Best Things to do in San Marcos | Must-see attractions 2025

Patio Dolcetto

4:00 PM–11:00 PM

Gallery

322 Cheatham St

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Patio Dolcetto in San Marcos offers a vibrant atmosphere with wine tasting, delicious small plates, and outdoor seating among lush greenery.

Duration: 2 hours.

Free to enter; food and drink purchases required.

Hays County Historic Courthouse

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Architectural Building

111 E San Antonio St

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Hays County Historic Courthouse, built in 1908, serves as a historical site in San Marcos, Texas, featuring unique architecture and rich history.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free.

Silo Gallery & Glass Studio

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

7990 Ranch Road 12 One mile from Wimberley Glassworks and across from Middleton Brewing on Oakwood Loop.

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Silo Gallery & Glass Studio features a 3D fine art gallery and a warm glass studio, offering jewelry, sculpture, and stunning pieces in San Marcos, Texas.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Some classes may require a fee.

Aquarena Center

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Amusement Park

921 Aquarena Springs Dr.

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Aquarena Center in San Marcos features aquatic exhibits, a natural spring, and educational programs, providing a unique blend of recreation and learning.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some special programs may incur a fee.

Charles S Cock House Museum

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Museum

400 E Hopkins St

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The Charles S Cock House Museum, established in the 1860s, is the oldest house in San Marcos, Texas, offering tours and a unique Friday lunch service.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for tours and Friday lunch service.

Rio Vista Park

7:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

555 Cheatham Street

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Rio Vista Park is a 14-acre city park in San Marcos, Texas, featuring sports courts, a swimming pool, picnic areas, and hiking/biking trails.

Duration: Approximately 2–3 hours.

Free. Some facilities may have specific hours or restrictions.

Dunbar Park

6:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

801 Martin Luther King Dr

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Dunbar Park in San Marcos features sports facilities including a basketball court, baseball field, playground, and a recreation center for community enjoyment.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. No admission fees required to access park facilities.

Calaboose African American History Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

200 W Martin Luther King Dr

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Calaboose African American History Museum in San Marcos, Texas, showcases artifacts tracing local African-American history in a historical 1873 jail.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may have a fee.

Quail Creek Golf Club

7:00 AM–7:00 PM

Golf Course

2701 Airport Hwy. 21

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Quail Creek Golf Club in San Marcos offers an 18-hole championship course, scenic landscapes, and a welcoming atmosphere for golfers of all skill levels.

Duration: Approximately 4 hours for a complete round of golf.

Green fees range from $25 to $70, depending on the day and time. Membership options available.

San Marcos Lions Club Tube Rental

10:00 AM–6:30 PM

Park

Jowers Access Road San Marcos City Park

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San Marcos Lions Club Tube Rental offers tube rentals on the San Marcos River, complete with unlimited shuttle rides for a fun day on the water.

Duration: 2-4 hours.

Rental includes unlimited shuttle rides, prices vary by day.

Purgatory Creek Natural Area

Open 24 hours

Park

2102 Hunter Rd

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Purgatory Creek Natural Area in San Marcos offers marked trails, scenic overlooks, and a designated area for hiking and biking within Texas's Hays County.

Duration: 1-3 hours.

Free. No admission fee required.

LBJ Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

131 N Guadalupe St

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LBJ Museum in San Marcos, Texas highlights exhibitions on the 36th U.S. President, featuring personal items and photographs.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

The San Marcos River Walkway

6:00 AM–10:00 PM

Mall

206 N C M Allen Pkwy

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The San Marcos River Walkway is a city park in San Marcos, Texas, featuring scenic walking paths along the San Marcos River, ideal for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No ticket purchase required to access the park.

Dick's Classic Garage

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

120 Stagecoach Trl

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Dick's Classic Garage, part of the Central Texas Museum of Automotive History, offers an educational journey through automotive history in San Marcos, Texas.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Texas State University

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

601 University Dr (N LBJ Dr)

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Texas State University in San Marcos is a public research university offering diverse programs and a strong commitment to community engagement.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Access to university events may vary in pricing.

First Presbyterian Church Of San Marcos

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

410 W Hutchison St

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First Presbyterian Church Of San Marcos, established in 1890, is known for its historical significance and beautiful Gothic architecture in San Marcos, Texas.

Duration: About 1 hour.

Free. Donations are accepted for maintenance and community projects.

Holland Street Church of Christ

9:00 AM–1:00 PM

Church

Texas

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Holland Street Church of Christ in San Marcos, Texas, offers a welcoming community space with a strong focus on worship and service.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcomed to support community programs.

El Beun Pastor United Methodist Church

10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

209 Grove (S. LBJ)

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El Beun Pastor United Methodist Church in San Marcos offers spiritual services, community activities, and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcome to support community programs.

First Lutheran Church San Marcos

10:00 AM–2:00 PM

Church

130 W Holland St

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First Lutheran Church San Marcos, founded in 1894, is noted for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and community services in San Marcos, Texas.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations are welcomed but not required.