Things to do in San Marcos in October

When is your trip?

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Looking for a different month?

Overview

October is a good time to visit San Marcos. The weather is usually pleasantly warm and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 60—84°F (16—29°C).

San Marcos has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your October trip to San Marcos. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to October. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in San Marcos in October. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout October, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

Visiting San Marcos? See our San Marcos Trip Planner.
Your itinerary and your map in one view

No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.

Learn more
What users say about the app

Best events and things to do in San Marcos in October

Top experiences in October
We couldn't find any experiences in October
Holidays in San Marcos in October
October
  • Columbus Day (October 12)
Other notable holidays
Create your ultimate travel itinerary

Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.

Learn more

Weather in San Marcos in October

Temperatures on an average day in San Marcos in October

The average temperature in San Marcos in October for a typical day ranges from a high of 84°F (29°C) to a low of 60°F (16°C). Some would describe the temperature to be pleasantly warm. The general area may also feel breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in San Marcos, August, has days with highs of 100°F (38°C) and lows of 76°F (24°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 62°F (17°C) and lows of 40°F (4°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in San Marcos in October based on historical data.

Visiting San Marcos? See our San Marcos Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in October
84°F
highs
60°F
lows

General weather summary

Pleasantly warm, breezy
Feels like
17%
Chance of rain
0.091 in
Amount
13.6 mph
Wind speed
64%
Humidity
11.5 hrs
Daylight length
7:33 AM
Sunrise
7:01 PM
Sunset
71%
Cloud cover
Sleeveless shirt
What to wear
What to wear in October
With an average high of 84°F (29°C) and a low of 60°F (16°C), it generally feels pleasantly warm and breezy. With that in mind, most people would dress in something very light like a sleeveless shirt
Create your ultimate travel itinerary

Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.

