Things to Do in San Marcos: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
San Marcos sits between Austin and San Antonio where the crystal-clear San Marcos River bubbles up from hundreds of springs, keeping the water a steady 72°F all year. Tubing, paddling and riverside parks set the pace, with Hill Country towns and big outlet malls nearby.
This guide covers the best things to do in San Marcos, 3, 5 and 7-day plans with Wimberley, Gruene, New Braunfels and Austin, plus what to eat and where to stay.
Top things to see in San Marcos
San Marcos River
Clear, spring-fed water for tubing.
Meadows Center
Glass-bottom boats on Spring Lake.
Rio Vista Park
Small rapids and swimming.
Courthouse Square
Historic downtown.
Wonder World Cave
Earthquake-formed cave and tower.
Texas State University
Hilltop campus.
Purgatory Creek
Hiking and biking trails.
Gruene
Historic dance hall town.
San Marcos in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · The river
Start at the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, taking a glass-bottom boat over the springs of Spring Lake, home to rare species. Have lunch downtown. In the afternoon rent a tube and float the river from City Park to Rio Vista Park, splashing through its little rapids. End with Tex-Mex on the square.
2Day 2 · Downtown and nature
Walk around the historic Hays County Courthouse Square with its cafés and shops, then explore the Texas State campus on the hill. Have lunch on the square. In the afternoon tour Wonder World Cave and climb its observation tower, or hike Purgatory Creek Natural Area. Finish with live music downtown.
3Day 3 · Wimberley
Drive to Wimberley for Blue Hole Regional Park and its cypress-shaded swimming hole, and the galleries of the town square. Have lunch in Wimberley. In the afternoon swim at Jacob's Well (with a reservation) or relax at a winery before returning for dinner.
San Marcos in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Gruene and New Braunfels
Visit Gruene for the historic Gruene Hall dance hall and its antique shops, then float the Comal River or spend the day at Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels. Have lunch at a riverside restaurant and stay for live music in Gruene.
5Day 5 · Outlets and Hill Country
Spend the morning at the San Marcos outlet malls, then drive the Devil's Backbone scenic road through the Hill Country with a stop at a winery. Return for a relaxed dinner by the river.
San Marcos in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Austin
Take a day trip to Austin for the Capitol, Barton Springs Pool and South Congress. Have barbecue for lunch and stay for the bat flight at Congress Avenue Bridge in summer before driving back.
7Day 7 · Last day
Have breakfast tacos, buy local crafts and Texas treats, and enjoy a farewell float or lunch by the river. Austin's airport is about forty minutes away, and San Antonio's about fifty.
What to do in San Marcos on a weekend
For a weekend in San Marcos, combine the glass-bottom boat, a river float and downtown.
Add Wimberley with a third day.
What to do in San Marcos in the evening
Evenings mean live music downtown, patio dinners, dancing in Gruene and university events.
Students keep weekends lively.
San Marcos for couples
Couples will enjoy a quiet paddle at dawn, Wimberley's wineries and two-stepping at Gruene Hall.
San Marcos with kids
With kids, try glass-bottom boats, Rio Vista's shallow rapids, Wonder World Cave and Schlitterbahn.
What to eat in San Marcos
Tex-Mex
Enchiladas and queso.
Barbecue
Brisket and sausage.
Breakfast tacos
A Texas morning habit.
Kolaches
Czech-Texan pastries.
Pecan pie
Southern classic.
Where to stay in San Marcos: best areas
Downtown
Walk to the river.
Riverside
Cabins and B&Bs.
Wimberley
Hill Country retreats.
New Braunfels
Resort hotels.
What to do in San Marcos when it rains
On rainy days, visit Wonder World Cave, the Meadows Center exhibits, the outlets or museums in Austin.
How much does a trip to San Marcos cost?
Expect $120–220 per night, $12–25 for lunch and about $20–30 for a tube rental.
Practical tips for San Marcos
Best time to visit
April to October.
Getting around
By car; the I-35 corridor connects everything.
Our practical tips
- Wear water shoes.
- Bring a drybag.
- Reserve Jacob's Well ahead.
- Avoid I-35 at rush hour.
- Respect river rules on glass and trash.
- Use sunscreen.
Mistakes to avoid
- Glass containers on the river.
- Floating after heavy rain.
- Summer weekends without arriving early.
- Skipping the springs.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in San Marcos?
Tube the river, ride a glass-bottom boat and explore downtown.
How many days do you need?
Two days, a week with the Hill Country.
Is the river cold?
It stays around 72°F all year.
How far is Austin?
About forty-five minutes.