Midway between the big cities of Austin and San Antonio, in beautiful Texas Hill Country, is the smaller city of San Marcos. Although just a short drive from the amenities of the big cities, San Marcos boasts its own rich history and identity in a relaxed and tranquil setting. The city is home to the well known and beautiful Texas State University-San Marcos campus, the alma mater of former President Lyndon B. Johnson. With the cool crystal clear waters of the San Marcos River running through the town, many popular recreational pursuits are available, including tubing, canoeing, fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling and swimming. The river rises from mammoth springs within the town and is noted for its profusion of both plant and animal aquatic life. Historic areas feature quaint art galleries, gift shops and unique restaurants. For more information on San Marcos, contact the Convention and Visitors Bureau at 512-393-5900.
Things to do in San Marcos
Aquarena Center
Located along the San Marcos River, Aquarena Center is non-profit environmental education center that offers a unique way to experience the San Marcos Springs and the diversity created by them. The center focuses on the endangered species of the San Marcos Springs, the importance and diversity of wetlands, and the area's native and exotic species. Visitors can take the famous glass-bottom boat ride, one of the most popular ways to view the bubbling springs and the natural aquarium. Located at 921 Aquarena Springs Drive. Call 512-245-7570 for more information.
Belvin Street Historic District
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Belvin Street Historic District offers superb examples of 19th and early 20th-century homes along the street shaded by huge live oaks. All are private residences not open to public except during Tours of Distinction during the first weekend in May.
Calaboose Museum of African-American History
The Calaboose African-American History Museum was founded nine years ago. Tucked inside the original 1873 Hays County Jail is the Calaboose African-American History Museum. The museum offers a look at the roles African Americans have filled in law, medicine, science and exploration. Tours by appointment. Located at the corner of Martin Luther King Drive and Fredericksburg Street. Call 512-353-0124 for more information.
Canyon Lake
One of the most scenic lakes in Texas, Canyon Lake is surrounded by steep and wooded hills. The 8,240-acre lake has 80 miles of shoreline and features several public parks: Canyon Park, Comal Park, Cranes Mill Park, Guadalupe Park, North Park, Overlook Park, and Potters Creek Park. Recreational activities include camping, fishing, swimming, scuba diving, picnicking, hiking, wildlife viewing, boating, and other water sports. Many of the parks offer campsites for tents and trailers, as well as boat ramps, restrooms and picnic tables. Several marinas, yacht clubs and a ski club are also located at the lake. Located off FM 306 north of I-35 and accessible from San Marcos. Call 830-964-3341 for more information.
Confederate Air Force Central Texas Wing
The Confederate Air Force Central Texas Wing is located in the only remaining 1943 vintage wooden hangar at the San Marcos Municipal Airport. The Centex Wing houses two aircraft, a rare P-39 Bell Airacobra and a P-38 Lockheed Lightning. A Japanese "Kate" torpedo bomber replica, built for the movie "Tora, Tora, Tora" is also on display along with other privately owned vintage aircraft. There is also a museum with a display dedicated to the Doolittle Raiders, including a B-25 Mitchell bomber similar to the one flown on the Tokyo raid. At the airport, follow the Perimeter Road along the fence to the Centex hangar. Call 512-396-1943 for more information.
Gruene
Pronounced "green," Gruene is a village that was established by German immigrants before 1850. The charming community is now part of New Braunfels and is a historical landmark registered with the National Registry of Historic Places. Historic structures, both in ruins and restored, include old homes, stores, art gallery, winery, ice cream parlor, and rustic beer hall, circa 1880, which is still popular for weekend dances. At the Gruene Country Homestead Inn, the innkeepers make their own molasses from sugar cane grown on the property, actually using the cooker and sugar press obtained from Edwin Hanz, the prior owner of the fachwerk barn and property. Located on Guadalupe River at 1202 Gruene Road. Call 830-606-0216 for more information.
