This booming Texas city is really going places. Named among the best communities to raise children in the US by the prestigious Bloomberg magazine, Business Week, and as one of America’s most exciting small cities by Business Insider, it’s little wonder then that the population jumped from 20,000 to its current 63,000-strong in less than a decade. There’s plenty here to keep you occupied during your travels, from the various parks and reserves around the Blancos and San Marcos rivers to the historical charms of the town centre - which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places - and Old Main at the university campus. Other popular spots include the earthquake caves of Wonder World Cave and Park and the supercars at Longhorn Racing Academy. But what is the secret to the city’s success? Why not pay a visit and find out for yourself. Read on for some of the things to do in San Marcos, Texas.
1. Go for a swim at Five Mile Dam Park
One for fans of an open-air swim, Five Mile Dam Park runs alongside Blanco River. Its shade-dappled picnic tables, range of walking trails and river access, make it a popular spot for swimming and rowing activities. The wider park, which sits to the northeast of San Marcos, is also home to a 43-acre (17.4-hectare) soccer complex, should you wish to enjoy other activities besides swimming. Those seeking to swim should bear in mind, however, that there is no lifeguard at the park - and solo swimming is not recommended for that very reason. Stay safe and have fun!
Five Mile Dam Park
Address: 4440 Old Stagecoach Road, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: Five Mile Dam Park
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
2. Take your children to Wonder World Cave & Park
Get set for a real underworld adventure. Discovered in the late 1800s after a drill plunged 158 feet (48 metres), Wonder Cave has been welcoming guided tours since the start of the 20th century. Located within the Balcones Fault, this ancient cave was formed by an earthquake which created the faultline. It is a recorded monument with a fascinating past - both geologically and for the illicit stills which were allegedly hidden here in the years following its discovery. Featuring natural rock marvels, the wider Wonder World site boasts everything from a wildlife park to a road train, offering opportunities for family-friendly fun.
Wonder World Cave & Park
Address: 1000 Prospect Street, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: Wonder World Cave & Park
Opening hours: Fri: 12pm - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed from Tue - Thu)
3. Shop at your favourite designer store at Tanger Outlets San Marcos
Shopaholics will find much to enjoy during a visit to San Marcos. The town is home to Tanger Outlets, an outdoor mall that houses almost 100 different outlets and features big names such as Adidas, Abercrombie, Disney, Levi’s, Crocs, Tommy Hilfiger, Skechers and more - giving you ample chance to pick up some designer gear. What’s more, there are plenty of eatery options too, providing many opportunities to grab a bite on the go or to sit down and refuel during a break in your retail adventures. Taco Bell, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, and Outback Steakhouse are just some of the culinary options you’ll find on-site. This outlet is open until nine in the evening most nights, so you’ll have plenty of time to visit.
Tanger Outlets San Marcos
Address: 4015 I-35 South, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: Tanger Outlets San Marcos
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 9pm; Sun: 10am - 7pm
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4. Sample some fine Texas wine at Three Dudes Winery
Set up back in 2005 by three friends who had been making wine together for many years, Three Dudes Winery is open seven days a week and boasts a tasting room which is sure to appeal to those travellers who are eager to tempt their palettes with new flavours. Indeed, it is open every day until six in the evening, and those willing to pay an extra fee for the experience will be able to enjoy an accompanying cheeseboard and a souvenir glass. Everything from Chenin Blanc to Cabernet Sauvignon has been given the Three Dudes Winery treatment and can be found in the store. The site, which sits on the banks of a river, can host special events from birthdays to social mixers.
Three Dudes Winery
Address: 125 Old Martindale Road, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: Three Dudes Winery
Opening hours: 12pm - 6pm (daily)
Price: from 7 USD
5. Admire paintings and other artworks at 218 Co-op Gallery
Arts fans seeking a little culture or unique keepsakes and souvenirs with which to remember their San Marcos trip will likely want to make a beeline for this cooperatively owned and operated gallery shop. Its small site boasts pieces from local artists, covering mediums ranging from sculptures, ceramics and tin jewellery, to paintings, acrylics, collages and penned items. What’s more, it also hosts regular workshops on how to make interesting pieces, such as ceramic earrings, as well as talent-spotting events and exhibitions. What will catch your eye here?
