San Marcos Travel Guide

 
by klasher
 
  •   Blanco River
    by klasher
  •   San Marcos
    by klasher
  •   Things to Do
    by deeper_blue
  •   Hays County Courthouse
    by Djinn76
  •   San Marcos
    by ATXtraveler
 

Flights to San Marcos

All fares Ashburn (IAD) to San Marcos (AUS) found by travelers in past 48 hours*
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Pro

coolkiwy profile photo

 The small town feeling 


Con

msbrandysue profile photo

 Nothing really other than that...College town 


In a nutshell

yelli profile photo

 If it weren't for the university, this place would be boring (unless you like outlet malls) 

 

Explore San Marcos

Things to Do  

Aquarena Springs

Aquarena Springs, San Marcos

 3 Reviews  The old Aquarena Springs on Spring Lake that boasted beautifully manicured & landscaped grounds with a well managed program that controlled non-native plant growth in the lake is history. The Texas State University, ( then SW Texas State University) purchased the property under the ruse of utilizing... 

San Marcos River

San Marcos River, San Marcos

 3 Reviews  This is one of the major attraction of the area, either you just stroll along or decide to do something more wet!! I was there in november but apparently tube renting is very popular during the summer; have a look to the following link for the details... 

Hays County Courthouse

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos

 2 Reviews  This is one of the major piece of architecture in San Marcos. The Hays County was created in 1848 and named in honor of Capt. Jack C. Hays, a noted Indian fighter and Texas Ranger. Restored to its original style, this buildings typify the Central Texas Courthouse Square. 

Blanco River

Blanco River, San Marcos

 1 Review  A nice park on the Blanco River during the week. There are only a few choice spots right on the water with trees for shade and easy access to the water. Get there early to score a spot! Beware the long grass area-rattlesnakes have been sighted. 

First United Methodist Church

First United Methodist Church, San Marcos

 1 Review  First United Methodist Church is a Victorian Gothic styled church was completed in 1893 and has been serving congregations since that time. In 1939, 20 stained glass windows were added as memorials to the early builders. There is an 1872 bell in the four-story bell tower which had previously hung at... 

Southwest Texas State University

Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos

 1 Review  Southwest Texas State University (SWT is recognised as one of the top 3 public universities in Texas. It was established in 1899 and has expanded into the 7th largest public university in the state. The Theatre is a beautiful and distinctive building surrounded by a small lake and park-like setting.... 

Hotels  

Holiday Inn Express Suites San Marcos

 1 Review and 49 Opinions  The guy at the check in desk was rude and abrupt. He was arrogant and impatient. too busy playing on... 

Holiday Inn Expstes San Marcos (108 Ih 35 N )

 2 Reviews and 7 Opinions  How hard is it to check someone into a hotel....guess not as exciting as playing games on his phone... 

Restaurants  

The Root Cellar Cafe: Fresh food in the square

The Root Cellar Cafe: Fresh food in the square, San Marcos

 klasher Says:  My favorite restaurant in San Marcos. Currently it is BYOB, I'm not sure how long that will last! The cafe has a casual and intimate setting and the waitstaff are friendly and remember you when you come back. Everything I have eaten there is fresh and well prepared. The menu... 

San Marcos River Pub and Grill: Located on the San Marcos River

San Marcos River Pub and Grill: Located on the San Marcos River, San Marcos

 SWTexan82 Says:  Great place located on the San Marcos river. Outdoor seating overlooking the river available. Great american cousine, burgers, chicken etc. Features free outdoor entertainment during Sundays in the summer. Full bar. Chicken fried steak is huge, they have a half portion.... 

Nightlife  

Tap Room: Huge beer selection

Tap Room: Huge beer selection, San Marcos

 klasher Says:  42 beers on tap and 20 in bottles are available at the Tap Room. There are excellent specials almost every day; discounted beers, half price appetizers every night and more. The burgers are the best I have found in the Central Texas area. Casual 

Transportation  

Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)

Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), San Marcos

 ATXtraveler Says:  The closest airport to San Marcos is located in Austin and is a 45 minute drive or so from town. Austin is served by most of the main US carriers, and its airport code is AUS. 

