San Marcos -

A Texas Natural for Family Fun!

A natural hub for a Texas Hill Country adventure, San Marcos lies halfway between Austin and San Antonio. With the scenic Texas Hill Country as its backdrop and the crystal clear San Marcos River as its centerpiece, this charming city is a Texas natural for family fun!

There is something in San Marcos to entertain everyone! Varieties of year 'round recreation opportunities abound. You can begin with scuba diving, skydiving, bird watching and golf. You can end with the best shopping experience in Texas or a romp with the children on the gigantic playscape at Children's Park. A "windshield tour" to see the historic homes and the historic downtown square should put the final touch on a perfectly entertaining visit.

If you are traveling to San Marcos in the spring and summer, be sure to make lodging reservations ahead of time. It is one of the most popular weekend get-away destinations in the state. A variety of accommodations are available including campgrounds, bed and breakfasts and affordable motels.

For more information about San Marcos, you may email your request to San Marcos, Texas or you may call or write:

San Marcos Convention and Visitors Bureau
P.O. Box 2310
San Marcos, TX 78667
1-888-200-5620

Attractions


Aquarena Center

Aquarena Center, one of the state's most frequented destinations for family leisure activities, is open year 'round and has added even more activities to the already entertainment-filled park! Of course, the famous glass bottom boats remain the most popular way to view the bubbling springs and the Natural Aquarium of Texas. This ride showcases plant and animal life that is indigenous to the San Marcos River and introduces visitors to an excavation site from which artifacts dating as far back as 12,000 years have been recovered. The Endangered Species Exhibit gives visitors an up close and personal look at the unique species that live only in the San Marcos River. With the entertainment venue of the park focusing on nature, Aquarena is becoming a new spotlight in the State of Texas for nature tourism.

1-800-999-9767


Wonder World Park

At Wonder World Park, you can explore the only earthquake-formed cave in the United States that is open to the public. The 45-minute cave tour concludes with an elevator ride from deep in the cave to the top of Tejas Tower. There you will experience a breathtaking panoramic view of the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy an exciting train ride through the Mystery Mountain waterfall to Texas' largest wildlife petting park and visit the topsyturvy Anti-Gravity House. Other amenities include a gift shop, snack bar and picnic areas. Wonder World Park is open all year long.

(512) 392-3760

Historic Districts

San Marcos has three charming historic districts. Belvin and San Antonio Streets offer visitors a "windshield tour" of lovely Victorian style homes built in the 1880s and 1890s. They have been lovingly and tastefully restored and are truly a sight to see. The historic courthouse square area offers a delightful potpourri of gift shops, local eateries, art and decorating stores, a tobacco shop, western and traditional clothing and a variety of entertainment options. The historic courthouse itself is undergoing extensive renovations and is being beautifully restored to depict the rich architecture of its vintage past.

The San Marcos River

Fun in the spring starts with tubing the San Marcos River. The Lions Club offers tube rentals and a river taxi May through Labor Day to make your float as carefree as possible. The 72-degree crystal clear water offers year 'round recreation for scuba diving, canoeing and kayaking. The beautiful waters are also home to a number of endangered species of plants and animals that live nowhere on Earth, but the gentle San Marcos River.

To get more information on San Marcos area attractions, click here.

Shopping


Historic Downtown
San Marcos Shops
and Cafes

San Marcos is proud to be a Texas town, and naturally, we want the world to know it!

"San Marcos, A Texas Natural" has established our town as the first centralized showcase and marketplace connecting Texas producers, manufacturers and artisans with retailers and consumers.

Visit the historic downtown. Enjoy the creative works of Texas artists, musicians and craftsmen. Look for the "Texas Natural" logo in the windows of shops and cafes featuring the best of Texas artisans, clothing, wines, food and native plants.

(512) 393-8430

Outlet Shopping

Home to the largest factory outlet shopping opportunity in Texas, San Marcos Factory Shops and Tanger Factory Outlet Center offer over 150 stores full of fashion, sporting goods and houseware bargains at 20% to 70% off retail, every day. The shops are open seven days a week. They are easy access at Exit 200 on IH 35.

San Marcos Factory Shops

1-800-628-9465

Tanger Factory Outlet Center

(512) 396-7444
To get more information on San Marcos area shopping opportunities, click here.

Other Things to Do

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