San Marcos has the freedom and excitement of the city, with a cozy neighborhood vibe.
San Marcos
Sewell Park
Sewell Park
Sewell Park
Outlet Malls
Outlet Malls
Outlet Malls
Coffee shops
Coffee shops
Coffee shops
Purgatory Creek Natural Area
Purgatory Creek Natural Area
Purgatory Creek Natural Area
Dive in or float by
The pure, pristine San Marcos River
- Swimming
- Floating
- Paddle boarding
- Wading
- Relaxing
- Historic glass-bottom boats
Run, hike or bike
More than 22 miles of hiking and biking trails
- 45 regional, neighborhood, and special-use parks, green spaces, and natural areas
- Explore sweeping grasslands, wooded paths, and canyon bluffs
- Excellent birdwatching
- Abundant natural spaces for quiet escapes (great for long dog walks, too!)
300 days of sunshine a year
300 days of sunshine a year
300 days of sunshine a year
1,200+ acres of natural areas with hiking and biking trails
1,200+ acres of natural areas with hiking and biking trails
1,200+ acres of natural areas with hiking and biking trails
The spring-fed San Marcos River is 72° all year long
The spring-fed San Marcos River is 72° all year long
The spring-fed San Marcos River is 72° all year long
The Hill Country
We’re the gateway to the beauty, history and flavor of the famous Texas Hill Country.
Springtime explosions of blooming wildflowers
Springtime explosions of blooming wildflowers
Springtime explosions of blooming wildflowers
True BBQ masters
True BBQ masters
True BBQ masters
Day trip to Fredericksburg and Enchanted Rock
Day trip to Fredericksburg and Enchanted Rock
Day trip to Fredericksburg and Enchanted Rock
Natural swimming holes
Natural swimming holes
Natural swimming holes
The sweetness of peach season
The sweetness of peach season
The sweetness of peach season
Historic dance halls
Historic dance halls
Historic dance halls
16 miles to historic Gruene Hall
16 miles to historic Gruene Hall
16 miles to historic Gruene Hall
Meet up and grab a bite
- Dozens of taco joints, from trucks to Tex-Mex and Mexican restaurants
- Legendary local flavors for every taste
- Coffeehouse culture for the caffeine enthusiast
- Food trucks serving all over town
Celebrations, exhibitions, festivals, and more
Places to See
Cheatham Street: Historic live music hall
Cheatham Street: Historic live music hall
Cheatham Street: Historic live music hall
Outlet Malls: more than 250 stores at The Premium and Tanger outlets
Outlet Malls: more than 250 stores at The Premium and Tanger outlets
Outlet Malls: more than 250 stores at The Premium and Tanger outlets
Scooters
Bring your own or download the Spin app to rent a scooter in the central San Marcos area.
Bobcat Shuttle
Popular off-campus destinations you can reach via Bobcat Shuttles locations.
Dos Gatos Kolache Bakery
Dos Gatos Kolache Bakery
Dos Gatos Kolache Bakery
Wake the Dead Coffee House
Wake the Dead Coffee House
Wake the Dead Coffee House
Pie Society — pizza
Pie Society — pizza
Pie Society — pizza
- Grocery Stores: H-E-B, The Cornucopia
- Outlet Malls
- Movie Theaters
- The Growling Texas Craft Beer Bar
- Comic Relief — comics & graphic novels
- Spud Ranch — loaded baked potatoes
- Loli’s Café — breakfast tacos
- Mochas & Javas — coffee shop
Walking Distance
Vintage clothing shops
Vintage clothing shops
Vintage clothing shops
City parks
City parks
City parks
Downtown/The Square
Downtown/The Square
Downtown/The Square
- Coffee shops
- H-E-B grocery store
- Local Dining
- River access
- Target