Things To Do In San Marcos – Top Activities To Enjoy!

Feb 9, 2023

Last Updated on: Sep 1, 2025

Travel Guides

Are you planning a trip to San Marcos?

Are you wondering what are the best things to do in San Marcos?

Do you worry about organising a pleasant trip?

You don’t really need to worry because you have arrived at the right destination. We actually visited San Marcos recently. And guess what? It was a crazy trip – we met some amazing people, made some great memories, and came back home so happy.

Keep reading, and you will soon have your trip planned – stay tuned!

Things To Do In San Marcos – Top Activities To Enjoy

Things To Do In San Marcos - Top Activities To Enjoy

Are you already typing ‘things to do in San Marcos tx’ on Google? Come on, stop! You know that one never really works out. There are just way too many search results – we were so spoilt for choice that we ended up wasting a whole lot of time. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through the same – you can just save this article and plan your trip accordingly.

So without wasting any time, scroll down and checkout the best things to do in San Marcos!

1. San Marcos River:

San Marcos River
choicehotels.com

One of the most fun things to do in San Marcos is to visit the famous river. It’s not really a river – it’s one of those closed water supplies that are unique. Originating from a beautiful natural spring on one side, this river is a popular spot for snorkeling, inner tubing, and swimming.

Review By NF2013_13:

Beautiful river running through town for so many to enjoy. San Marcos River is spring-fed from the Edwards Aquifer. Who knew Texas had an aquifer? I’m from FL and thought we were the only ones. The river is clear with long flowing grasses growing in parts. We saw kayakers and paddle boarders enjoying their day. The town has adopted “mermaids” as its “known for” character. They are beautiful works of art located throughout the small city. If you’re there, check out the Root Cellar Restaurant, and be sure to stop by Kissing Alley.

2. San Marcos Premium Outlets:

San Marcos Premium Outlets
choicehotels.com

We love to shop, and we love buying from premium outlets. So we didn’t literally do the ‘san Marcos things to do’ search to find out all the top premium outlets. You will not just have fun, but you will come back with some crazy clothes!

Review By Paul S:

This place is HUGE, it is best to go there with a plan of which shops you want to go to. When I was there, it was not so busy, and I could drive from quadrant to quadrant with easy parking everywhere I went. I would not want to be there on a busy day and have to walk the entire place. The range of shops is supreme, but many of them are not outlet or discount shops, so expect to pay full price unless you are a size XS or XXL and can buy off the clearance racks!

3. Central Texas Wing Of The Commemorative Air Force:

Central Texas Wing of the Commemorative Air Force
choicehotels.com

There are 7 CAF aircraft in the Central Texas Wing. If you love aircraft or these sorts of activities, then you will have a blast here! You will literally forget about all the fun things to do in San Marcos CA – because this is so much better. You just have to take out words for now, but once you are there, you will know.

Review By Liz E:

My husband and I popped in here en route to San Antonio to pass an hour, I think we were there for about 4 hours in the end! The guys who volunteer here are so enthusiastic, and we were given our own private tour of the museum. We were even lucky enough to see one of the planes go out on a test flight. I cannot praise these volunteers highly enough for keeping this facility going, and we feel like we have made life-long friends!

4. Wonder World Cave And Park:

Wonder World Cave and Park
choicehotels.com

One of the best things to do in San Marcos TX, is to visit the beautiful Wonder World Cave! This is the first show cave here, and tourists have enjoyed visiting this cave for over a hundred years now. The place has only evolved, and you will even find a park with several entertainment zones.

Review By Viorica:

We had a great visit. The cave is beautiful. Our tour guide Olivia was awesome, she gave us lots of good information, and overall she is just a sweet person. I only wish we had a little more time in the cave rooms for pictures. If you wanted to take pictures, you had to stay back from the group and do so otherwise, the tour moved pretty fast. P.S if you plan to visit, make sure you wear nonslip shoes because the cave is wet and slippery.

