Overview
San Marcos is a college town in Texas Hill Country about 30 minutes south of Austin, home to Texas State University with a 2020 population of 58,000. The city sits along the San Marcos River, which has been a site of human habitation for over 10,000 years and hosts several endangered species found only in its headwaters.
Day Trips · Festivals · Nature · Nightlife
Before you go
Culture
San Marcos is a college town centered on Texas State University. The local conservation mindset focuses on protecting the San Marcos River and its endangered species.
Money
Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in San Marcos, making it unnecessary to carry large amounts of cash. Prices at most establishments range from $5-25 for food and $57-99 for budget accommodations.
Safety
San Marcos is described as a very safe small city. Call 911 for police, fire, and medical emergencies. Cell phone service can be unreliable in river valleys, so check signal before swimming.
Transport
San Marcos sits along I-35 between Austin (23 miles north) and San Antonio (46 miles south). No public transit details are provided; driving or rideshare is likely necessary for getting around.
Water
The San Marcos River is central to the city, offering tubing, swimming, canoeing, and fishing. Rio Vista Park has an artificial whitewater course. Always use the buddy system when swimming in rivers.
Weather
Texas Hill Country summers are hot, making river activities popular. Winters are mild. The peak tubing season runs June through August.