Drive your Car

Drive your Car, San Marcos

 ATXtraveler Says:  San Marcos is located south of Austin and north of San Antonio in Texas. Most of the activities in San Marcos are spread out, and with the exception of student transportation, the public system is not convenient for most travel.Likely, you will be traveling from one of those... 

Shopping  

Tanger Outlet Center: GO SHOPPING!!!! Til you drop (and you will drop!)

Tanger Outlet Center: GO SHOPPING!!!!  Til you drop (and you will drop!), San Marcos

 msbrandysue Says:  EVERYTHING YOU COULD EVER WANT IS HERE....AND IT"S ON SALE!!!!!!!!!Yes, over 100 brandname stores and another 100 in between. How do these sound?CoachArmaniDooney and BourkeNike AddidasCalvin KleinSamsoniteSunglass Hut'Disney StoreOld NavyAmerican EaglePottery BarnWilliam... 

Prime and Tanger Outlet: A paradise for bargain hunters

Prime and Tanger Outlet: A paradise for bargain hunters, San Marcos

 Djinn76 Says:  Chances are that shopping is the main reason you are in San Marcos! And shopping in San Marcos means the Prime or Tanger Outlet!!Even open on Sunday, you have tens of different shops selling well known brand at prices I couldn't imagine!I have been particularly surprised by... 

Local Customs  

Yearly Activities

Yearly Activities, San Marcos

 keeweechic Says:  March : Daffodil Days – An annual event to welcome Spring which features the picturesque scene of 2,000 blooming in the Historic District gardens. April : Central Texas Golf Fest - Largest amateur golf tournament in United States. Participants play on seven courses in a... 

Warnings and Dangers  

Dangerous Undertow

Dangerous Undertow, San Marcos

 ATXtraveler Says:  One of the popular activities in San Marcos is to swim and/or float on the San Marcos River. While in the river, you will likely want to be careful in certain areas, as the undertow can get very strong. The area of the small waterfalls next to Saltgrass Steakhouse is... 

Fragile Ecosystem

Fragile Ecosystem, San Marcos

 ATXtraveler Says:  If you are going to make a trip to San Marcos, please consider leaving your pets at home. The San Marcos River in particular is a fragile ecosystem that is home to several endangered species. For example, there is a blind salamander which is delicious to pets, but in danger... 

Tourist Traps  

Outlet mall

Outlet mall, San Marcos

 Javeing Says:  The Outlet mall off of Hwy 35 North Avoid the outlet mall on the weekend. It can get packed. With people coming as far way as Mexico for a shopping trip. As well most of the “sales” will start that Monday and be picked over by the time the weekend rolls around. Your best... 

Off The Beaten Path  

The Salt Lick

The Salt Lick, San Marcos

 klasher Says:  Off the beaten path and a pretty drive through Driftwood brings you to the Salt Lick BBQ Restaurant. This is probably the best barbecue I have ever tasted. Oh-and it's BYOB! We sat on the patio and listened to the live band under the oaks as we toasted each other for being... 

Railroad from the Far West

Railroad from the Far West, San Marcos

 Djinn76 Says:  Walking along the San Marcos river, I first passed under a regular concrete bridge for a road and then really struck by surprise, I discovered this old wooden bridge!!I thought it was the old bridge they left there but I soon realised the rail tracks on this bridge were... 

Favorites  

Float the river. It's only...

Float the river. It's only..., San Marcos

 BifClaes Says:  Float the river. It's only about a 45 minute float...the Lion's Club supplies the tubes and the ride back (it'll be about $10 a person when all said and done with a $15 deposit so you don't make off with the nifty yellow tubes) -... 

Comments

* Pricing and fares have been collected during the three days prior to today's date. Actual pricing and fares are provided by air carrier and suppliers, whose prices change frequently and without notice.
Map of San Marcos