5. Tanger Outlets San Marcos:

Tanger Outlets San Marcos
choicehotels.com

From crazy designer brands to crazy merchandise, you will save so much if you shop from Tanger outlets. If you love shopping as much as we do, then this is perhaps one of the first spots to hit. Yes, you can bargain – isn’t that what you need to save a few bucks? And whatever you save, you can use to shop some more.

Review By Traveler Mom:

Tanger outlets are the best outlets, and the San Marcos location is no exception. Great options of stores that fit variables ages and badges. Guess and Disney stores were my favorites, and their employees are very kind, active, and helpful. There is no real kids’ area, so be aware of this if you are visiting with young kids.

6. The Wittliff Collections:

The Wittliff Collections
choicehotels.com

The Wittliff Collections was first founded in 1986, dedicated to collect and preserve the legendary Southwest’s creative legacy. This was done to foster ‘the spirit of place,’ so there’s no way you can miss out on this legendary spot. One of the best things to do in San Marcos, you can’t miss out on The Wittliff Collections.

Review By Shelly R:

Once we understood where to park. Being in the college library was quiet and not crowded. We went for the Lonesome Dove Exhibit, and you get to see the original clothing on mannequins and some behind glass, but you basically get a personal walk-through. The room was small, but the student who let us in to view it said they would be expanding the collection. Absolutely amazing to see original stuff from this movie, especially if you’re a Texan, Western, and Lonesome Dove fan!

7. San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Wanna go on a safari ride? There is a San Diego Zoo but there is the safari park which is situated in Escondido which is about 20 minutes far from San Marcos! If you are visiting any of the cities such as Poway, Temescula, Vista and Carlsbad, you can easily visit this zoo because this is the closest.

The visiting hours are from 9 am To 6 pm while you will have to pay $69 as adults for entry while $59 for kids below 11 years of age!

Review By Bill E

Lots of areas to cover. Realistic settings for most of the animals. The “extras” were pricey. Open Truck safari wasn’t really worth it although the animals were in a more natural setting. Zipline was a lot of fun but expensive for a 4 minute ride. If you have the bucks go for it. With the construction going on I would skip the balloon ride.

8. Trek Bicycle North County

There are many trails across San Marcos so you can just rent a bike and travel around the place! You can rent the bicycle which costs around $75 to $100 from 11 am to 6 pm. The North County in San Marcos is perfect for bike treks hence, it is convenient for outdoorsy people.

You can go on a beachside adventure, events or culinary experience on your electric bike! There are many trails across San Marcos so you need to just go! 

Review By Sheree C

A fabulous ride peddling or not! As a family we really enjoyed it. All the little interesting stories along the way made it really fantastic. I would definitely recommend this experience.

9. Legoland

Visit the iconic amusement park in San Diego when you have a trip planned to San marcos! If you have a child-like personality or have children accompanying you on the trip, this place will be perfect in the itinerary.

Only a 20 minutes ride from San Marcos, you can experience the best rides, races and building attractions. It is a fun park which also has an aquarium so you can easily make bookings at Legoland California Resort in one of their themed rooms!

It will be open from 10 am to 6 pm everyday while the tickets are charged somewhere between $89 to $150. It will take about 2 days to cover the whole of the experience.

Reviews By Daria Singer

Clean, safe. Very understanding staff. Not particularly busy on weekdays during the winter, weekends tyou will have to que up. Food in the park is nothing special and obviously overpriced but that was expected. It is definitely convenient to buy a yearly…

10. Blissful Goat Yoga

Craving for some fun things to do while visiting San Diego? How about experiencing the one-of-a-kind yoga class while interacting with baby goats. The experience is a customized adventure for anyone who wants to attend the classes.

Situated at a private property, Blissful Goat Yoga is quite close to Sunshine Mountain Winery and Buena Creek Gardens. It is quite funny, I agree but imagine such a unique experience where you can interact with strangers and goats as the owner, Star Bailey, guides you through the Yoga.

You can take funny pictures of the goats and selfies with goats thus having an experience which is so interesting and fun! Going to a yoga session can actually be helpful and relaxing!

