If you want to find the perfect place with beautiful nature, an interesting past, and a lively culture, San Marcos, Texas is it. This gem of Central Texas is in the middle of Texas Hill Country and is full of things to do that will satisfy any traveler’s needs.
There are lots of indoor and outdoor things to do in the city, whether you’re an experienced traveler, a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie.
Here is a complete list of 27 fun things to do in San Marcos. These activities will highlight the city’s rich history, cultural offerings, outdoor activities, and delicious food. Get a pen and paper ready to make plans for a trip you’ll never forget to San Marcos, Texas!
27+ Fun and Awesome Things To Do In San Marcos, TX In 2024
1. San Marcos River
Getting to know the San Marcos River is one of the best things to do in San Marcos, TX. There are hundreds of streams in the middle of the city that feed into the San Marcos River. The water is clear and 72 degrees all year.
Water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, tubing, snorkeling, fishing, and swimming are all great to do in the San Marcos River. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard while you’re there to see this unique piece of water.
The address is San Marcos, TX
2. The Meadows Center Glass Bottom Boat Tour
You can enjoy wildlife at The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, which is a fun thing to do in San Marcos. One-of-a-kind glass bottom boat tours can be taken at the Meadows Center, which is part of Texas State University.
The Meadows Center has trips on glass-bottom boats that let you get a close look at the sea life that lives below the water. Besides these tours, the center has educational displays, study projects, and programs that focus on nature. People can learn to respect how water, wildlife, and people are all connected in complex ways.
The address is 201 San Marcos Springs Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666.
3. San Marcos Downtown Square
Set into the lively culture of San Marcos at Downtown Square is a fun thing to do with family and kids in San Marcos, TX.
Downtown Square is home to many shops, art studios, and cafes that show off San Marcos’ creative and lively spirit. Also, satisfy your hunger by enjoying the rich flavors of the area.
You should go to the farmers market once a week to get fresh local food, homemade treats, and one-of-a-kind crafts. There are some great places to eat breakfast in Downtown Square. These are Cafe on the Square and Stellar Cafe. That’s not all. Root Cellar Cafe serves lunch, and Sean Patrick’s Irish Pub serves drinks.
The address is 202 N CM Allen Pkwy, San Marcos, TX 78666.
4. LBJ Museum
The Lyndon Baines Johnson Museum of San Marcos is a free place to go back in time in San Marcos, TX.
This museum, which is named after the 36th president of the United States, is an interesting look into Johnson’s early political life. Some displays show where he came from and how these things shaped his views as president. If you want to learn more about this important person, don’t miss the audiovisual talks.
131 N. Guadalupe St., San Marcos, TX 78666
5. San Marcos Art Center
The San Marcos Art Center is a great place to get creative. The art center is right in the middle of Downtown San Marcos and supports, promotes, and grows the arts community in San Marcos.
It regularly puts on shows with beautiful art from local artists. Not only can you enjoy the creativity on the show, but you can also talk to artists and other art lovers. Also, if you buy something, you’ll be directly helping the local art scene.
The address is 117 N Guadalupe St #101, San Marcos, TX 78666.
6. Purgatory Creek Natural Area
It’s not possible to visit San Marcos without going to Purgatory Creek Natural Area. With its huge 570 acres, the Purgatory Creek Natural Area shows how beautiful San Marcos’s nature is.
With more than 12 miles of well-kept tracks, it’s great for a relaxing stroll in the afternoon or a strenuous hike. The scenery changes from lush forests to rocky paths, giving a wide range of plants and animals a place to live.
This urban forest has a lot to offer people who like to watch birds and study plants. Bring your camera with you to record stunning views and make Instagram videos that show off your hiking skills.
The address is 2102 Hunter Road, San Marcos, TX 78666.
7. San Marcos Farmers’ Market
At the San Marcos Farmers’ Market this weekend, you can get a taste of what life is like in San Marcos, TX.
The San Marcos Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday in Downtown and has food, baked goods, and crafts made by locals. At the market, there are tables full of fresh food, homemade baked goods, artisanal cheeses, jewelry made by hand, and more.
The market is a great place to spend a lazy weekend morning because you can watch live entertainment while you shop.
251 N City Dr, San Marcos, CA 92078
8. Stokes Park
Stokes Park is a peaceful spot to relax and have fun because it is close to the San Marcos River. Stokes Park is one of the best places to visit in San Marcos because it is away from the city.
Bird watchers love the park because it has a lot of different environments that are home to many different kinds of birds. There are also places to fish, have lunch, and walk along the trails. While you and your family enjoy the outdoors and animals, you can walk, hike, and swim.
600 Cape St., San Marcos, TX 78666
9. San Marcos Premium Outlets
The San Marcos Premium Outlets are a mega-mall made up of two very large shopping halls. It has over 240 stores, including over 145 store names and high-end brands.
The mall is the best place to shop in the world. Gourmet foods and expensive clothes are just a few of the things you can find. Take your kids to the mall, where Adventure Kids USA is a great place for them to play.