Learn more

Best attractions for San Marcos in October

Besides the array of exciting events and activities San Marcos has to offer for travelers in October, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in San Marcos that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in San Marcos for October.
San Marcos Premium Outlets
1. San Marcos Premium Outlets
4.6
(17760)
Outlet mall
Shopping
Slide 1 of 8
Lots of brand names you know and love are at these outlets. There are two side the San Marcos Premium Outlets side and the Tanger Outlets side with plenty of options. It’s almost time to Christmas Shopping🛍️.
We recently visited San Marcos Premium Outlets, located roughly midway between San Antonio & Austin. It’s a massive outdoor shopping complex, so large that at sometimes, we even drove from one store to another ! Despite the 32°C heat 😰I really enjoyed the experience. The outlets feature a wide variety of premium brands and products, ranging from luxury fashion and shoes to home goods. The product quality is excellent, and prices are quite competitive😀 For tourists, tax refunds are available, however, each bill must include at least $12 in taxes paid, and you can only receive 50% of the total tax amount back. The food court is decent, though it doesn’t include all the popular fast-food chains. We had Chinese food, which was okay. Overall, it’s a must visit if you’re in or around Austin or San Antonio 👍
I recently visited San Marcos Premium Outlets and was blown away by the sheer variety of brands and products available. From luxury fashion to home goods, there's something for everyone. The prices are incredibly competitive, and the quality of the products is exceptional. The outlet itself is well-designed, making it easy to find what you're looking for." _Recommendation_ If you're looking for a great shopping experience with amazing deals on top brands, San Marcos Premium Outlets is the place to go! With its vast selection, reasonable prices, and high-quality products, you won't be disappointed.
Big and spacious. Alot of good stores and deals. The weather in October was very hot but walking underneath the shade was nice
Visited the San Marcos Premium Outlets yesterday for the second time, and it’s still a great spot for shopping. The outlet has a wide range of brands and is well-maintained, making it enjoyable to walk around. While the variety isn’t the best for every category, it’s an excellent place to find daily wear and sportswear at good prices. The layout is convenient, parking is easy, and the overall experience is pleasant. A solid shopping destination for casual and brand-name finds. 🛍️
I been coming here since I was a kid. But please talk to your younger kids employees don’t take advantage of elderly senior citizens with the tip. I guess he didn’t know my mom was with me. And he keep repeating himself 3x for tipping and he want to tap tip until I caught that young kid. I tap the skip and he gave me the look like he was upset he didn’t get away scamming an elderly senior citizen woman. What A coincidence he didn’t ask me to tip. I can imagine how many times he takes advantage of senior citizens. We need to protect our seniors citizens elderly’s. From young kids taking advantage I guess they weren’t brought up right with respect. Do better please next time.😔
We went to San Marcos premium outlets for Thanksgiving shopping. We had made a short list of specific stores to visit so the experience was good instead of being overwhelming. As you might expect it was very crowded and it took about 45 minutes to find parking - we finally parked in the overflow parking lot. Most stores also had long queues to enter the store because of how crowded it was at Thanksgiving. There’s a really good selection of stores at this outlet mall however, there are only 1-2 restaurants within the strip mall, which makes it difficult to find food/snacks when you have to spend almost the entire day in the mall because of how long it takes to get into each store. If we return, we will come prepared with protein bars, and packed snacks.😅
I went to the guest services booth in the food court it was very busy and Jayla and Donna were managing family weekend. Jayla took the time to run back and forth to help me and even gave me a coupon for Columbia and sent me to taquitos and green for the Hola profit share. These ladies are rock stars! They are majoring in marketing, give them give them a job at this mall they'll increase profits great personalities very friendly very helpful! I really should be able to post 10 stars for them!!! Amy sanitation engineer keeps the floors spotless!!! She's wonderful!
Tanger Outlets San Marcos
2. Tanger Outlets San Marcos
4.5
(11412)
Shopping mall
Shopping
Shopping-mall chain featuring a variety of brand-name & designer outlet stores.
Slide 1 of 8
Is a nice place to bought clothes or gifts.
It’s been about 5yrs since I’ve been here and absolutely nothing has changed. Nothing bad just still packed but these prices were just about the same as I remember. But definitely enjoyed the outting here.
The outlets need more parking space it’s hard getting in and out of here I think a parking garage would of been good. The stores had ac and lots of registers open at the crowded stores which was good to keep the lines moving. The stores were clean and had friendly staff. But the restrooms were dirty and men’s restroom didn’t have privacy. The outlet has all kind of stores sure to have something for everyone.
These outlet stores are so cool. I love spending time here during the holidays. It's really important that you go here with lots of time on your hands and that you're very patient with all of the people and other vehicles. Don't go here in a rush or as a last-minute errand that you're trying to run because you will not be happy. There are lots of people trying to get good deals and trying to buy things. Be cordial and respectful to everyone around you and the entire experience will be much better.