Reviews By Taylor

My boyfriend and I decided to try goat yoga and although we are not great at yoga ourselves, we still had a blast! Loved the passionate insights from the owner and the atmosphere of balancing yoga practice with having fun with the goats…

And It’s A Wrap!

And it’s a wrap on the best things to do in San Marcos. So what are you even waiting for? Plan your trip to san Marcos already! We can’t wait – and while doing so, don’t forget to share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below!

Read Also:

Share on Social Media

Sagnika Sinha is a content writer who is passionate about writing travel vlogs, entertainment and celebrity articles and literature-based pieces. With a 4 years experience in teaching, she loves reading books. A procrastinator by nature, she loves travelling, listening to music, planting and gardening.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

title-img Related

READ MORE Makeup Bag

What’s In My Makeup Bag During A Trip?

BY  Arnab Apr 29, 2023

This time of the year is amazing for organizing a trip to an amazing summer destination to spend some leisure time with your loved ones. But packing for a trip can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to your beauty essentials. It's essential to pack smartly and efficiently to ensure that you have everything you need while still leaving enough space in your luggage. One of the most crucial aspects of packing your makeup bag is choosing the right products. With limited space and weight restrictions, it's crucial to bring only the essentials that you will use throughout your trip. If you're unsure which items to include in your travel makeup bag, you are in the right place! Here Are Four Important Essentials Things To Keep With Your Makeup Bag Read below and we've got your back! We have for you a list with all the essentials to keep with your makeup bag during a trip, in order to feel fresh and pretty on every occasion! 1. Moisturizer with SPF One of the most crucial products to pack in your makeup bag is a moisturizer with SPF. Traveling can cause your skin to become dehydrated and dull due to different climates, water, and air. By using face moisturizing products with SPF, you can hydrate and protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. This way, you can enjoy your trip without worrying about sunburn or premature aging caused by sun damage. 2. Mascara Moreover, if you love makeup you might already know that quality mascara is a must-have item in any travel makeup bag. It instantly opens up your eyes and makes them appear more awake. Opt for a volumizing or lengthening mascara that suits your lash type and enhances your natural beauty. Choose a waterproof mascara that can cope to prevent smudging and smearing, especially if you'll be swimming or sweating. In case you don’t have quality mascara, it is time for shopping! A mascara will make your eyes look amazing and your makeup even more impressive! 3. Multi-use products Another amazing tip to save space in your makeup bag, consider bringing multi-use products. For example, a light-tinted moisturizer with a high SPF can provide hydration, coverage, and sun protection in just one step. You can also use it as a base for your makeup or as a touch-up during the day. Similarly, cream blush can double as a lip tint and add a pop of color to your cheeks. 4. Brushes or sponges Last but not least, don't forget to pack the tools you need to apply your makeup. Brushes or sponges can make a huge difference in how your makeup looks and lasts throughout the day. Choose the ones that work best with your makeup products and bring a compact brush cleaner to keep them clean and hygienic. Choose to buy some quality brushes because they are very important when it comes to the final result. A quality sponge will apply the concealer much better than a cheap one. Read Also: Make Your Summer Vacation Fun-Filled And Enjoyable This Year The Best Resort Spa & Wellness Island Experience! Sizzling Summer Road Trip Destinations