One fun thing to do with kids in San Marcos is to go to the mall, where you can shop at stores like Gap Kids, Nautica Kids, and more.
3939 S Interstate 35, San Marcos, TX 78666
10. Rio Vista Park
Rio Vista Park is a lovely 13-acre outdoor leisure area where you can use the San Marcos River for free. People from the area and visitors alike love the park for its peaceful beauty and variety of facilities.
There are volleyball courts, picnic places, and a big playground, so everyone can find something they like. You can bring your tubes, kayaks, canoes, or paddle boards, or you can rent one at the Olympic Outdoor Center. You can then go swimming.
There is also a tennis court, a half-basketball court, picnic tables, a gazebo, a City swimming pool, benches, and hiking and biking trails in the park. One interesting thing to do in San Marcos with family is to go to this park.
555 Cheatham St., San Marcos, TX 78666
11. Hays County Historic Courthouse
This is the famous Hays County Courthouse, which is right in the middle of downtown San Marcos, Texas. This historic courthouse is a beautiful example of the city’s past. It was built in 1908 in the Classical Revival style and has since been restored to its former glory.
The National Register of Historic Places and the Texas Historical Commission both list the Hays County Historic Courthouse as a historic site.
One free thing to do in San Marcos is to tour the courthouse and learn more about the area’s past from the different displays.
This is the address: 111 E San Antonio St, San Marcos, TX 78666
12. San Marcos Mermaid March
Take a self-guided walk of the Mermaid March. This is one of the many free things to do in San Marcos, TX. The Mermaid March is a piece of public art that makes San Marcos feel witchy.
Ten beautiful seven-foot-tall mermaid figures are spread out across the city. Each one shows the artist’s style. The walk to find these statues turns into an unforgettable journey that combines appreciating art with exploring the city. Remember to bring your camera!
The address is San Marcos, TX
13. Root Cellar Cafe
Enjoy a nice dinner at Root Cellar Cafe in San Marcos. It’s one of the most romantic things to do there. The Root Cellar Cafe is a one-of-a-kind place to eat, hidden beneath the streets of San Marcos.
This hidden gem is owned and run by people in the area, and they’re proud of their farm-to-table food. There are delicious pastries in the morning, fancy sandwiches for lunch, and hearty main courses for dinner. Every meal here is a treat.
To get a real taste of the area, pair your meal with one of their handmade beers.
215 N LBJ Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666
14. San Marcos Discovery Center
The San Marcos Discovery Center takes people on educational tours of the city’s wildlife and nature areas. There are many interesting and fun things to do at the center, like guided nature walks, citizen science projects, and a demonstration garden.
Family groups with kids and people who love nature must go to this place.
430 Riverside Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666
15. The Price Center & Garden
Going to The Price Center & Garden to see a show is a fun thing to do in San Marcos, TX. People can get help with arts, culture, and social issues at the community center.
It has many interesting rooms, such as a chapel from 1893 that was turned into a theater for live shows. This historic building is home to a variety of cultural events, such as concerts, art shows, and local theater plays.
The Price Center also has a down location, a beautiful natural park, and historic and different venues.
This is the address: 222 W San Antonio St, San Marcos, TX 78666
16. Cheatham Street Warehouse
Cheatham Street Warehouse is one of the best places for music lovers to go in San Marcos. It is known for being where Texas music stars like George Strait and Stevie Ray Vaughan got their start.
This historic music venue has live shows almost every night, with both up-and-coming and well-known acts. Come in and feel the heart of Texas music for yourself.
The Cheatham Street Warehouse is not only a place for concerts, but also for open-mic nights, poetry talks, and art shows. The venue, which was built in 1910 as a factory and is full of Texas history, will always make you feel nostalgic.
119 Cheatham St., San Marcos, TX 78666
17. Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park
Wonder World Park is a one-of-a-kind place for kids and adults to have fun. The park is home to the only accessible earthquake cave in the United States. It was also the first show cave in Texas, opening as a draw in 1903, ten years after it was found.
During your trip, you can have fun with your family by exploring the Balcones Fault Line Cave and many other places. The Tejas Observation Tower has a great view of the Texas Hill Country. Don’t miss the anti-gravity house, the wildlife park, or the wildlife park.
1000 Prospect St, San Marcos, TX 78666
18. Wittliff Collections
One fun thing to do today in San Marcos is to go to the Wittliff Collections, which are in the Albert B. Alkek Library at Texas State University.
The Wittliff Collections have a huge number of photographs, books, and music items from the Southwestern and Mexican regions. There is a large collection of Selena’s clothes and items related to famous writers like Cormac McCarthy that stand out.
The address for the Alkek Library is 7th Floor, Talbot St, San Marcos, TX 78666.
19. Participate In The Float Fest
Going to the Float Fest in San Marcos, Texas, in the summer is a fun thing to do. This summer music event is one of a kind because it combines live music with tubing down the river.