Clean premises, great parking, stocked and clean restrooms. Huge variety of stores enough for everyone to find something they love and can afford.
To skip crowds and traffic come during the week. Ask for military discount and bring your id. If international bring your passport and ticket. Save those receipt cause purchases with over 12.00 in taxes they will total and refund. But only at participating location.
Tanger outlets are the best outlets, and San Marcos location is no exception. Great options of stores that fit variables ages and badges. Guess and Disney store were my favorites and their employees are very kind, active and helpful. There is no really kids area, so be aware of this if you are visiting with young kids. Just crossed the street and changed the Outlet - very nice. Second part of stores, no worse than the SM Premium outlet. Visited couple of shops, bought almost everything I wanted. Pretyy crowded place during weekends, but great value. Be prepared to spend a half day and more here.
Used to be so good with good discounts now it's just like every other store. Overpriced
San Marcos River
3. San Marcos River
3.8
(6)
Parking lot
Nature & Parks
Slide 1 of 4
Just love to go to this river with my family.
Not fair for tourist
It used to be free parking. Still a great place to go and enjoy the river. There is road parking on the other side of the river and there is still access to the river but get there early for a spot.
Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park
4. Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park
4.6
(1822)
Amusement park
Water & Amusement Parks
Theme park with cave tours, an anti-gravity house, a wildlife petting park, a train ride & more.
Slide 1 of 8
We recently visited again as part of a field trip. When we were there two years ago we all had a wonderful time. Our guides were extremely patient with the rowdy group we had. This time however was beyond amazing. We had the amazing guide Emily and assistant Kenny. I believe Maddie was the “announcer” getting us started and she was so great with our group. Emily was awesome throughout and Kenny pointed out some extra cool things to us throughout the tour. 10/10 recommend visiting!
I went on the cave tour with my boyfriend and had a lot of fun! The cave looked great because the lighting they put in made it so colorful and exciting. Our tour guide, Luke, was very funny and knowledgeable about the formation of the cave and its history. I wish the tour was longer so we both can explore more interesting things about nature.
My kids and I went to Wonder World back in March and we had a wonderful time. It offers many attractions such as the guides cave tour, train ride with petting zoo, anti-gravity room, gift shop, gem mining, and outside eating area with a small playground. I think it's definitely worth a visit, mainly for the caves, and for all ages. We paid extra for the gem mining but the kids loved it, and it just added to the educational experience. The anti-gravity house is trippy for sure. I would recommend this place to visit at least once!
We traveled to Wonderworld from Boerne, Texas and had a fabulous time! Macie was the coolest tour guide ever. She ensured the safety of everyone, gave in depth but fun facts about the cave, and had such a fun sense of humor. I cannot recommend wonderworld more!!
Came for the trick or treating in the caves event with my son it was lots of fun it’s cool to hear the backstory for many of the caves attractions and our tour guide was Ryder she was awesome! Lots of cheesy jokes about the caves and she was informational and very kind and patient with my 5 year old! Definatley recommend! Here’s a picture of Ryder and my son up on the rocks !
This was my first time at a cave altogether and even though I was a little scared, it was great. Our tour guide Joshua was funny and took some pictures for us at the end of the tour. Definitely wear sneakers for this. The operation times need to be updated online to avoid confusion but we were able to call and figure it out. The antigravity house was fun, I definitely felt a little dizzy after. I put 4 stars because some areas were very dirty like the hallway to the house and the bathroom
I genuinely enjoyed it! The price is reasonable for the experience. Josh was an amazing tour guide he was very knowledgeable and caring you can tell he really appreciated the people and his work. It’s a place I was glad to explore and experience. It is worth the stop if you are traveling and have a couple of hours to spare to stretch your legs before you continue traveling. I got to pet an emu and the place is very clean and maintained.
Loved this casual and fun tour! We got the full package deal to do all the offerings at the cave. Ben, our tour guide, was informative, fun and professional! Definitely get the petting zoo experience too. The deer, the donkey.. the emu! Yes! All of it is worth it and a good time for all ages!
The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment
5. The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment
4.7
(587)
Nature preserve
Nature & Parks
Tours are offered by glass-bottom boat of a unique natural ecosystem in a lake fed by many springs.
Slide 1 of 8
What a cool place! The glass-bottomed boat tour was the highlight. Our guide Connor was knowledgeable and engaging, we got to see lots of the animal and plant life as well as the springs feeding the lake. It was hot but the boats are fully covered so no baking in the sun! The trails around the lake and indoor aquarium were both the best kind of hands-on fun science for us and our children. Easy parking, clean bathrooms and lots of picnic areas!
Very small, and very cute. The boardwalk trail takes you through the wetlands—it’s maybe 15 minutes, a nice easy walk. The glass bottom boats were a ton of fun and well-worth the experience. Probably not necessary to do the extended version. Nice little aquarium. Plan to spend a few hours here—it’s charming, but not an all-day event.
