The seat of Texas’ Hays County, San Marcos is situated on the banks of the namesake river. This central Texan city offers a lot of things to do, especially if you are an adventure lover. Be it canoeing and kayaking at Rio Vista Park, going on a glass-bottom boat tour at Meadows Center for Water and the Environment; paddleboarding, tubing and snorkeling in the San Marcos River, hiking and biking at Purgatory Creek Natural Area, or having fun with kids at Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park, the excitement and thrill in San Marcos are simply limitless. Plan a trip to this city with your loved ones. For a comfortable stay, browse through this list of the top vacation rentals in San Marcos, Texas.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status. recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on March 13, 2023.
1. Four-O Ranch (from USD 760)
This charming country house has three bedrooms and an equal number of bathrooms. Sitting on a 40-acre (16.1-hectare) farmland, this property is pet-friendly too. Up to two dogs are allowed to stay here; just make sure to inform the host in advance so that proper arrangements can be made.
It has a well-equipped kitchen for meals in, and a spacious living area for lounging. Outside, there’s a garden where you can let your pooch run to their heart’s content while you relax by the private pool. There’s also an outdoor pavilion with a fully functional kitchen and a grill, should you wish to have a family cookout. Parking for up to six vehicles is available on the premises.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the fan was great up there to provide a bit of sound and extra airflowthere’s a ton of comfortable outdoor furniture and old trees throughout the propertyguest bedroom had a comfortable queen bedHost:
very great outdoor/pool/kitchen to host a large groupRead more reviewsLocation:
it has nice country-like views but is super close to stores like target for last minute needsking bed was comfortable and walk-in shower was very nice
2. Hilltop Sunset Cottage (from USD 175)
If you like historical houses and old stuff, then you will love your stay at this property. Filled with antiques, this cottage can house six guests in its two cozy bedrooms. The living area is nicely decorated and well-furnished, while the dining area with a wood-burning fireplace is welcoming too.
The cottage has a spacious kitchen equipped with all the appliances and utensils needed to rustle up a mouth-watering meal. There’s a back deck, where you can enjoy your morning cup of joe or evening cocktail while taking in the nature views. The backyard features a playground for the kids. Internet access and car parking are available on the premises too.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
also the couch bed was very comfortableCleanliness:
the cottage was beautiful clean and had everything we neededHost:
the owner was very nice and responsiveour host were very gracious and even had fruit and wine as a welcoming giftpam was an excellent contact person both helpful and informedRead more reviewsLocation:
location was great; very close to the venue where graduation was heldwe enjoyed our stay at the cabin it was close to town but secluded as wellright down the street older house but that was the best parta great place to relax with your family and friendsthis was the best place for our family to celebrate my oldest sons graduation from college
3. La Casita Verde (from USD 127)
This charming cabin has three beds and can sleep up to four people. There is a fully stocked kitchen for those who like to cook for their loved ones. The cabin also has high-tech amenities such as a smart TV, a DVD player, a stereo, and high-speed internet.
Spend days exploring downtown San Marcos before returning to the cabin for an afternoon relaxing by the communal pool, reading and sipping on coffee in the cabin’s patio area, or taking a snooze on the Murphy bed.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the casita was clean and well stockedvery clean met all of our needsthe property was clean newly redecorated and fixed up and invitingHost:
owner's home also on property and she was there to greet us when we checked inpam was very hospitable and helpfulthe kitchen is suitably equipped and again the owners are ready to supplement anything lackingthe host is helpful and came to assist me with the heater after a cold front came inRead more reviewsLocation:
it's the perfect place for a relaxing weekend away from the stress of lifesmaller towns with fun activities such as kyle and wimberly are close
4. Self-contained studio overlooking the San Marcos River (from USD 200)
This 600-sq. ft (55.7-sq. m) studio apartment, overlooking the scenic San Marcos River, offers some breathtaking views. Ideal for a small family of four people, this studio features one full bath, a cozy living-cum-sleeping area, and a full kitchen where you can fix yourself a decent meal.
A dining table with four chairs is also provided. There is also a riverfront deck with outdoor furniture, where you can relax and spot several bird species, which makes it a haven for birdwatchers.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
as for the rental itself it is even nicer and cozier than the photosthis garage apartment is right on the river which is perfect for relaxing on the deck by the wateri enjoyed that we had plenty of everything_ towels soap coffee toilet paper chocolate and wineCleanliness:
everything was incredibly clean and the southwestern decor and warm colors added to the charmthe unit is very clean and quietvery clean with easy check in and outthe apartment was very clean and had all the supplies we neededplace was clean beautiful and convenient access to the riverHost:
property owner was awesomethe owner was extremely helpful with out arrivalbarbara was a wonderful host - we will definitely be backbarbara was more than welcoming and hospitableRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was absolutely perfectthe location was excellent and right where we wanted to bethis was a great place super close to town but had the peaceful vibe of the riverperfect location to kayak and float in the riverwe loved the kayaks and paddle board and the very short distance from rio vista park
5. River House Retreat (from USD 456)
For those wanting to travel to San Marcos with a large group of friends, family, or colleagues, this house is worth considering. It can comfortably sleep up to 12 people at a time. It has two large bedrooms, six beds, and three full baths.