READ MORE Banff

The Top Lakes To Visit In Banff

BY  Arnab Jul 12, 2023

Banff National Park is a world-class location famous for its mountain ranges, wildlife, and glacially-fed lakes. It’s so remarkable it became a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site. It acquired the honor in the early 80s for its exceptionality. Today, Banff is the ultimate destination for holidaygoers who want to explore, relax, or both! If you’re planning a trip to Banff this summer or early fall, or you’re planning for a future vacation, then we encourage you to consider visiting several lakes during your travels. You won’t regret it! 1. Lake Louise We’re starting with the most well-known lake, Lake Louise. Located 45 minutes northwest of Banff, Lake Louise gets its name from the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria, Princess Louise. This bright blue, tree-lined lake (and its famous Chateau) has jutting mountain peaks surrounding it. It also features the snow-capped Victoria Glacier in the background. During late spring, summer, and early fall, various hiking and mountain biking trails are available for exploration around Lake Louise. And if you have time, a hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House is a must. Horseback riding is also an option here. At Chateau, visitors can spend a half day or a whole day in the saddle discovering the Timberline Trails that wrap around the lake. There is also Paradise Valley and other scenic routes where you can rent canoes at the Chateau, too. 2. Moraine Lake For many, Moraine Lake is the top contender for the most beautiful lake in Banff. Here, you can hike several trails — there are options at Moraine Lake for all hiking abilities. The most popular short hike is the Rockpile trail — which is phenomenal at sunrise. If you're an early riser, we encourage you to add this to your holiday 'to-do' list. Visitors to Moraine Lake can also rock climb, rent canoes, and bring their inflatable SUPs to paddle across the water. The road to Moraine Lake was closed to private vehicles at the end of 2022. Fortunately, shuttle services as offered by Morainelakebus now commute visitors to and from the lake, with buses starting as early as 4 a.m. for those eager to catch sight of the famous sunrise! An extra bonus for this provider is that some of their services also stop at number one on our list, Lake Louise. 3. Lake Minnewanka Located within the Montane Eco Region, Lake Minnewanka —also known as the ‘Lake of the Spirits’ — is the largest lake in Banff; it’s 18 kilometers long and approximately 100 meters deep. At Lake Minnewanka, you can explore footpaths and trails or sit back on a guided boat cruise to learn all about the lake’s rich history. Minnewanka is considered an area of cultural and historical significance; artifacts dating back over 14,000 years have been found here. For scuba enthusiasts, Lake Minnewanka is one of two that you can explore in Banff National Park (the second being Two Jack Lake). 4. Bow Lake If you’re driving along the Icefields Parkway, then a stop at Bow Lake is a must. It's a great spot to stretch your legs, as well as take phenomenal photos of the lake with Crowfoot Mountain and the Wapta Icefield in the background. If you have the time, this area is fantastic for hiking, mountaineering, as well as scrambling — with tons of wildflowers filling the trails in the summer months. The Top Lakes to Visit When you’re in the Banff area, it's possible to visit multiple lakes throughout your stay — there are many more in addition to the four mentioned here. Each offers something unique from the other, and you're sure to have an unbelievable time — whether you visit for adventure or bring a picnic, sit back, and take in the beautiful scenery. Read Also: Best 10 National Parks In New Mexico To Visit In 2023! 7 Best National Parks In Ohio You Should Know Before Going From Tokyo To Kyoto: An Epic Journey Through Japanese Culture And History

