• 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.

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1. Central Texas Wing of the Commemorative Air Force

Central Texas Wing of the Commemorative Air Force


  • What is the Central Texas Wing of the Commemorative Air Force?
  • What can visitors see at the museum?
    • In addition to a collection of historic aircraft, the museum features a military museum and a library with a large collection of military books.
  • Can visitors experience flying in a historic aircraft?
    • Yes, visitors will have the chance to hop into a real airplane from World War II, and actual flight experiences are available if arranged in advance.
  • Where is the Central Texas Wing of the Commemorative Air Force located?
    • 1841 Airport Dr Blding. 2249, San Marcos, TX 78666, Phone: 512-396-1943

2. Calaboose African American Museum,

Calaboose African American Museum,


  • What is the Calaboose African American Museum?
    • Located inside a building that was originally built as the county jail in the late 1800s, the Calaboose African American Museum houses a variety of letters, photos, and other artifacts that tell the story of African American life in the early days of Texas.
  • What exhibits can visitors see at the museum?
    • The museum boasts a number of permanent and temporary displays that showcase various aspects of African American history in Texas.
  • What is a key highlight of the museum?
    • One of the primary highlights is a collection of memorabilia that formerly belonged to jazz musician Eddie Durham.
  • Where is the Calaboose African American Museum located?
    • 200 Martin Luther King Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666, Phone: 512-393-8421

3. Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos

Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos


  • What is the Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos?
  • What is the historical significance of the building?
    • Even the building that houses the center holds historical significance; it served as a Mexican school back when education in Texas was still segregated.
  • What does the Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos include?
    • The center consists of a museum, a small library with a free book exchange, and an art gallery. Guided tours are available upon request.
  • What events and programs are offered?
    • There are plenty of educational programs and interactive events for people of all ages, including children's art classes, accordion lessons, art receptions, and comedy nights.
  • Where is the Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos located?
    • 211 Lee St, San Marcos, TX 78666, Phone: 512-878-0640

4. Middleton Brewing

Middleton Brewing


  • What is Middleton Brewing?
    • Middleton Brewing in San Marcos, Texas, is a 10-barrel brewpub that creates a rather extensive selection of ales, along with the occasional lager, suited perfectly for the state’s Hill Country.
  • What drinks does Middleton Brewing offer?
    • Along with various craft brews, the brewery also offers a variety of locally made ciders and wines for guests to enjoy while visiting the taproom.
  • What other experiences does Middleton Brewing provide?
    • In addition to good beer, there’s often live music at Middleton Brewing, as well as food trucks, friendly staff, and a spacious patio area.
  • Is Middleton Brewing dog-friendly?
    • Yes, dogs are welcome, and many dogs owned by the brewery owners and staff can often be seen running around.
  • Where is Middleton Brewing located?
    • 101 Oakwood Loop, San Marcos, TX 78666, Phone: 512-847-3435

5. LBJ Museum

LBJ Museum


  • What is the LBJ Museum?
    • The LBJ Museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Lyndon Baines Johnson, the 36th President of the United States, particularly his early years in Texas.
  • What is Lyndon B. Johnson’s connection to Texas State University?
    • Johnson attended and graduated from Texas State University with a history degree and a teaching certificate.
  • What exhibits can visitors see at the LBJ Museum?
    • The permanent exhibits include old photographs, original statues and paintings, and fascinating artifacts like a sample voting machine from 1930. There is also a wide range of memorabilia from Johnson's time as president.
  • Is admission to the LBJ Museum free?
    • Yes, admission is free of charge.
  • Are guided tours available?
    • Guided group tours can often be arranged outside of regular operating hours.
  • Where is the LBJ Museum located?
    • 131 N Guadalupe St, San Marcos, TX 78666, Phone: 512-353-3300

6. Wonder World Park

Wonder World Park


  • What is Wonder World Park?
    • Wonder World Park is a unique theme park that holds the honor of being home to the only accessible earthquake cave in the United States.
  • What can visitors experience in the earthquake cave?
    • Guided tours first bring visitors underground, where trained guides provide information about the area's geological history and walk them past the cave's many unique formations.
  • What is the observation tower experience like?
    • After spending time beneath the Earth, visitors can shoot up to the park's observation tower on an exhilarating elevator ride.
  • What other attractions does Wonder World Park offer?
    • The park offers several other attractions, including a petting zoo, an anti-gravity house, and a trackless train that brings visitors underneath a waterfall.
  • Where is Wonder World Park located?
    • 1000 Prospect St, San Marcos, TX 78666, Phone: 512-392-3760

7. Flying Armadillo Disc Golf Club

Flying Armadillo Disc Golf Club


  • What is the Flying Armadillo Disc Golf Club?
  • What facilities are available at the club?
    • Guests can get set up at the pro shop before heading out to either the big course or the mini-course, which is like "putt-putt golf for disc golf."
  • What is the Mini Course like?
    • The par 2, 18-hole Mini Course is designed for both beginner and skilled disc golfers of all ages, with holes averaging 100 feet in length.
  • How does the Mini Course help with the Big Course?
    • The Mini Course provides a good warm-up for the longer, 18-hole Big Course.
  • When is the Flying Armadillo Disc Golf Club open?
    • The courses are open daily to the public.
  • Where is the Flying Armadillo Disc Golf Club located?
    • 3115 Hilliard Rd, San Marcos, TX 78666, Phone: 737-266-3990


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Warm temperatures and beautiful wildflowers. Crystal River Inn – A charming bed & breakfast with historic charm. Visit the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment – Take a glass-bottom boat tour to see the crystal-clear springs.
Summer (June-August) – Hot and perfect for river tubing. Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos – A comfortable stay near downtown and the river. Float the San Marcos River – Rent a tube and enjoy the refreshing spring-fed waters.
Fall (September-November) – Cooler temperatures and great for outdoor activities. The Saint Martyn House – A boutique inn with a cozy atmosphere. Explore Purgatory Creek Natural Area – Hike scenic trails through woodlands and limestone bluffs.
Winter (December-February) – Mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Holiday Inn San Marcos – A budget-friendly option with modern amenities. Shop at the San Marcos Premium Outlets – Find great deals at one of the largest outlet malls in the U.S.

Plan Your Trip


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Photo Credits: © Central Texas Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, Calaboose African American Museum, Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos, Middleton Brewing, LBJ Museum, Wonder World Park, Flying Armadillo Disc Golf Club,