Welcome to the picturesque town of San Marcos, TX, where history meets the vibrant energy of a college town. Our Neighborhood Guide is your key to unlocking the treasures nestled along the San Marcos River. From the historic downtown square to the lively campus atmosphere of Texas State University, this guide is your passport to discovering the unique blend of culture, nature, and community that defines San Marcos.
Dive into the crystal-clear waters of the San Marcos River, explore the rich history at the local museums, and savor the flavors of diverse cuisines that line the streets. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, arts and culture, or simply a relaxed day by the river, San Marcos offers a little something for every explorer.
Join us on a journey through the heart of this Texas gem, as we uncover the best local spots, hidden gems, and the warm, welcoming spirit that makes San Marcos a destination worth exploring. Get ready to immerse yourself in the charm of this Hill Country haven.
SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
Fun Fact: San Marcos has a diverse population of 65,000+ embracing multiple cultures.
Sandwiched between Austin and San Antonio, the Central Texas college town is a must-see stop when traveling through the Texas Hill Country. Here are some of our favorite places to visit!
LBJ Museum
Dedicated to Lyndon Baines Johnson, the 36th President of the United States, the museum offers several permanent exhibits related to Johnson’s life in and out of the Oval Office.
When you're done with that, don't forget to stop by the President Johnson Ranch, located just outside the LBJ Museum.
San Marcos Art Center
Scour the two galleries with rotating exhibitions or join classes, workshops, and events. Head to the San Marcos Art Center gift shop where you can purchase one-of-a-kind products.
Cheatham Street Warehouse
Begin your evening with some fantastic music where a long list of iconic musicians performed at this famed music venue in downtown such as Willie Nelson and George Strait.
Aside from concerts, Cheatham Street Warehouse also hosts various special events like open-mic nights, poetry readings, and art shows. Packed with Texas history, the venue, originally built as a warehouse in 1910, will inspire constant nostalgia.
Commemorative Air Force Central Texas Wing
Explore a WWII hangar converted into classrooms, restoration stores, and a library. You’ll also see vintage warplanes like the T-6 Texan, P-39Q Bell Airacobra, the B-25J Yellow Rose, a Beech C-45 Expeditor, and C-47 Skytrain. Continue to the next section to discover the remnants, survival gear, regalia, airborne camera equipment, weapons, and some photographs.
Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park
The popular theme park offers fun activities, cool attractions, and rides to keep you entertained throughout your visit such as the Anti-Gravity House where you get to experience what life on earth would be like without gravity.
Kids will love Kid’s Korner play area and fun rides like Observation Tower and Express Train.
FITNESS & NATURE
Fun Fact: In 2010, San Marcos was listed in Business Week's fourth annual survey of the "Best Places to Raise your Kids".
Stokes Park
See the waterfall at the heart of this park! Stay longer and wander through the woods and spot some rare insects, this location often has little crowds.
Rio Vista Park
Connected to the San Marcos river, this park is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors. Enjoy a peaceful stroll around the park’s scenic walking trails, indulge in some fishing or relish a fun-filled tubing experience on the gentle waters of the San Marcos River, rent a kayak and ride upstream or just dive into the refreshing water and swim in the plunging watering hole. Kids get to have a blast at the park's playground.
San Marcos River
Take a rejuvenating dive into the San Marcos River. Known as Central Texas’s most beautiful river, it offers plenty of fun activities like snorkeling, floating, scuba diving, and cliff jumping.
San Marcos Plaza Park
Located on the banks of the San Marcos River, the five-acre park features a playground and provides ample space to play games like frisbee or to plan a perfect family picnic. Try and catch an event at San Marcos Pavilion and Stage or one of San Marcos Plaza Park’s many festivals.
Savor delicious local cuisine at the food trucks parked nearby.
Purgatory Creek Natural Area
Found inside the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, this nature reserve is perfect for those looking for an easy hike or a scenic picnic spot close to town. You’ll find beautiful juniper groves, upland meadows, massive champion oak trees for shade, and tall canyon bluffs.
Spring Lake Natural Area
This peaceful park offers playgrounds and pavilions for picnics or to enjoy the scenic view. Hike on the trails, paddleboard or canoe in the lake or book a lake tour.
The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment
Book a 30-minute tour of Spring Lake and savor the experience of staring into the lake’s depths on the glass-bottom boat. You get to learn about the importance of water conservation and marvel at diverse aquatic creatures like turtles and fish that have made their home in crystal-clear waters.
Crystal Kayak Glow Tour
Paddle SMTX offers one of the most impressive ways to take a ride on a stand-up paddleboard, with a nighttime trip on boards that lights up the river with a rainbow of color. Each paddleboard is equipped with colorful, waterproof LED lighting. Paddlers slowly make their way down the river during the SUP Glow Night Tours of the San Marcos River leaving a stream of red, green, blue, or purple in their wake. The boards illuminate the crystal clear water showcasing the river’s aquatic plants and wildlife.
PUBS & BREWERIES
Fun Fact: Underwater dig at Spring Lake found Clovis Indian artifacts from 12,000+ years ago.
Middleton Brewing
Serving American and German craft beer, this brewery and pub offer a fantastic atmosphere to enjoy a great time with your friends and family. The outdoor seating is perfect for enjoying San Marcos’ pleasant weather, while the indoor seating is comfortable and cozy on cooler days and evenings.
Sean Patrick's Irish Hub & Texas Grub
Sean Patrick’s is all about the Irish pub and Texas grub! Grab yourself an order of Guinness Fish & Chips and a cold pint of Sean Patrick’s finest beer and enjoy the buzz of Downtown San Marcos.
Aquabrew
With a spacious beer garden, AquaBrew is the perfect spot to catch up with friends and meet locals during happy hour. Try out their craft brews and dig into one of their burgers or quesadillas.
Roughhouse Brewing
Tucked away off of Ranch Road 12, the brewery serves refreshing, farmhouse-style beer and scratch-made fare that complements the Texas landscape. Customers can relax inside the rustic brewery barn or in the oak-surrounded outdoor seating area and enjoy live music on the weekends.
EAT & DRINK
Fun Fact: In December 2013, San Marcos was named number nine on Business Insider's list of the "10 Most Exciting Small Cities In America".
The infusion of cultures and lifestyles in San Marcos brings a surprising range of flavors to the table. From home-cooked meals to international cuisine, here's our favorites!
Coffee:
Wake the Dead Coffee House
Tantra Coffeehouse
Mochas & Javas
Perk Up
Summer Moon
Buzz Mill
Pastries & Desserts
Dos Gatos Kolaches | Czech Pastries
Rhea's Ice Cream Parlor | Ice Cream
The Candy Wraptor Dinosaur Café and Candy Store | Unique Sodas & Sweets
Lauren’s Wildflower Bakery | Bakery
Casual Dining:
54th St Restaurant & Drafthouse | American
Saltgrass Steakhouse | Steak & BBQ
Texas Roadhouse
The Pita Shop | Greek
Prik Nam Pla | Thai
Pie Society | Pizza
Best Barbeque:
Terry Black's BBQ
Hays County BBQ Restaurant
Local Icons:
Root Cellar Cafe | American
Palmer's Restaurant & Bar | Southern
Herbert's Taco Hut | Tex Mex
Cody's Restaurant Bar & Patio | New American