I reviewed the boat tour separately so this review is for the free Meadows Museum worth checking out before or after your boat tour. It's a fun little place with interactive exhibits and educational information, as well as different fish and living things related to the lake. The kids enjoyed learning and seeing everything, and don't forget to visit the rooftop for some cool views!
Maddie was an outstanding guide on the glass bottom boat tour. She’s very knowledgeable and has a great attitude. Enjoyed the trails and the little aquarium area.
We bought tickets for the glass bottom boat ride and discovered a lot more they had to offer!!! The glass boat ride is amazing. We saw so many fish and turtles. It so clear and beautiful. They told us about the free aquarium and on the 3rd floor of the same building was an observation deck over Spring Lake. The view was amazing. We learned that the college owns it and most of the employees are college students. Highly recommend!!!!
Really pretty place and I’m glad that they saved the old park. The glass bottom boats are fun. The walking path through the marsh is neat and so is the aquarium. Definitely recommend.
My family and I love the boat trip. We have a 12 and 21 year old guys and they enjoyed it a lot. We didn't know they have an aquarium and a wetland (free to the public) with otters. Planning to return soon
Plenty of parking and awesome boat tour for $12 per adult entrance. They run tours every half hour and there was no wait. The guide was very informative and really beautiful nature can be observed from the boat as well as through glass boat floor. The water is crystal clear and blue on some areas, there is also scuba divers courses there. There is a small aquarium that can be visited for free afterwards on the property. The 3rd floor has a beautiful view of the entire lake.
Commemorative Air Force Central Texas Wing
6. Commemorative Air Force Central Texas Wing
4.9
(112)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Slide 1 of 8
This place is a secret treasure! We were blown away by it. Mindy gave my family a tour of all their aircraft and museum and dished out an unbelievable amount of knowledge of aircraft and history. I couldn’t believe we were able to go inside and have such a hands on experience. I would recommend this to anyone. We’ll be going back regularly.
A hidden gem! My family was initially a little hesitant but we were all thrilled with this cross-section of WWII history. The tour guide was informative, enthusiastic, patient, and humorous, too! So glad we went!
The Commemorative Air Force Central Texas Wing Museum is an incredible place to visit! It was very informative, and I learned so much about World War II history. The staff was extremely friendly and welcoming, and you can tell they truly care about preserving these important stories. They run strictly on donations, so if you go, please consider giving to support their mission. It’s wonderful to see a place so dedicated to keeping World War II history alive. Highly recommend visiting!
What a great museum! Thanks for the tour, Frank......we had such a great time and saw some beautiful aircrafts, model planes, photos, uniforms, lots of excellent memorabilia, and much more. All of the crew at the museum were friendly and knowledgeable. We will definitely be back!
My son had so much fun! The planes were in such good condition and staff were so nice and helpful. They just love to talk about planes and history. The interior museum was a sight, so many objects to view.
Big Thanks to Clint for the great tour, loved all the history, details and stories told today. Would highly recommend this for everyone that’s interested in Aviation and American History. Great job to everyone at CAF! 👍🏼👍🏼
this group came out to Denver with their B-25. it was an absolute blast to fly in an 80+ year old aircraft that was an instrumental part of WWII. definitely worth paying for the bombardier/navigator seat which allowed for time in the nose gunner position. the views from that seat were just phenomenal!
Great afternoon at the museum. Very interesting and Jim was an excellent tour guide!
Jim Wacker Field at UFCU Stadium
7. Jim Wacker Field at UFCU Stadium
4.6
(653)
Stadium
Sights & Landmarks
Home of Texas State Bobcats football featuring 30,000 seats, banquet rooms & full concessions.
Slide 1 of 8
Great place to watch football! Very affordable, awesome seating! Texas State plays really good competition so games are fun to attend! Will definitely go to many more games in years to come!
If you’re a football fan who appreciates a great stadium experience, Texas State University’s Bobcat Stadium in San Marcos, TX is a must-see. This stadium perfectly blends size, beauty, and an electric atmosphere, making it one of the most underrated gems in college football. From the outside, Bobcat Stadium immediately grabs your attention with its impressive structure and modern design. The stadium seats over 30,000 fans, creating the perfect size for an intense yet comfortable game-day experience. Whether you’re high in the stands or right on the sidelines, there’s not a bad seat in the house. What makes this stadium even more special is its setting. Nestled in the heart of San Marcos, the surrounding hills and Texas scenery provide a stunning backdrop for football. During evening games, the sunset casts an incredible glow over the field, adding a unique charm to the experience. Inside the stadium, the facilities are top-notch. The video board is massive and crystal clear, ensuring you never miss a play. The seating is spacious, and the concourses are wide and easy to navigate. Concession options are solid, offering a mix of classic stadium snacks and Texas-inspired favorites. On game days, the energy is contagious. The Texas State Bobcats fan base shows up strong, and the band keeps the crowd engaged from start to finish. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just looking for a memorable experience, Bobcat Stadium delivers. Its combination of size, beauty, and vibrant atmosphere makes it one of the best stadiums in the Lone Star State. 5/5 stars — highly recommended!
