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San Marcos is a city of about 70,000 people in central Texas, halfway between Austin and San Antonio. It sits on the San Marcos Springs, which feed the crystal-clear San Marcos River and are among the oldest continuously inhabited sites in North America, used by people for more than 12,000 years.
The springs are protected at Spring Lake, where the Meadows Center offers glass-bottom boat tours over the bubbling springs and rare species such as the Texas blind salamander. The cool, spring-fed river flows through the city's parks, and tubing, swimming and kayaking on the San Marcos River are summer favorites.
Texas State University, where President Lyndon B. Johnson studied, brings a college-town energy, and the LBJ Museum of San Marcos tells his story. The historic courthouse square has restaurants and music venues, and the San Marcos Premium Outlets are among the largest outlet malls in the country.
The spring-fed headwaters of the San Marcos River, where hundreds of springs bubble up from the Edwards Aquifer. The Meadows Center at Texas State runs glass-bottom boat tours that show the springs, fish and rare species, plus a wetlands boardwalk. Tours are short and inexpensive; book ahead on weekends.
A clear, spring-fed river that stays about 72 degrees all year, flowing through parks in the middle of San Marcos. It is popular for tubing, kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming. Rent tubes from local outfitters, avoid glass and disposable containers, and protect the sensitive river plants.
A city park on the San Marcos River with man-made rapids and small falls that are popular for tubing and swimming, plus shaded lawns, a pool and tennis courts. It gets very busy on hot summer weekends. Bring water shoes for the rocky riverbed and arrive early to find parking near the river.
A large natural area on the west side of San Marcos with miles of hiking and mountain biking trails through Hill Country oak and juniper woods, limestone ledges and creek beds. It is free and rarely crowded. Trails can be rocky and exposed, so bring water, sun protection and good shoes in summer.
The historic courthouse square in downtown San Marcos, lined with restored buildings, local restaurants, bars, coffee shops and music venues popular with Texas State students. It hosts a farmers market and festivals. It is easy to walk to from the river parks, and evenings are lively during the school year.
A Classical Revival courthouse completed in 1909 at the center of the downtown square in San Marcos, restored in the 2010s with its original details. It is a focal point of the square and hosts occasional public events. Most visitors view the exterior and grounds while exploring downtown.
A large public university founded in 1899, with its hilltop Old Main building, a campus on the San Marcos River and Sewell Park, a popular student swimming spot. Lyndon B. Johnson studied here. Visitors can walk the campus, but parking is limited, so use the visitor garages or shuttles.
A small museum on the downtown square telling the story of President Lyndon B. Johnson's years as a student at Southwest Texas State Teachers College, now Texas State University, and his ties to San Marcos. Admission is free. It takes under an hour; check opening days, which are limited.
Archives and galleries on the top floor of the Alkek Library at Texas State University, with exhibits of Southwestern and Mexican photography and literary collections, including materials from Lonesome Dove. Admission is free. Check the exhibition schedule, and use campus visitor parking near the library.
A legendary honky-tonk in a tin-roofed warehouse by the railroad tracks in San Marcos, where George Strait and many Texas songwriters got their starts. It hosts live music most nights, including songwriter nights. Check the schedule online, and expect a casual, crowded room on weekend nights.
A large outlet mall along Interstate 35 in San Marcos with more than 100 brand-name and designer stores, plus restaurants. It draws shoppers from Austin and San Antonio. Weekday mornings are the quietest times; bring water in summer, as walking between outdoor sections can be very hot.
A cave and adventure park in San Marcos where guided tours lead through an earthquake-formed cave along the Balcones Fault, plus an observation tower, a train ride and a wildlife petting area. It is a good family outing on hot days, as the cave stays cool. Allow about two hours for the visit.
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