218 Co-op Gallery
Address: 218 North Guadalupe Street, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: 218 Co-op Gallery
Opening hours: Thu - Fri: 3pm - 7pm; Sat: 11am - 7pm; Sun: 11am - 3pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
6. Enjoy tubing with San Marcos Lions Club Tube Rental
If your trip coincides with the height of the summer season, then you’ll likely want to mess about in cool waters at some point. Well, head to Tube San Marcos! The San Marcos Lions Club Tube Rental will let you do just that. Located within Recreation Hall in San Marcos City Park, this service lets you serenely drift downstream for about an hour until you reach Rio Vista Park. What’s more, the rental includes an unlimited shuttle pass, should have some trouble getting back to your starting point. For an additional fee, tube riders can also rent lifejackets and other equipment for added safety.
San Marcos Lions Club Tube Rental
Address: City Park, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: San Marcos Lions Club Tube Rental
Opening hours: May - September: Fri - Wed: 10am - 7pm; Thu: 10am - 8pm
Price: 14 USD
7. Hike in Purgatory Creek Natural Area
One for outdoor fans, Purgatory Creek Natural Area covers more than 700 acres (283 hectares) of land and features a number of trails for you to enjoy. There’s also parking available at three separate trail heads with varying levels of amenities, ranging from rest rooms and water fountains to nothing at all. The different trails also offer an array of outdoor opportunities, from the difficult 12-mile (19-km) stretch of uphill mountain biking trails around Lower Purgatory to the running, biking, and birdwatching delights of Upper Purgatory. Walkers are advised to stick to the trails and bring water to stay hydrated under the Texas sun.
Purgatory Creek Natural Area
Address: 2102 Hunter Road, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: Purgatory Creek Natural Area
Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)
8. Go biking in San Marcos Plaza Park
Another option for those eager to use two wheels to get about, San Marcos Plaza Park extends across an area of five acres and features a number of short trails. Other amenities, should you wish to leave the bike behind or stop for a short picnic, include benches and decking. Time your visit right and you may find the open stage in use for a special occasion or musical event. What’s more, this spot is not far from the river, so you won’t have to go far if you want to factor a riverside visit into your plans.
San Marcos Plaza Park
Address: 206 N C M Allen Parkway, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: San Marcos Plaza Park
Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)
9. Check out personal items and photos of President Lyndon B. Johnson at LBJ Museum
One of the city’s claims to fame is its close association with the 36th US President, Lyndon Baines Johnson. LBJ’s college years were spent here, studying at Southwest Texas State Teachers College - today’s Texas State University - in the late 1920s. This museum celebrates and explores that window of his life, as well as the period he taught in Cotulla, Texas. Welcoming visitors since 2006, the museum - which was opened by LBJ’s own daughter - features permanent exhibits. These range from early photos to presidential memorabilia, such as the very pen he used to sign important legislation, as well as other artefacts from his presidency.
LBJ Museum
Address: 131 North Guadalupe Street, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: LBJ Museum
Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 11am - 5pm (closed from Sun - Wed)
10. Learn more about African American history at Calaboose African American History Museum
Set within a building that has served as Hays County’s first jail and a World War II-era USO facility for housing African-American soldiers, Calaboose is a recorded historic landmark in Texas. Its most recent life dates back to the late 1990s when it was saved from demolition and renovated to become a museum celebrating African-American culture and history within the San Marcos area. Today its permanent exhibits number more than 500 items ranging from photos and books to drawings and textiles. It also has a rotating gallery which changes every three months.
Calaboose African American History Museum
Address: 200 Martin Luther King Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: Calaboose African American History Museum
Opening hours: Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed from Sun - Fri)
11. Take a peaceful walk around Blanco Shoals Natural Area
If getting away from the hubbub is your idea of heaven, then a walk around Blanco Shoals Natural Area - to the west of the Blanco River - will likely appeal. Extending across some 81 acres (33 hectares), it has no defined trails to follow and is completely undeveloped - perfect for a little peace and quiet. Just remember to bring a map. The flat terrain includes a host of plant life to enjoy, from sycamore trees and huge pecans to the giant ragweed of the summer months. While its lack of development means no restroom facilities or water, there is parking available on-site, so you shouldn’t have much difficulty reaching it by car.