The stadium needs an overhaul. That said the layout and access are easy to navigate. Parking is available everywhere. Concessions are typical. When/if the overhaul comes maybe contract a couple upscale vendors. Seating is ample and I don't think there are any bad seats. We paid $20 to sit in section 120 and were really close to the 50 yard line. Didn't know it at the time but you can bring in your stadium seat which i recommend unless you pay for the more expensive chair seats on the home field side. Lots of restaurants around and easy to walk to from the stadium. Plus the walk is pretty. In fact the entire campus is rather picturesque without really trying. The games are fun and the fans really get going. Inexpensive way to have a fun time with family or friends. We will have season tickets next year. GO BOBCATS!!!
I love TXST football
The energy of the students on game day is just out of this world.That alone makes this stadium a 5 star rating I would say.
We recently visited this stadium for a BOA competition. The parking was horrendous. Being mobility challenged, there was no place close to the entrance gate for my husband to drop me. We had to park a country mile, since there was no handicapped parking available. The elevator is not well marked, and the handicapped seating inside the stadium is at the endzone area. The staff was extremely friendly. Due to some kind of regulation, we were made to leave the stadium between the prelims and finals. Being mobility challenged and using a walker, this was a needless waste of energy for me. Golf carts were made available to return to our car, only to have to walk BACK to the stadium for finals. And I had to walk across a RR track!!! There were at least 5 trains that passed during the competition, making it difficult to hear the bands.
Stadium is soo much nicer than when I graduated in the 90s. Prices are great compared to other college football. 6.00 beer is better but last yr was only 4.00. Reason for 4 star. Great game good team this yr.
My son Gage Mallory and I were invited to Bobcat Stadium for a senior visit for the purpose of his becoming a member of their football program. The staff and coaches were very knowledgeable and kind. They were very organized and were able to answer many questions that were geared towards the courses, housing, transportation and their football program thoroughly. There was transportation provided that was handicapped accessible and cool for an unsually warm winter day. The well planned guided tour included the campus, the locker room, the football based areas within the campus, and their beautiful Bobcat Stadium. The event was catered by Jason's Deli which provided a delicious and health conscious meal that was complimented by the famed Bobcat Stadium high rise. Bobcat Stadium is well designed, modern, and luxurious. The rich blend of wood and natural light created a laid back atmosphere of decadence and comfort. The view of the field from their exclusive high raise was unsurpassed. The overall experience was excellent. My son Gage Mallory is still very interested in their football program. We are grateful, and very appreciative for his invitation to the Texas State University!!!
Middleton Brewing
8. Middleton Brewing
4.7
(378)
Brewery
Brewpub
Slide 1 of 8
Great atmosphere! Very welcoming and pet friendly. Great selection of beer and the food truck is one of the best around.
Great family friendly brewery. Very large with plenty of indoor or outdoor beer garden seating. I ordered a flight, to try all their beers. Their craft beer isn’t the best I’ve had in Texas. Their beer tasted watered down. But the ambiance made up for the taste. The server behind the counter was very nice and friendly, walking me through the various beer selections that they carry. They have a complementary popcorn station. We got some food from the food truck outside.
Great atmosphere and comfortable community of patrons and pets to sit and enjoy the day with a brew and 😎🤩👏 The brews were great and there was even a taco food truck on site. Not sure if it’s always there but looks and smells great! They even have a patio for outdoor seating. Perfect time for us to wet our whistles!
A friend recommended this Brewery in San Marcos. We visited this place in afternoon. As soon as we approached the property, we saw a deck in the rooftop and a food truck. A few people were at the bottom level and nobody at the rooftop. The selection of craft beers was excellent. Ask for Scott! He went out of his way to welcome us and explain the process. A good place for craft beer and great people!
The brewery looked great. Lots of seating very comfortable atmosphere. The beer for the most part was good. The first round (2) we got was okay but the second was much better. They were out of a few and those may be better. Will give their beer another chance. Worth the stop.
Awesome place for a stop; bartender was enthusiastic and helpful. Gave us a quick tour of the brewery and let us hang out with her dog! Drinks were pretty great, didn't order any food.
Very elegant and raw structured brewery. Limited beers but most of what I tasted were great and had interesting taste notes. The Hefe, garnet amber, juicy IPA and kolsch were my fav. The Hefe had an mild roasted fruity flavour and I loved it. The place is well spread out both indoor and outdoor. Dogs are allowed indoors as well. They also have Mexican food truck coming in on specific days of the week. Will visit defo again.
