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San Marcos

617 IH 35 North · San Marcos, TX

Why you should go…

The San Marcos Convention and Visitor Bureau is the official tourism marketing department for the City of San Marcos, Texas, promoting the spring-fed San Marcos River, downtown historic district and area attractions. It operates a Tourist Information Center off Interstate 35 and produces visitor guides for the city. San Marcos sits between Austin and San Antonio in the Texas Hill Country.

  • #river
  • #tubing
  • #shopping
  • #history
  • #outdoor

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to San Marcos, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    Tanger Outlets San Marcos

    Free

    A 400,000 plus square foot outlet shopping center off I 35 with more than 100 brand name and designer stores.

    1.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Eat & Drink
    Foodie Favorite

    Salt Lick BBQ

    Under $25

    A Hill Country barbecue institution since 1967, with brisket smoked over an open pit you can watch.

    16 mi awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    South Congress Avenue

    Free

    Boutiques, food trailers, and the famous Hi, How Are You mural line this walkable strip south of the river.

    28 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Texas Historical Commission State Historic Sites

    Free

    Texas' statewide network of 42 state historic sites, from Revolution-era battlegrounds and forts to historic homes.

    30 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Texas Travel Information Center

    Free

    The state's official visitor center on the Capitol grounds, offering free maps, trip planning and travel literature.

    30 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Texas State Capitol

    Free

    Austin's pink-granite capitol dome stands taller than the US Capitol, and free tours run daily.

    30 mi awayMore like this