Blanco Shoals Natural Area
Address: Blanco River, 1201 East River Ridge Road, San Marcos, TX 78666
Opening hours: 5am - 9pm (daily)
12. Make your own glass masterpiece at Wimberley Glassworks
There’s something mesmerising about watching a skilled crafter work with molten glass and shape it into a work of art. For a tantalising moment, it almost looks alive as it contorts, expands, and is shaped into a myriad of different forms - from ornate bowls to treasured keepsakes with no function beyond simply looking stunning. Wimberley Glassworks has been operating since the early 1990s and produces everything from hand-blown lighting to sculptures and vases, giving you ample inspiration for a souvenir or two. You can even watch the magic in action through one of its demos or workshops, the latter of which gives you the chance to turn your hand to this impressive craft yourself.
Wimberley Glassworks
Address: 6469 Ranch Road 12, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: Wimberley Glassworks
13. Try craft beers at Middleton Brewing
Fans of real ale will almost certainly want to pay this next entry a visit during their trip to San Marcos. This ten-barrel brewpub, which has been running since 2011, creates a wide range of ales on-site - from IPAs to spiced Belgian-style blondes. Its laid-back atmosphere, indoor and outdoor seating, live music, comedy nights, and trivia quizzes have also won it plenty of fans. What’s more, if beer isn’t your tipple of choice then you’ll find a number of wines and locally-made ciders available behind the bar as well. If you fancy a tasty bite to eat to go along with your ale, you’re in luck - it opened a new food truck in October 2019.
Middleton Brewing
Address: 101 Oakwood Loop, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: Middleton Brewing
Opening hours: Mon, Wed - Thu: 2pm - 10pm; Fri: 2pm - 11pm; Sat: 12pm - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 10pm (closed Tue)
14. Drive a supercar at The Longhorn Racing Academy
Are you a petrolhead with a need for speed? Well, The Longhorn Racing Academy will surely make it onto your travel itinerary. All manner of supercars is available for you to take for a spin, from the likes of the Lamborghini Huracan to the flame-red Ferrari 488 GTB. If you’d rather leave the driving to someone else, you can ride along and feel the thrill of a supercar being pushed to the max even if you’re not that confident behind the wheel yourself. The centre also offers a range of experiences from thrilling laps around various racetracks to country driving adventures on the twisty open road.
The Longhorn Racing Academy
Address: 2840 Harris Hill Road, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: The Longhorn Racing Academy
Price: from 99 USD
15. Bring your kids to Children's Park
More sedate pleasures await families who pay a visit to Children’s Park. As the name would suggest, this family-friendly park is home to a number of playground facilities, from four-seat see-saws and roller slides to team swings and wide ramps. There’s also rubber safety surfacing for added peace of mind. While the kids are burning off some energy, you’ll also find a range of benches and picnic tables dotted around this seven-acre park, as well as restrooms and water facilities.
Children's Park
Address: 205 South CM Allen Parkway, San Marcos, TX 78666
Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)
16. Enjoy a family picnic at William & Eleanor Crook Park
William & Eleanor Crook Park is another public space that makes for a nice place to unwind with friends or family. This 16-acre (6.4-hectare) park, which was named after the founders of the grocery chain H-E-B, features a covered pavilion, a number of picnic tables and benches where you can tuck into your pre-prepared snacks. There are also a number of trails, giving you ample opportunity to burn off a few of the calories from your picnic feast, or simply to enjoy a relaxing stroll in good company. What’s more, its position next to the river has made it a popular swimming and tubing spot - just be sure to stay safe in the water.
William & Eleanor Crook Park
Address: 420 Riverside Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666
Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)
17. Explore the historic Old Main
An architectural jewel in the San Marcos landscape, this Victorian Gothic building is part of Texas State University’s campus and has been a fixture of the town since the dawn of the 20th century. This charming red-roofed building is the current home of the university’s journalism school and was subject to a multi-million dollar restoration project. Getting its name from the street on which it sits, Old Main’s historical importance was recognised when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places back in 1983. Naturally, its status as a functioning place of learning means access to the building itself will be more restricted than other sites, but there’s nothing to stop you from enjoying a view of its exterior.
