Top 11 Things to Do in San Marcos TX

Located in Central Texas, between Austin and San Antonio, San Marcos is part college town and outdoor recreation hub. As the county seat of Hayes County, San Marcos features a courthouse and a charming downtown square. The crystal clear San Marcos River runs just east of Texas State University. Since it’s a college town, it has a youthful vibe. Carve out time to explore its parks; they flank the river.  Here are the top fun things to do in San Marcos, Texas.

11 FUN Things to Do in San Marcos

Wonder Cave and Adventure Park

Meadows Center Glass Bottom Boat Tours

LBJ Museum of  San Marcos

Commemorative Air Force: Central Texas Wing

Texas State University

The Wittliff Collections

Rio Vista Park

Children’s Park in San Marcos

Downtown Square

Mermaid March

Glow in Dark Kayaking

Wonder Cave and Adventure Park in San Marcos

Wonder Cave opened in 1903 as the first show cave in Texas. With its location in San Marcos, it is one of the best caves in Texas. Millions of years ago, an underground earthquake created Wonder Cave, and visitors can see the Balcones Fault Line.

Another top thing to do at Wonder Cave and Adventure Park is ride its the train through the Wonder World’s Animal Park. There’s also an anti-gravity house and an arcade. 

Located at 1000 Prospect St. in San Marcos. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday only in the winter. Daily starting March 1, open daily from a.m. to 6 p.m. (7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday). Adult cave admission starts at $27 and youth admission (4 to 11) is $21. Kids 3 and younger enter for free. General admission for the train is $17 per person and 3 and younger is free. Reservations recommended.

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The Meadows Center Glass Bottom Boat Tours

From 1950 to 1996, this area was a theme park named Aquarena Springs. It was known for its underwater mermaid show, a swimming pig, a sky ride and a glass-bottom boat ride. It was one of those classic mid-century attractions. 

Texas State University bought the property, including Spring Lake. The mermaids and the swimming pig have been retired; however, visitors can still ride the vintage glass-bottom boats. 

The 30-minute guided ride explains the ecological significance of the springs. Visitors will also see the bubbling springs at the bottom of the crystal-clear lake. 

During my visits, I saw interesting fish such as the prehistoric-looking Garfish. I have also seen turtles on logs. After the guided boat tour, hike on the wetland boardwalk and trail. 

Located at 201 San Marcos Springs Dr. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adult admission is $13 and kids (3 to 12) are $9. 

LBJ Museum of  San Marcos

Former President Lyndon Baines Johnson was the 36th U.S. President and a former school teacher. He also attended Southwest Texas Teachers College, now Texas State University. 

This museum discusses how his early years helped cement his ideas on civil rights, education and the elimination of poverty. The museum’s exhibits include memorabilia from his early life, campaign and presidency. There is also an exhibit on the Lady Bird Special, a train-based campaign led by former first lady Lady Bird Johnson. 

Located at 131 N. Guadalupe. Open Thursday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

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Commemorative Air Force: Central Texas Wing 

Located inside a hangar, the Central Texas Wing Museum houses seven CAF aircraft. Its collection includes the Bell P-39Q Airacobra Miss Connie, the NAA B-25J Yellow Rose, a Vultee BT-13 Valiant, a Cessna U-3A Administrator, the Beech C-45 Expeditor Lone Star Lady, the NAA AT-6 Texan, and the Douglas Sktrain C-47 That’s All Brother.

This facility also conducts maintenance and restoration. Visitors will find a gift store and aviation memorabilia. 

Located at 1841 Airport Dr., Bldg. 2249, San Marcos. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free to enter, but donations are accepted. 

Texas State University

If you have teens in the car, consider visiting Texas State University for a future student tour. It was established in 1899 as a teaching college, and former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson and singer George Strait are alumni. 

Today, it has over 40,000 students, adding vibrancy to San Marcos and cementing its college-town vibe. The San Marcos River runs through campus, and students are frequently found sunning themselves. 

Located at 109 Student Center Dr, San Marcos. Open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours are free, but reservations are recommended. 

