San Marcos Texas [ See map of this area ]

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San Marcos - A Texas Natural

San Marcos, Texas lodging, real estate, outlet malls, apartments, dining, things to do and much more can be found on this ultimate guide.

William Lindsey, Gen. Edward Burleson and Eli T. Merriman founded San Marcos, Texas in 1851. They bought the Juan Vermendi tract of land along the river and laid out the city. Legend says Franciscan Monks paddling up the Guadalupe River discovered a clear river with large springs at its source. The Monks named the river San Marcos because the discovery was made on St. Mark's Day.

There's plenty to do in San Marcos. You'll want to visit San Marcos's most complete Calendar of Events, Live Music and More. Read Hill Country Fun for news about music, events and other fun things to do in the Texas Hill Country.

Many visitors take the 17 mile drive to Wimberley, Texas, a picturesque resort and retirement area. San Marcos is a short drive on I-35 to New Braunfels, Texas.

The clear, cold San Marcos River rises from mammoth springs. Noted for a profusion of both plant and animal aquatic life, the river is ranked among worlds most fertile. White-tailed deer are numerous in the Hill Country and fishing is enjoyed year round in the San Marcos and nearby Blanco Rivers.

San Marcos Texas

San Marcos, Texas is home to the alma mater of Lyndon B. Johnson, Texas State University (formerly Southwest Texas State University). The Texas State University campus commands an impressive view of San Marcos, Texas.

Historic Downtown, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, features a quaint marketplace with art, gift shops and unique restaurants. In years past, these shops and restaurants on the square were grocery and clothing stores, doctors' offices and bank buildings. Also in the center of San Marcos, Texas is the restored Hays County Courthouse.

The 1867 Charles S. Cock House is featured annually in the Tours of Distinction Event, held the first weekend in May. However, lunch is served in the cottage kitchen on Fri., from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. throughout the year. It is located at C.M. Allen Parkway and E. Hopkins St.

Visitors are attracted to the area by the large number of San Marcos, Texas things to do.

To help you plan your stay in San Marcos, Texas, we offer a complete list of San Marcos, Texas lodging opportunities.

If you are interested in San Marcos, Texas relocation information, there are many excellent San Marcos real estate firms to assist you. You'll want to read the Hill Country Real Estate blog for up-to-date information.

Discover San Marcos Texas

The A. E. Wood State Fish Hatchery focuses on bass, catfish, and paddlefish. It accommodates 150 (by appointment only). The address is 505 Staples Rd. The phone number is 512-353-0572.

The Belvin Street Historic District is one of two historic districts in San Marcos, Texas. (The other is the Downtown Historic District.) Superb examples of 19th-Century homes along the street are shaded by huge live oaks. It is well worth a drive or stroll (it's only a few blocks long) in the southwest part of town. All are private residences. They are not open to the public, except during the Tours of Distinction, observed the first weekend in May.

The Confederate Air Force Central Texas Wing is located in the only remaining 1943 vintage wooden hangar at the San Marcos Municipal Airport. The Centex Wing houses two aircraft, a rare P-39 Bell Airacobra and a P-38 Lockheed Lightning. A Japanese "Kate" torpedo bomber replica, built for the movie "Tora, Tora, Tora" is also on display along with other privately-owned vintage aircraft. There is also a display dedicated to the Doolittle Raiders. At the San Marcos, Texas Airport, follow Perimeter Road along the fence to the Centex hangar. There is an admission fee. It is open on Fri. and Sat., from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Twenty three city parks on 225 acres, dot the area. The Children's Park, also known as Playscape, is a six-acre wooden playground located along the river.

The San Marcos River Walkway unites five city parks along the picturesque river. It accented by lush landscaping. There is access from Juan Veramendi Plaza, located at the intersection of C.M. Allen Parkway and Hopkins St.

The San Marcos Living History Trolley Tour allows you to view the city through the eyes of Gen. and Mrs. Edward Burleson, early founders, as they recall the history and beauty of the area. The guided tour passes by old mansions on tree-lined streets, the historic courthouse square, the San Marcos River, and the Aquarena Center. Tours begin at 2 p.m. the first Sat. of the month at the Tanger Outlet Center Visitor's Center. There is an admission. Call 512-396-3739 in for information.

There are several scenic drives. R.R. 12 northwest to the junction with R.R. 32 is the winding ridge route called the Devil's Backbone. It offers exceptional views of Hill Country scenery.

Water Recreation abounds. You can scuba, snorkel, fish, kayak, or tube the crystal clear San Marcos River. The water is 72 degrees year round. The Lions Club Tube Rental and the River Taxi operate on weekends in the spring, and daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day in the San Marcos City Park. Call 512-396-5466 for information.

San Marcos Texas: Directory Listings

Additional San Marcos Texas Resources

Learn about Texas State University in San Marcos.

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Learn about Texas State University in San Marcos.