Beer was tasty and staff was friendly and helpful. Nice, yet cozy atmosphere. We opted to sit outside to enjoy the weather. There were yard games available to play (Cornhole, washers, Jenga) and food trucks on-site. We got food from the Maine-iac Lobster truck (I think that was their name), and it was absolutely delicious...A little pricey but they don't skimp on the lobster. This is a dog friendly establishment and some of them are large (in case you're afraid of dogs). Dogs are not required to be on leashes but rather roam free or sit at their owner's feet. A small dog run is available for them to use the restroom and bags are provided to clean up after them. It was also a family friendly location. We had our three year old daughter and 7 week old son with us and saw a couple other little kids there with their parents as well. FYI: parking in the parking lot is very limited. It seemed like people parked on the sides of the road after the lot filled. Our visit here was relaxing and enjoyable! Thank you!
Riverside Springs
9. Riverside Springs
4.7
(89)
Event venue
Food & Drink
Slide 1 of 8
I recently had my wedding here, worked with Cindy, and had an incredible experience. Cindy was very reasonable and laid back, but also extremely helpful when needed. She was flexible with vendors and communicative with planning. It’s all outdoors so I was worried about the heat but no one really minded and everyone was very complimentary of the venue. We also booked the airbnb on the property and it was so convenient, as well as perfectly priced. I was working on a tight budget but was able to have a gorgeous wedding here without all the “nickel and diming” you get elsewhere. I would encourage people to book here for any type of event, but especially a wedding if you’re on a budget looking for a beautiful and low cost venue.
Riverside Springs is truly a hidden gem in San Marcos. As someone familiar with the area, I can confidently say that this venue perfectly captures the natural beauty and charm of the San Marcos River. The location offers a serene, picturesque setting while still being conveniently close to downtown, making it ideal for any special event. What really sets Riverside Springs apart, though, is the owner and event team. Their passion and dedication to creating a welcoming and seamless experience for guests are evident in every detail. From the beautifully maintained grounds to the thoughtful amenities, it’s clear that they take great pride in ensuring every event is unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a wedding, birthday, or celebration of any kind, this venue provides the perfect backdrop. I highly recommend Riverside Springs to anyone looking for a unique and memorable event space in the heart of Texas Hill Country.
I just wanna say this place saved my day my son was supposed to have his birthday at another place and then they changed everything the day of his party I called around and found this place the lady who owns it saved my day I was so happy she let us have the party she was very friendly and nice go to her for any party’s wedding
First time being there attending my niece's baby shower. It's very nice which I had taken more pictures.
Beautiful place to have a wedding. The staff was super nice and made our friends' wedding a day we'll remember for a long time to come. The river views and quiet sounds of nature make this a peaceful, romantic place to share your love with friends and family. The bathrooms were very clean and stylish.
Riverside Springs made our wedding dreams come true! We held our wedding here this month and it was everything we wanted. We hired Cindy and Jana to be our day-of coordinators, and they absolutely nailed it— there was a near-fiasco with the flowers (the vendors had written down the wrong date) and they made sure we had flowers no matter what without stressing me (the bride) out in the middle of getting ready. Would absolutely recommend.
THIS PLACE IS A MUST SEE...What a delight!!!! Texas White and Merlot was our favorite! We also bought the Peach Bellini frozen mix...Great for the summer! The tasting room bartender was great! **Even the Texas Black Gold (a port style) is a recommendation, it was AMAZING...(usually there too strong)!!
We used this venue for my rehearsal dinner. The owner, Cindy, went ABOVE AND BEYOND to make sure we had everything we needed. The standing heater wasn’t working so she took it upon herself to go buy a new one and bring it in. Even though that must have been so chaotic for her, she didn’t act like it. We forgot cups? She had some. The wine bottle opener broke? She had one!😂 She was super sweet and helped us in so many ways!! She really helped our event run smoothly and gracefully. Super thankful!
The Wittliff Collections
10. The Wittliff Collections
4.9
(72)
Art museum
Shopping
Slide 1 of 8
A treasure trove of Texas music history is contained in the collection. The Viva Terlinga exhibit is fantastic, and the items and stories on display about Jerry Jeff Walker are priceless. The photography exhibit of Melinda Wickman Swearingen was a bonus, can't believe this exhibition is the first time her work capturing Waylon & Willie has been shown.
If you are a fan of Lonsome Dove and Stevie Ray Baughn this is a great place to visit. Well worth your time.
One of Whitliff’s many collections displays items from the Lonesome Dove movie shoot. If you like that movie then you will enjoy checking out what the collection has to offer. I’m very glad we stopped by 🤠🐴 🐄
Beautiful collection. I had not been up there in over 20 years! The Texas Monthly photography is amazing.
A well organized collection! Any fan of the Lonsome Dive mini series should check this out. Also, there is a King of The Hill display, and lots of archives to view by request.
The Wittliff Collection at the Texas State Library is a must to see. Available to see include the Lonesome Dove Collection of movie artifacts, original set drawings creation the movie, history of area where the story took place. Interesting. Includes Texas History Music Collection. Willie Nelson, Jerry Jeff Walker, and more. Southwestern and Mexican Photography. Keith Carter was featured Exhibit. Awesome view of the human spirit through photography.