The Wittliff Collections

Atop the Texas State University Library, The Wittliff Collections is an art museum that features exhibits on notable Texans. One notable exhibit is the Lonesome Dove Collection.

There are galleries dedicated to the Southwestern Writers Collection and the Southwestern and Mexican Photography Collection. There is also an exhibit dedicated to Texas musicians.

Located on 601 University Dr., San Marcos. In the Texas State University Albert B. Alkek Library on the 7th floor. Open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Free to enter.

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Rio Vista Park 

This 14-acre regional park offers outdoor recreation like hiking and biking trails, plus sports courts. However, most visitors come for the San Marcos River. This is the pick-up point for the Lions Club Tube shuttle.

There is a dam in Rio Vista Park that creates a rapid, popular with kayakers. This section of the San Marcos River features deep, calm water, the small dam and shallower sections for splashing. Life jackets are recommended. 

Located at 555 Cheatham St. Restrooms and picnic tables available. 

Children’s Park in San Marcos

For a park centered around kids, head to Children’s Park. It boasts a large playscape with a water theme. There’s accessible play equipment and places for little kids.

Plus, this park is home to one of the Mermaids of the Mermaid March. Children’s Park also offers river access.

Located at 205 S CM Allen Pkwy, San Marcos, TX. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Free to enter.

Putt Pub

This is a putt-putt golf course and bar combo. You’ll find two bars, a see-saw, a ping-pong table and a lively, fun-loving crowd.

Located at 307 S L B J Dr. It’s an all-ages venue until 8 p.m.

Downtown Square

San Marcos is the county seat for Hayes County, which means it features a town square anchored by a courthouse. The Downtown Square is hopping, packed with restaurants.

It’s bordered by E. Hopkins St., North LBJ Dr., N. Guadalupe St., E. San Antonio St. Street parking is available, and it’s best to park once and walk.

The Taproom and The Porch

For a burger, a beer and a barstool to watch the game, the Taproom is it. This is one of the San Marcos’ legacy bars that everyone in Texas seems to know.

It’s got 36 taps, with beers from down the road to those from across the pond. Many swear this is the best burger in town.

Its sister property, The Porch, offers live music. The Taproom’s porch is dog-friendly too.

Located at 129 E Hopkins St #110 and #120. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (midnight on Friday and Saturday).

The Coffee Bar

The Coffee Bar is a cute coffee shop! It’s got that vintage and cozy feel that makes you want to linger. Pick a spot in front of the windows for excellent people-watching. Or enjoy your beverage at a bistro set on the sidewalk.

Located at 142 N. LBJ Dr. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sean Patrick’s Irish Pub

It might be Texas, but every town needs an Irish Pub. Sean Patrick’s is steps from the Square and boasts 70 taps with many of Texas’s best brews. If you ask a San Martian where to watch the game, this is where they’ll send you.

Food is a big part of the draw at Sean Patrick’s, with favorites like loaded potato skins, nachos and sliders. Diners will find sandwiches and burgers, many with an Irish flavor, like the Irish Pub Club with whiskey-baked ham. For the late weekend risers, brunch is served until 3 p.m.

Located at 202 E San Antonio St. Open Daily from 11 a.m. until late.

Old Soul Exchange Vintage Shop

I’m in the habit of strolling through vintage shops on my travels. I always find the most interesting stuff.

In San Marcos, the Old Soul Exchange is the place. Find an eclectic mix of clothing plus household items.

Located at 123 S. LBJ Dr. Open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

Mermaid March

A collection of seven-foot tall Mermaid sculptures painted by local artists. There are 10 in total, and they dot downtown San Marcos.

Glow in Dark Kayaking

Explore the secret world of the San Marcos River after dark. In a glow-in-the-dark kayak, paddlers can see through their hull to the aquatic life below.

I have done this on several occasions, and it is super fun. The paddling is easy since you are paddling slow.

There are several outfitters in San Marcos with clear kayaks. Reservations are necessary for this in-demand activity.