Old Main - Texas State University
Address: 601 University Drive, San Marcos, Texas 78666
18. Eat Mexican food at Casa Maria Restaurant San Marcos
One for fans of Mexican dining, Casa Maria has been welcoming diners since 1997 and has won many fans for its mix of dishes - most of which are influenced by northern Mexico, but with a few favourites from the south thrown in for good measure. The restaurant also provides a range of menus depending on the time of day, offering fajitas, enchiladas, seafood, and Tex-Mex. One of the more popular eateries in town, it also offers some outdoor seating should you wish to dine out in the sun. Vegetarians will also be pleased to note that they serve some vegetarian-friendly options.
Casa Maria Restaurant
Address: 706 South Guadalupe Street, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: Casa Maria Restaurant
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 11am - 9.30pm; Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 8am - 10.30pm; Sun: 8am - 8.30pm
19. Watch a movie at The SPOT Cinema Eatery & Social Haus
Whether you simply can’t wait to get home to enjoy the latest tent-pole movie release, or you are looking for a relaxing way to spend a couple of hours with friends, then this cinema will likely find its way into your travel plans. Hosting close to 30 screenings a day, you’ll find plenty of film choices on offer. With luxury recliners and a push-button dine-in service, this establishment is also home to a bowling alley, restaurant, bar and range of games from pool to amusement arcade machines. So, why not make an afternoon or evening of it and slot your cinema experience in among other family-friendly activities?
The SPOT Cinema Eatery & Social Haus
Address: 1180 Thorpe Lane #130, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: The SPOT Cinema Eatery & Social Haus
20. Rejuvenate at Isanze Day Spa & Hair Co
Looking to ease away any aches and pains after some energetic sightseeing? Or simply seeking a chance to indulge in some beauty treatments ahead of a night on the tiles? Well, those seeking a little pampering during their travels may wish to check out one of the local beauty spas. Isanze Spa & Hair Co offers a range of treatments, from Swedish massages and therapies to pedicures, facials and hair treatments.
Isanze Day Spa & Hair Co
Address: 322 West Hopkins Street, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: Isanze Day Spa & Hair Co
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 6pm (closed Sun - Mon)
21. Dance away at Stonewall Warehouse
This gay bar is popular among club-goers as a safe space for good music and a friendly atmosphere, where you can enjoying everything from dancing to a simple game of billiards. Located on the square in the heart of downtown San Marcos, just across from the old courthouse, you should have little difficulty getting to and from the “first and only LGBTQIA bar and nightclub”. They also host regular special events from burlesque film revues and karaoke to game shows like Are You Smarter Than a Drag Queen? making it an option for when you simply want a few drinks among friends or a livelier night out.
Stonewall Warehouse
Address: 141 East Hopkins Street, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: Stonewall Warehouse
Opening hours: 6pm - 2am (daily)
22. Sunset Bowling Lanes
Ideal for a little family-friendly fun or for an afternoon or evening with friends, this popular bowling arena has been a fixture of San Marcos for decades and was just recently renovated. This establishment welcomes families at any time of day and features no fewer than 24 lanes. Its family-oriented approach also extends to bumpers - increasing the chances of the little ones getting a strike - and light balls. It is also happy to cater to parties as well, should your trip coincide with a special event for you or someone in your group. Time to hit the lanes!
Sunset Bowling Lanes
Address: 1304 TX-123, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: Sunset Bowling Lanes
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 12am; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 12am
23. Listen to live music at The Buzz Mill
This venue never closes, so you’ll have ample opportunity to pop by to enjoy a coffee, an alcoholic drink, or tuck into a meal from the menu, which includes burgers, tacos, sandwiches - all of which are entirely plant-based, and is sure to appeal to vegetarians and vegans in your group. Those who want to enjoy a drink with friends while saving a few pennies may also wish to check out the happy hour, which runs every weekday afternoon from five to eight. Customers certainly enjoy the site, praising its great atmosphere and wonderful staff. Speaking of atmosphere, the venue also hosts live music sessions as well, should your visit happen to coincide with a performance.
The Buzz Mill
Address: 194 South Guadalupe Street #5532, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: The Buzz Mill
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Plenty to see and do in San Marcos
From natural underground wonders to family-friendly bowling and cinema action, there’s plenty to keep you entertained during a visit to this corner of Texas. What will you opt for - a refreshing and relaxing riverside walk and dip or the more adrenaline-fuelled action of the race track in a supercar? The choice is yours.
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