Every summer, the event comes to Texas with a wide range of music, from hip-hop and progressive rock to indie pop and electro. During the day, you can float down the San Marcos River, and at night, you can see famous acts perform live. There’s nothing else like this event!
20. San Marcos Tanger Outlets
Going on a shopping trip at the Tanger Outlets is a must when you’re in San Marcos. With more than 400,000 square feet of space, the San Marcos Tanger Outlets are a great place to shop because they have a lot of high-end names at great prices.
Over 100 brand-name and designer outlet shops from around the world are in the center. There’s something for everyone, from expensive clothes and shoes to electronics and home decor.
617 IH 35 North, San Marcos, TX 78666
21. Three Dudes Winery
The Three Dudes Winery is a great place to taste wine because it is right on the San Marcos River.
The winery is known for its Texas-style wines, which you can enjoy on a beautiful deck with a view of the river. Their friendly, informed staff can help you find the perfect wine, making the experience great for both new and experienced wine lovers.
Where to find it: 125 Old Martindale Rd. This is San Marcos, Texas 78666
22. Prospect Park
In San Marcos, TX, one fun thing to do outside is to walk along the beautiful trails in Prosper Park. The 47-acre area is a paradise for people who love being outside.
There are a lot of climbing trails in the park that go through thick forests, fields of wildflowers, and rocky outcroppings. There are different types of terrain in the park, so you can choose a difficult hike or a relaxing stroll.
1414 Prospect St, San Marcos, TX 78666
23. Calaboose African American History Museum
The Calaboose African American History Museum is a small museum that only shows African American history from the area.
The Calaboose Museum, which is in the old jail of the city, shows the past and contributions of African Americans in Hays County. The exhibits, which include photos, objects, and biographical sketches of famous people, give a moving look into the history of the area.
Postal Code: 78666 Address: 200 Martin Luther King Dr.
24. San Marcos Cinema Club
The San Marcos Cinema Club is a group of people who enjoy going to the movies. The San Marcos Cinema Club puts on many film events, such as outdoor shows, film festivals, and Q&As with directors.
The club’s dedication to bringing people together through movies makes for an interesting and educational cultural experience.
25. Veramendi Plaza
The Veramendi Plaza Park in San Marcos, Texas, is one of the most beautiful, famous, and well-known. It is a culture hub named after the powerful Veramendi family of the 1800s.
The home of former Texas governor Peter S. Veramendi is in the plaza, which has several historical markers and statues. As you walk through the plaza, you can almost feel the past seeping into the stone streets.
617 IH 35 North, San Marcos, TX 78666
26. San Marcos Plaza Park
On 5.1 acres, along the San Marcos River, there are hike and bike paths, a wooden deck, a permanent stage, and the Fish Hatchery Building.
The lovely green area is also the site of many community events all year long, such as music festivals, art fairs, and holiday parties. Meeting people from the area and getting into the mood of San Marcos is easy to do there.
617 IH 35 North, San Marcos, TX 78666
27. Commemorative Air Force Central Texas Wing
The Central Texas Wing of the Commemorative Air Force is an air force base and flying museum with different planes. It is housed in a wooden hangar from 1943.
A B-25 Mitchell Bomber (Yellow Rose) and a newly restored C-45 (Lone Star Lady) are two of the famous military warbirds that can be flown at the museum. The hanger has both a military museum and the Stokes Library, which has one of the biggest collections of military books.
1841 Airport Dr. Building is the address. Address: 2249 San Marcos, TX 78666
28. Texas State University Bobcat Stadium
The Texas State University Bobcat field is a football field on the campus of TSU-San Marcos that can hold 30,000 people.
The stadium was built in 1981 and is home to Bobcat Football. One of the best things to do in San Marcos, TX is to watch a game here. The stadium has also been the site of other events and has even been used as a set for movies like “The Ringer” and TV shows like “Friday Night Lights.”
This is the address: 1100 Aquarena Springs Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666
29. The Marc
One of the best things to do in San Marcos at night is to go to The Marc. The Marc is a bar with multiple floors that plays host to live bands. It is located in downtown The Square.
There are three full-service bars, an upper-level balcony, two projector screens that show off the stage, and a big dance floor. The sound, lighting, and production tools are all state-of-the-art.
120 E San Antonio St, San Marcos, TX 78666
30. Centro Cultural Hispano De San Marcos
At the Centros Cultural Hispano de San Marcos, you can learn about the city’s history and culture, which is one of the best things to do there. The center has a library, an art gallery, and a culture museum that all focus on the Hispanic heritage of the area.
It has a beautiful art gallery and some of the city’s history artifacts. The center also has a library and a book swap, and they hold educational events all the time.
211 Lee St., San Marcos, TX 78666
In conclusion
San Marcos, Texas, has something for everyone, whether you like nature, history, food, or an exciting experience. There are lots of things to do, and the people who live there are very nice. This is what makes the city special.