to know that Sunset Bowling Lanes offers leagues, so you can join any teams with available spots. Moreover, the venue offers discounts to college students.
Sunset Bowling Lanes
Address: 1304 N State Highway 123, San Marcos, Texas 78666, United States
Website: Sunset Bowling Lanes
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 11:59pm; Sat: 4pm - 11:59pm (closed on Sun)
Price: from 6 USD
10. Unwind with a meal at 54th Street Grill & Bar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Happy #NationalBartendersDay! Stop in to our new remodeled Zona Rosa 54th Street & try out one of our 54 draft beers....
Posted by 54th Street Grill & Bar on Friday, December 3, 2021
Blending the vibe of a chic bar and a casual dining establishment, 54th Street Grill & Bar is an excellent option for a date night or a relaxed meal with friends.
You’ll find plenty of refreshing drinks, ranging from beer to cocktails. The restaurant offers quick eats and a full menu featuring essentials such as salads, sandwiches and pasta. You will also have the option of steak and seafood. Guests under the age of 10 will even love the special kids’ menu.
54th Street Grill & Bar
Address: 1303 Interstate 35 Frontage Rd, San Marcos, Texas 78666, United States
Website: 54th Street Grill & Bar
Opening hours: Sat - Thu: 11am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 12am
Plan an interesting day in San Marcos, Texas
San Marcos has a lot to offer its visitors. This stunning city also provides interesting ideas to plan fun activities for you and your companions. So, check out this list of the top things to do indoors in San Marcos, Texas, to have the best time with your loved ones!
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to