READ MORE travel hookups

Travel Hookups: The Dangers Of Hooking Up When You Travel

BY  Barsha Oct 22, 2025

I know what’s going on inside that pretty head of yours. You are probably thinking how many hookups I've had during my travels - especially since I am here to talk about travel hookups!  TBH, a few times for sure - not too many times, but definitely a few times. I mean, I had no idea about how the hookup culture worked during vacations - until I tried it out a few times. And now? Well, while the adrenaline is certainly thrilling, it does come with some major risks.  And while I’m nobody to stop you, it’s important that I help you out with my comprehensive list of dangers associated with travel hookups. Once you are aware, you will be safe while having ‘fun’ on vacation. Stay tuned. What Are The Dangers Of Hooking Up When You Travel? Romantic relationships on the road can be a great way to experience a foreign culture intimately, but at the same time, navigating the dating scene abroad can be a minefield.  Hooking up while traveling is an experience many actively strive for; as of 2025, 58 percent of travelers have embarked on a vacation romance, according to a recent TripAdvisor survey. Hookup culture not only accepts but actively encourages casual sex, including activities like one-night stands, without necessarily including bonding or emotional intimacy.  The term “hookup” has a broad scope because it can indicate any form of sexual activity between partners, including kissing. One can expect the dangers of hookup culture to be amplified when the partners in question have gone all the way at least once, especially regarding the following point.  In this context, let’s look at the primary dangers of travel hookups: Misaligned expectations  The risks of overindulging in alcohol The dangers of hooking up are relative  About good old-fashioned regret  The big issue of safety. 1. Misaligned Expectations: The question of whether it’s acceptable or even desirable to hook up with someone while traveling is very complicated. It first depends on the object of the hookup: a local or a fellow traveler? It seems far less complex when the person is also traveling and in a similar situation to you.  Given the significant financial gap and ensuing power imbalance between tourists and locals in destinations like third-world countries, there’s no shortage of potential problems. The traveler might see it as a fling, and the local – as real love, finally. Streams of messages over different online apps will follow the interaction, which can get awkward and, ultimately, one person could decide to block the other and move on.  2. The Risks Of Overindulging In Alcohol: It’s a fine line between lowering inhibitions and becoming too intoxicated to make smart decisions about what you do or don’t want to engage in. Overindulging in alcohol makes you more vulnerable to assault and theft, not to mention risking alcohol poisoning and ruining your entire vacation. 3. Relative Dangers Of Hooking Up: That only begins to scratch the surface of the dangers faced by women. Trust your intuition if a situation feels wrong or unsafe. Don’t assume you’re safer leaving a bar in a foreign country with someone you just met than you would be back home.  The sometimes misleading sense of security you feel while on vacation can make you vulnerable. Other vacationers won’t necessarily have your best interests at heart. Safe sex is about more than wearing a condom; it’s about not ending up on the news as a cautionary tale.  4. About Good Old-Fashioned Regret:  An online survey of 1,468 college students found that more than 27% felt embarrassed about a recent hookup, just under a quarter reported emotional difficulties, a fifth felt a loss of respect, and a tenth shared they had problems with their long-term partner.  78% of women and 72% of men who had casual sex reported experiencing regret thereafter, according to a Canadian survey of 200 undergraduate students.  5. The BIG Issue Of Safety: Obviously, this is perhaps the most important issue associated with travel hookups. When you reside somewhere unfamiliar, you become more open and vulnerable to any kind of sexual assault.  Both drug use and alcohol are common parts of travel, and both can sufficiently increase risks when you are traveling. Why? Well, it can impair your judgement, increasing risks in the process. As per travel data on Satista, sexual violence in international trips is typically perpetrated by strangers or even recent acquaintances.  Of course, this is correct, considering you won’t have your usual security network of family and friends who can interfere or even help in case of something dangerous. Moreover, in a foreign land, you might not be familiar with social cues or even local emergency support.  How To Minimize Risks Associated With Travel Hookups? Now that I’ve highlighted the major risks associated with travel hookups, I have a few tricks up my sleeve to minimize the dangers associated with travel hookups: Always meet in Public! If you are meeting someone from a dating or hookup app for the first time, and that too while you are traveling, then it's best to meet them in a public spot. And best to avoid drinking - what if they spike your drink? But if you still want to be a little tipsy, drink a little, depending on your tolerance, and then go meet someone new.  Always confide in someone about your plans. So what are they miles away from you? My best friend lives on another continent, but I always message her - she knows what to do if she doesn’t hear from me every few hours. Also, I always share my live location with her - just to be extra safe.  While you can do a thousand other things, it is best to trust your gut. If something feels off, then trust your instincts and leave. You don’t need to hook up with someone who doesn’t make you feel comfortable at the onset. And if you are meeting in public, then leaving is always an easy option. Lastly, never disclose personal information. This basically means don’t tell your tour ‘date’ which hotel you are residing in, what your plans are for the next few days, and stuff like that. This is because once you do leave, considering something feels off, they might just follow you and make it unsafe for you.  The Dos Of Hooking Up When Traveling: It’s not about avoiding hookups while traveling, but approaching them the right way. To make sure you don’t regret the experience, don’t lower your standards. Always be selective and don’t hook up with people in your tour group or who are staying at your hotel – it will prevent the awkwardness of running into them after a disappointing experience.  Follow the golden rule: come and leave with friends and look out for each other and, ideally, other travelers. Being an active bystander will make sure no one looks back on situations abroad with regret.