From entertainment options such as a cable TV, DVD player and Wi-Fi, to a full kitchen, to a deck and pavilion outside with a barbecue pit, this house has all the ingredients for a relaxing weekend away. The property’s driveway can accommodate up to six vehicles.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the house is very nice and has all the necessary items needed for a comfortable staywe enjoyed the large house dorm style sleeping separate tv rooms large kitchen rope swing and amazing yardCleanliness:
the beds were all clean and comfy and there are plenty of themHost:
the hosts were super kind and helpfulthe property owner is very attentive and friendlythe owners were amazing and so easy to talk toowner is very nice and will walk you through the entire house to show you everythingthe communication and support by the owners was terrific throughout our stayRead more reviewsLocation:
great location on the riverthis property and its location near on the river is amazingthe river house retreat is a fabulous house in a great locationi was actually thinking it would be a nice place for a girls trip
6. Perch Or Flounder Manor (from USD 398)
This is a spacious farmhouse sitting on a 7-acre (2.8-hectare) of land. Originally built in 1945, it was recently renovated and opened for guests. It can house up to 15 guests and has 5 beds, 3 bathrooms, and spacious living and dining areas.
Within the farmhouse, there is a bright and large full-service kitchen. So, cooking a lavish meal for your companions and loved ones won’t be a problem here. The house has an indoor fireplace to keep you warm, especially during colder months. Outside, there’s a patio with a seating area and gas grill if you’re into outdoor cooking. Pets are allowed on this property too.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
easy drive to all amenities and plenty of room for a large gatheringthere was room for all of us to unwind and relaxCleanliness:
the cleanliness of the sheets and pillows ranged from clean to questionable/oldclean & plenty of room and seating areasHost:
the owner is fantastic: accommodating and communicativededa was such a great host and was quick to answer all our questionsthe owner was very nice and easy to work withthe owner was such a sweet lady and really made her home a welcoming placeshe was so helpful by suggesting things to do in the areaRead more reviewsLocation:
myself and 10 close friends came here to escape the city and celebrate my birthday
7. Palmer's Guest House (from USD 129)
If you are planning an exciting family getaway in San Marcos, this place will serve you well. This is a cozy cottage that can sleep four people quite comfortably. It has one bedroom with a queen-size bed and a convertible sofa bed, and one full bath. The living area is well-furnished and welcoming too.
In the house, there is a small kitchenette with a mini-fridge and a coffee maker. Free Wi-Fi access and on-site parking for up to three cars are available on the property. There is also a private patio, where you can enjoy your morning tea and evening (or daytime) cocktail.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the bedroom was spacious with a connected bathroom that was comfortable with a nice showerno fridge or mini kitchen so it’s best for just a night or twoCleanliness:
very clean and nicely appointedeverything was clean and in perfect working ordernice clean and quaint little guest house that is perfect for one or two adultsHost:
the owners were super friendly and responsivesuper place and great hosts for a little getawayyou'll love the location and the thoughtful hospitality of the ownerskristin was super helpful and responsive when we were asking about a small coolerRead more reviewsLocation:
great location for our tripsuper cute little place and great locationperfect location for a texas state visitloved the location will definitely be backgreat place convenient location and great restaurant next door
8. Simple yet cozy apartment in Downtown San Marcos (from USD 209)
Located in downtown San Marcos, this humble apartment has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It sits on the top floor of the building and faces the street. The unit has an open floor plan with a furnished seating area featuring two sofas, a circular dining table, and a flat-screen TV. The in-house kitchenette has a kettle, stovetop, small fridge, oven, and microwave. Wi-Fi and parking for one car are available on the premises.
Top guest reviews
Host:
the property manager is attentive and helpfulthe owner is very responsive and helpful tooowner very responsive and his recommendations regarding food was spot onowner was easy to get a hold of and very responsiveowner was friendly and great to work with;) thanks brianRead more reviewsLocation:
cool condo with a great locationgreat location in downtown san marcosperfect location for a weekend away to the river and enjoying the squaregreat location next to all the fun stuff in the squareit's located in a great spot so many places within walking distance
9. Gorgeous riverside house for six
This stunning house features two bedrooms, two full baths, and can accommodate up to six guests at a time. So, if you are traveling with your family and/or group of friends, this house is perfect for you. It also has an open-concept kitchen with granite countertops, basic pantry items and kitchen appliances, ideal for home cooking. The living room is cozy and well-furnished with a beautiful indoor fireplace.
The house is located by the river, so stunning views is a default feature here. In the backyard, there are upper and lower-level decks overlooking the river too. Plus, downtown San Marcos is within walking distance of the property.
San Marcos, TX, USAccommodates: 6
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds were plush and comfy and adorned with soft linens which made for peaceful sleepingthe house was roomy and comfortable with lots of extra touches that also made it convenientCleanliness:
fresh paint updated kitchen clean and cozythe house was clean and comfortable for 5 of usbetter than expected house was very very clean and extremely well provisionedhad so much fun the place was so cute and cleanHost:
gracious and accommodating host and everything you need for family and adult funeverything about this house is amazing and the host is one of the bestRead more reviewsLocation:
convenient location—would definitely come againthe house property and location was amazing exceeded expectations
Have unlimited fun in San Marcos
There is absolutely no doubt that San Marcos, TX, has a lot in store for all kinds of visitors. Plus, the above listed vacation rentals will ensure that you have all the creature comforts at your disposal. So, don’t hold yourself back. Plan a visit to this happening city now and book a stay at one of these properties!
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