There's a lot visitors like about San Marcos, especially its riverfront and restaurants. If you're hunting for the perfect souvenir, you may want to head to San Marcos Premium Outlets to shop. You might find that sights like San Marcos River and Strahan Coliseum are worth a visit.
Motels in San Marcos
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Oct 23 - Oct 25Motels in San Marcos
1. Baymont Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Marcos Outlet Malls
Baymont Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Marcos Outlet MallsSan Marcos
$60
$69 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 21 - Sep 22
$64
$73 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 30 - Aug 31
$67
$77 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 30 - Aug 31
$54
$62 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 17 - Sep 18
$53
$61 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 31 - Sep 1
$52
$60 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 8 - Sep 9
$53
$63 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 6 - Sep 7
$58
$66 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 31 - Sep 1
$52
$60 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 30 - Aug 31
$54
$62 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 10 - Sep 11
11. Americas Best Value Inn New Braunfels San Antonio
Americas Best Value Inn New Braunfels San AntonioNew Braunfels
$67
$78 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 30 - Aug 31
$75
$85 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 27 - Sep 28
$71
$82 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 3 - Sep 4
$55
$64 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 14 - Sep 15
16. Rodeway Inn New Braunfels - San Antonio Area
Rodeway Inn New Braunfels - San Antonio AreaNew Braunfels
$49
$57 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 28 - Sep 29
$54
$75 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 29 - Aug 30
$90
$102 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 30 - Aug 31
$145
$158 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 30 - Aug 31
Top neighborhoods in San Marcos
Downtown San Marcos
Downtown San Marcos blends collegiate energy with small-town Texas charm around its limestone courthouse and historic square. Students and locals mingle at live music venues, quirky shops, and riverside hangouts. The crystal-clear San Marcos River flows right through town, offering refreshing 72°F swimming holes perfect for beating the Texas heat. Texas State University's campus adds youthful buzz and cultural attractions like the Wittliff Collections. Food options range from $5 tacos to craft breweries, with most spots catering to student budgets. Accommodations include budget motels and charming B&Bs, though prices jump during graduation weekends. The walkable downtown core makes getting around easy, and the university's free shuttles connect major areas for visitors without cars.
Rio Vista
Rio Vista combines peaceful residential streets with gorgeous natural spaces centered around the San Marcos River. Parks like Ramon Lucio offer perfect spots for morning strolls or afternoon picnics. This authentic Texas neighborhood gives you a break from tourist crowds while keeping you close enough to explore San Marcos' highlights, including the premium outlets just a short drive away. Most visitors stay in vacation rentals or cozy bed & breakfasts scattered throughout the neighborhood's tree-lined streets. You'll need a car to get around since public transit is limited, but the trade-off is plenty of peace and quiet. The river provides excellent opportunities for swimming, paddling, and cooling off on hot Texas days.
Dunbar
Dunbar neighborhood offers a glimpse into San Marcos' African American heritage through quiet, tree-lined streets and significant cultural landmarks. The Calaboose African American History Museum stands as the centerpiece for travelers seeking to understand local Black history. Community events occasionally bring this residential haven to life with celebrations that showcase its deep-rooted traditions. Getting around requires a car or ride-share service, as public transit options are limited. While dining and shopping opportunities are scarce within the neighborhood itself, downtown San Marcos is just a short drive away. Most visitors explore Dunbar's historic character during daytime hours before returning to accommodations elsewhere in the city.
Heritage
Heritage neighborhood offers a peaceful residential retreat away from San Marcos' downtown bustle. Families can enjoy the nearby Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park for unique underground exploration. The Witliff Collections and Purgatory Creek Natural Area provide cultural and outdoor experiences just a short drive from these quiet, tree-lined streets. Vacation rentals and private homes dominate accommodation options, offering full kitchens and multiple bedrooms at budget-friendly rates. A car is essential as public transit is limited, but you'll find ample parking and easy access to downtown attractions, Texas State University, and San Marcos River adventures.
Top landmarks in San Marcos
San Marcos Premium Outlets
9.0/10 (2,184 reviews)
Don't visit San Marcos without stopping off at San Marcos Premium Outlets, a top spot for shopaholics. Why not take a stroll along the riverfront and watch the sunset while you're here?
Rio Vista Park
8.4/10 (401 reviews)
Rio Vista Park is worth a visit, located 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from central San Marcos. Why not take a stroll along the riverfront and watch the sunset while you're here?
Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park
8.2/10 (346 reviews)
If thrills are what you're after, head to Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park, located 1 mi (1.7 km) from central San Marcos. Why not take a stroll along the riverfront and watch the sunset while you're here? If you have fun at Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park, you'll love Meadows Center for Water and the Environment and San Marcos Discovery Center, both located nearby.
Texas State University
9.0/10 (1,220 reviews)
If you'd like to get a taste of San Marcos student life, check out Texas State University, located 0.6 mi (0.9 km) from central San Marcos. Why not take a stroll along the riverfront and watch the sunset while you're here?
Strahan Coliseum
8.2/10 (203 reviews)
You can catch an event at Strahan Coliseum, located 0.7 mi (1 km) from central San Marcos.
Why not take a stroll along the riverfront and watch the sunset while you're here? If you think Strahan Coliseum is cool, you also might like Bobcat Stadium and San Marcos Academy Baseball Field, both located nearby.
San Marcos City Park
8.4/10 (331 reviews)
San Marcos City Park is worth a visit, located 0.4 mi (0.7 km) from central San Marcos. Why not take a stroll along the riverfront and watch the sunset while you're here?
John J. Stokes Sr. San Marcos River Park
7.6/10 (68 reviews)
John J. Stokes Sr. San Marcos River Park is worth a visit, located 1.2 mi (1.9 km) from central San Marcos. Why not take a stroll along the riverfront and watch the sunset while you're here?
Bobcat Stadium
8.6/10 (327 reviews)
You can catch an event at Bobcat Stadium, located 1 mi (1.6 km) from central San Marcos.
Why not take a stroll along the riverfront and watch the sunset while you're here? If you think Bobcat Stadium is cool, you also might like Strahan Coliseum and Bobcat Softball Stadium, both located nearby.
Learn more about San Marcos
Float down the San Marcos River where turtles sunbathe on logs, seemingly unimpressed by your tubing adventures. Texas State University gives this small city a youthful energy that spills into the historic downtown square. The LBJ Museum offers a surprisingly intimate look at the former president's local connections. Wonder World Cave beckons underground explorers with its earthquake-formed passages. The Meadows Center lets you peer into spring-fed waters so clear you'll swear the boats are floating on air. After river adventures, browse the quirky shops along the square or hunt for bargains at the Premium Outlets. This college town manages to feel both eternally youthful and deeply historic.
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