This exhibit of all memorabilia Lonesome Dove is very thorough. This is a must see if your a fan of the miniseries! In addition to the photos, sketches and props from the movie there are items of interest from the state of Texas and of the old southwest history. You'll even see an additional exhibit on music that includes Willie Nelson. This is a wonderful experience and the best part is that it's all free! Parking is time consuming and with patience you will find it. It is a bit of a walk from parking to the exhibit so wear good comfortable shoes. The only con is that the letter from Gus to Laurie was not on display. Am I the only one wanting to know what Gus wrote to her? After all we got to hear Clara's letter. Below are 2 coffee table books I purchased during my visit about Lonesome Dove. They are both very informative and the photography is magnificent!
Seeing the lonesome dove exhibit was literally a dream come true for me. It was well worth the drive… Put together well and the staff was very friendly. I will definitely go back.
Hays County Historic Courthouse
11. Hays County Historic Courthouse
4.8
(11)
County government office
Sights & Landmarks
Slide 1 of 8
Got a chance to see this historic Texas courthouse in the bustling town square of San Marcos. It was the weekend, so we could not go inside. A unique touch is the "copper dome topped with Lady Justice", according to the Texas Historical Commission website. It has been restored in recent years, so the building looks fantastic and almost new. A great addition to the Texas courthouse tour.
This 1908 courthouse was designed by Charles H. Page in the Classical Revival style. It's done is distinctive and reminiscing of Page's designs in Williamson and Fort Bend Counties. Notice that the clock tower has no clock? It never has!
Stunning place to visit! Stopped on our way back to Eagle Pass and kids enjoyed running around the green area. Place is very clean and plenty of parking around. Recommend it!
Great historic place to visit in downtown San Marcos. The place has a lot of history in it and the surrounding area is also very beautiful. It is located in downtown called the square, which has a lot of bars and food places to eat in after/before visiting the Courthouse. I recommend this place to visit if you are in San Marcos.
I enjoy sitting in the courtyard under the trees, watching the squirrels, and cooling down during my walks downtown. The building is gorgeous. I highly recommend a walk in this area for any San Marcos visitor.
Always some Weekend Festivities
Great if you come here without having a court date!
Bower Bird Antiques & Curiosities
12. Bower Bird Antiques & Curiosities
4.8
(46)
Permanently Closed
Antique store
Shopping
Slide 1 of 8
The best local shop in town! She has tons of gorgeous antiques and vintage items. She has lots of nice thrifted / found clothes upstairs. And the downstairs is full of beautiful oddities, decor, accessories, plus hand made jeweler, teas, candles, and other artists' work. It's my favorite shop!
Lovely little vintage shop plenty of amazing finds for decent prices! Little succulent shop and herbs upstairs. Down below mostly gorgeous vintage pieces. Furniture, clothing, dish ware, art, jewelry and more can all be found here. I never leave without a new relic!
FAVORITE CURIOSITIES SHOP! If you're looking for a beautiful, quirky, and/or unique antique gift for yourself or someone else, this is the place! Katinka is a very kind person and almost always present in the shop. With a regular rotation of new finds from estate sales and the like, there are collections of candlesticks, postcards, records, antlers, beautiful pottery and knick knacks you wish your grandmammy'd handed down to you, it's fun to just walk about and see what's in store! The jewelry in store is gorgeous. They have a large collection of costume jewelry, as well as earrings and necklaces made by Katinka that often feature creatures like mermaids, seahorses and bats. I've gotten tea sets, a lovely jacket, vintage fabric, and yard decor from here and countless other oddities. A must-see in San Marcos! Call to check hours as they vary due to covid.
This place is a San Marcos gem. The ladies are friendly and helpful and the two story building is just packed with beautiful, nostalgic, unique, reasonably priced items. They have anything from vintage clothing to old photos, art, plants, jewelry, knick knacks, incense, etc... Do your neighbors and your friends and family a favor and shop local this holiday season.
This shop is magical. Best selection of any antique or boutique I've been in, something for everyone and the prices were the lowest I've seen for antiques. The owner was delightful. Worth the 90 minute drive.
Enjoyed walking through, wide variety of scarves, jewelry, vintage decor, clothing, costumes. My daughter found an embroidered floral scene for her home. Will enjoy coming back when in town.
I absolutely adore this store. The staff is incredibly friendly and the selection is nothing short of magical. I highly recommend stopping by this quaint antique shop -- it feels like rummaging around in a time capsule.
Incredibly well priced, creative, vintage and antique items. Some Fantastic Clothes! A real treat for just about anything interesting and unique. I know where I'm Christmas shopping this year! 😁
The Marc
13. The Marc
3.1
(200)
Night club
Concerts & Shows
Multilevel nightclub & music venue hosting a variety of live bands in a historical building.
Slide 1 of 8
This venue is awesome! Played a show there and everyone who works there is great. Jarett the sound engineer was very helpful and spent lots of time making us sound as good as possible. I am glad to see such a great sound system and venue availabe in San Marcos.
Hey do you want to spend 7 Hours standing in a Vape Cloud in a stagnant hot room while alcohol is spilled all over you while you wait for your favorite singer to come on? Even the singer was upset he had to perform here….. It’s been 24 hours and I still taste the vape in my mouth from the awfulness. Multiple girls in the packed crowd suffered from heat stroke. It’s just terrible. I wish I could give it 0 Stars.