Historic Trolley Tours
View the town through the eyes of Gen. and Mrs. Edward Burleson, early founders of San Marcos, as they recall the history and beauty of the city. The guided tour passes by old mansions on tree-lined streets, the historic courthouse square, the San Marcos River, and Aquarena Center. Tours are given the first Saturday of the month at the Tanger Outlet Center Visitor's Center. Call 512-396-3739 for more information.
Millie Seaton Collection of Dolls & Toys
The Millie Seaton Collection features more than 5,000 dolls from all over the world, showcased in a grand historic three-story home. Tours by appointment. Located at 1104 W. Hopkins Street. Call 512-392-1113 for more information.
Prime Outlets-San Marcos
Prime Outlets at San Marcos invites shoppers to enjoy the center's hacienda-style architecture, pleasant landscape, and more than 110 of the nation's most famous name brand outlets. Located off I-35, Exit 200. Call 512-396-2200 for more information.
Quail Creek Country Club
Quail Creek Country Club offers an 18-hole, semi-private golf course. The club is located just off Interstate 35 - take Exit 205, then follow State Highway 80 east for one mile, then turn left onto State Highway 21 and drive one mile to club entrance. Call 512-353-1665 for more information.
San Marcos River
The spring-fed waters of the San Marcos River provide popular recreational activities including canoeing, fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, and tubing. The water is 72 degrees all year. The Lions Club Tube Rental and River Taxi operates May through September in San Marcos City Park. Exit IH 35 onto Aquarena Springs Drive, turn left onto Charles Austin Drive, then turn right behind Strahan Basketball Stadium and follow the signs. Call 512-396-5466 for more information.
San Marcos River Walkway
The San Marcos River Walkway unites five city parks along the picturesque San Marcos river, accented by lush landscaping. Access the walkway from Juan Veramendi Plaza, C.M. Allen Pkwy. at Hopkins Street.
Schlitterbahn
Schlitterbahn is the state's largest waterpark with over 65 acres of family fun. Nestled along the banks of the Comal River, Schlitterbahn has something for everyone including award-winning high tech thrill rides, 3 miles of tubing adventures, 7 children's water playgrounds,17 water slides, the world's first surfing machine, 3 uphill water coasters, and cool, shady picnic grounds. Open April - September. Located at 400 N. Liberty Street. Call 830-625-2351 for more information.
Southwestern Writers Collection
Founded by Bill and Sally Wittliff at Texas State University-San Marcos in 1986, the Southwestern Writers Collection has become a distinguished and steadily-growing archive, charged with preserving, exhibiting, and providing access to the papers and artifacts of principal writers, filmmakers, and musicians of the Southwest. Located on the Texas State University-San Marcos campus in the Alkek Library, 601 University Drive. Call 512-245-2313 for more information.
Tanger Outlet Center
Shop Tanger Outlet Center in San Marcos, TX and buy direct from over 100 brand name manufacturer and designer outlet stores. Located off I-35, Exit 200. Call 512-396-7446 for more information.
Texas State University-San Marcos
With close to 27,000 students, Texas State University-San Marcos is the largest campus in the Texas State University System, and the 6th largest public university in the state. Internationally recognized in several areas, the university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in seven colleges. Texas State enjoys a picturesque setting located on the edge of the scenic Texas Hill Country, on the banks of the crystal-clear San Marcos River, with stately cypress and pecan trees on the campus. Serving as a landmark since 1903 is Old Main, a red-gabled Victorian building restored to its original grandeur. Located at 601 University Drive. Call 512-245-2111 for more information.
Wonder World Cave and Park
Wonder World Cave gives visitors the opportunity to view an earthquake from the inside out, a unique descent through the middle of an ancient earthquake. This is the only earthquake formed cave that is open to the public. Unlike water-formed caves, this cave is not harmed by touch or light and visitors are encouraged to take photos and touch the cave. Other fun attractions at the Park include a train ride throughout the "Texas Wildlife Petting Park," from which visitors can hand feed many friendly deer and other anxious critters. And, the crazy Anti-Gravity House is even more fun. Located just off Interstate 35 inside the beautiful San Marcos- Exit Wonder World Drive (mile marker 202). Call 512-392-3760 for more information.