Quick Summary:

  • Where is San Marcos located?
    • San Marcos is located only 30 miles from Austin, making it an easily accessible destination.
  • What are some highlights of San Marcos?
    • The city boasts plenty of green space, a historic downtown core, and the largest outlet center in America.
  • What shopping and dining options are available?
    • Visitors can explore trendy shops, restaurants, and welcoming cafes throughout the city.
  • What outdoor activities are available in San Marcos?
    • Nature lovers can enjoy the nearby San Marcos River, which offers watersports like kayaking and fly-fishing.
  • Is San Marcos worth more than a day trip?
    • The city is worth more than a day trip from Austin, but no matter how long your visit is, there are plenty of great things to see and do.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Central Texas Wing of the Commemorative Air Force ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Central Texas Wing of the Commemorative Air Force | Things to Do in San Marcos, Texas
© Central Texas Wing of the Commemorative Air Force

2. Calaboose African American Museum, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
Calaboose African American Museum, | Things to Do in San Marcos, Texas
© Calaboose African American Museum

3. Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos

Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos | Things to Do in San Marcos, Texas
© Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos

4. Middleton Brewing

Category: Food & Drink
Middleton Brewing | Things to Do in San Marcos, Texas
© Middleton Brewing

5. LBJ Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
LBJ Museum | Things to Do in San Marcos, Texas
© LBJ Museum

6. Wonder World Park

Category: Activities
Wonder World Park | Things to Do in San Marcos, Texas
© Wonder World Park

7. Flying Armadillo Disc Golf Club

Flying Armadillo Disc Golf Club | Things to Do in San Marcos, Texas
© Flying Armadillo Disc Golf Club

8. The Root Cellar Cafe

Category: Food & Drink
The Root Cellar Cafe | Things to Do in San Marcos, Texas
© magdal3na/stock.adobe.com

9. Paddle SMTX

Tours
Paddle SMTX | Things to Do in San Marcos, Texas
© Courtesy of chachanit - Fotolia.com

10. Paddle with Style

Tours
Paddle with Style | Things to Do in San Marcos, Texas
© Courtesy of nullplus - Fotolia.com

11. Purgatory Creek Natural Area

Category: Activities
Purgatory Creek Natural Area | Things to Do in San Marcos, Texas
© Courtesy of patarapong - Fotolia.com

12. Rhea's Ice Cream

Category: Kids & Family
Rhea's Ice Cream | Things to Do in San Marcos, Texas
© Rhea's Ice Cream

13. Rio Vista Dam

Category: Activities
Rio Vista Dam | Things to Do in San Marcos, Texas
© Courtesy of Bruce Blackwell - Fotolia.com

14. Texas State Tubes

Texas State Tubes | Things to Do in San Marcos, Texas
© Courtesy of Colin - Fotolia.com

15. The Longhorn Racing Academy

Category: Entertainment
The Longhorn Racing Academy | Things to Do in San Marcos, Texas
© The Longhorn Racing Academy

16. Palmer's Restaurant Bar

Category: Food & Drink
Palmer's Restaurant Bar | Things to Do in San Marcos, Texas
© Palmer's Restaurant Bar

17. San Marcos BBQ

Category: Food & Drink
San Marcos BBQ | Things to Do in San Marcos, Texas
© San Marcos BBQ

18. Wake the Dead Coffee House

Category: Food & Drink
Wake the Dead Coffee House | Things to Do in San Marcos, Texas
© Courtesy of Chee - Fotolia.com

19. Wimberley Glassworks

Wimberley Glassworks | Things to Do in San Marcos, Texas
© Courtesy of wip-studio - Fotolia.com

20. Grins Restaurant

Category: Food & Drink
Grins Restaurant | Things to Do in San Marcos, Texas
© Grins Restaurant

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