Was there for a show, but every single ticket we got (cause I went in a group of five) gave a different start time, so we ended up paying $60 for about 30 minutes of music. And even worse they profiled one of the people I was with. The rest of us were visibly white passing (more or less) but the ONE person in our group who was clearly POC was told that they needed to empty their pockets and be scanned with the security wand. Keep in mind, I had walked into the venue before them without being asked to do the same, but they never called me back and asked me to do the same (keep in mind I'm white and this person is not) so not only was it not worth the money, they were also openly profiling people. Definitely not worth it. 0/10 I DO NOT recommend. Edited for grammatical errors and clarity.
I guess I should read the fine print.(which there was none). Our show supposedly started at 9pm but really it was the doors that opened at 9pm. Our act did not get on stage until 12:15am. Stood there for over 3 hours watching a DJ put his gear on auto-pilot and hit the (bra bra braaap) button every 10 seconds. The show was great but y'all need to be more clear in the details on when the show actually starts. I basically wasted our whole night waiting for someone to get on stage. Pathetic communication. Likely a way to get people in the door to buy more drinks. I will say, at least the AC worked.
Got tickets to see SLANDER and showed up the night of the event and it had been cancelled due to the headliners manager having some sort of emergency- we were bummed but totally understood. The guy outside said he was the owner or manager or something and that he'd refund us, just to email him. Welp, called and sent 3 emails over the span of 3 or 4 weeks and never got our money back. Poor business management.
I’m here for a show. There’s a pretty messed up standing situation right now and the staff gave no grace regardless of how overly packed it is. There’s a solution for sure. It’s not even the height of the night yet /: the system and/ or staff need to be fixed. Edit: On my way out they wouldn’t let me take the bottle of water I paid for with me. What the actual hell. I can confidently say that I have never had a worse experience at a venue. My husband told me that they have a reputation for overselling tickets, and many reviews I’ve read say the same. Money is money to these types of business owners. This was first time here and it will be my last.
I used to love coming to the Marc for Latin night. They switched DJ’s (DJ EYG) and he barely plays Spanish music and he loves to talk over the music. Also, adding seats was a mistake. They want it to look full inside but there’s barely any place to dance which is the whole point.
Been to this venue a few times before. This past weekend was my first time at the venue for a ticketed event. The checkin was smooth. Headliner for the night was Shaq and it was amazing! Lights, confetti, CO2, all of it was well planned out and had the entire crowd loving the show. One thing I did appreciate was that water bottles weren’t jacked up in price. Been to plenty of places were they try to charge $5+ for a bottle. Small things like that make a big difference and thanks to the Marc for keeping them reasonably priced. Definitely will come to more shows!
Strahan Arena
14. Strahan Arena
4.5
(876)
Arena
Sights & Landmarks
This 7,200-seat home of the Texas State Bobcats basketball & volleyball teams was built in 1982.
Slide 1 of 8
Went for our Nieces graduation. Had a great time. Police in parking lot did a great job with traffic.
My wife graduated from Texas State with her masters degree and very impressed with the stadium. Very nice..
had a fantastic experience at Strahan Arena (University Events Center) in San Marcos! This impressive 10,000-seat venue, built in 1982 and renovated in 2018, combines classic charm with modern upgrades. It’s home to Texas State’s basketball and volleyball teams, featuring hardwood floors, premium hospitality spaces like the Castro Legacy Club, plus new locker rooms and team facilities—a true game-day hub.  The atmosphere inside is electric—intimate yet lively, making every game feel special.  Whether for sports, commencements, or special events, this arena brings the community together in style. A standout venue that blends spirit, tradition, and top-notch amenities—I’d highly recommend catching an event here!
Great place to celebrate my son's graduation. Parking is far so find a peddy cab!
SUPER Friendly Staff!🥳 Beginning with The Oscar mister & super lady that has been working there 5 years - she loves her job. No wonder peeps are great! Super BZ place yet so shiny clean--and great reflection on your staff.
My granddaughter graduated from here. All was great. My only problem was parking but we got lucky .
I love TXST athletic games at Strahan Arena
Granddaughter's graduation was held here. It definitely accommodates a large crowd. The video screens help you see close up no matter where you are sitting.
Charles S Cock House Museum
15. Charles S Cock House Museum
4.1
(11)
This 1860s Greek Revival house is the oldest in San Marcos, with tours & a Friday lunch service.
Slide 1 of 3
It has been closed for a while now. The exterior is beautiful. Also the river walk is nice.
The house itself was closed. It would have been nice to go inside. But the river walk around it was beautiful and enjoyable.
It's beautiful from outside the window. They were closed. But I'll be coming back

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in San Marcos?

Get inspired for your trip to San Marcos with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

Planning a trip to San Marcos?
Save all the best places to visit with WanderlogDownload the travel planning app everyone's been raving about
  • Itinerary + map in one view
  • Live collaboration
  • Auto-import hotels and reservations
  • Optimize your route
  • Offline access on mobile
  • Optimize your route
  • See time and distance between all your places
Learn more
Get the iOS app from the App Store
Get the Android app from Google Play
0 places saved to your trip to San Marcos