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San Marcos has everything you want in a Texas town, but it also has everything you didn’t know you wanted. That is, until now, because we’re about to spill all the beans on some of the city’s most unique and unexpected attractions!
From high in the sky to the food on your plate, San Marcos is sure to surprise you with just how much there is to discover in one of Texas’ most charming cities. To help find these hidden gems, we’ve put together something of a treasure map for you. It’s a more modern treasure map, which means there are more words and pictures than dotted lines and sea monsters.
Reach for the Sky at Skydive Spaceland San Marcos
If you know anyone who’s ever skydived, you’ve likely cut ties with them because they never stop talking about how great it was. We kid, we kid, except about that last part. In fact, San Marcos has its very own skydiving facility in Skydive Spaceland San Marcos, one of the biggest of its kind in the whole world!
With almost two decades of experience under their belts, Skydive Spaceland is your one-stop shop—er, one-drop shop—for single tandem jumps and comprehensive training courses alike. A jump will have you and an instructor leaping from a plane at 14,000 feet and dropping at 120 mph until you pull your ripcord for a gentle, five-minute parachute flight to a soft targeted landing.
Let ‘er Rip at Flying Armadillo Disc Golf
If flying through the sky isn’t quite your speed, maybe you’d prefer to make something else fly, like frisbees or armadillos. Might we introduce you to Flying Armadillo Disc Golf. Capturing the quirky spirit of a mini-golf course, each hole on Flying Armadillo flaunts a unique theme, featuring art and sculptures.
For kids and beginners there’s a miniature course with shorter holes, but it’s not without some challenge. The larger course is really where Flying Armadillo shines, as it opens up to the scenic Texas Hill Country. Try to land a hole-in-one if you’re not too distracted by the majestic oak trees, creek beds, and hilly terrain.
Experience History Firsthand at the Commemorative Air Force Exhibit
Since we’re still on the topic of flying, now’s a great time to talk about the Commemorative Air Force Exhibit. This can’t-miss stop for history buffs, military buffs, and aviation enthusiasts allows for up-close looks at real WWII aircraft and many educational exhibits on piloting in the 1940s.
Now you might be wondering, “I thought this was an article about unexpected things to do, but this sounds like a regular museum.” That’s just because we haven’t yet mentioned that you can take a flight in not one, not two, but three historic aircraft! Those include the AT-6, Blue Canoe, and a B-25 Mitchell bomber.
Until time machines hit store shelves, a ride in an authentic WWII warbird is as close as you’ll get to experiencing the most pivotal era of the 20th century.
Climb Your Way to the Top at Armadillo Boulders
Moving on from flying, but moving ever so closer to armadillos, we bring you Armadillo Boulders. A surefire hit with the kiddos, this is a state-of the-art rock-climbing gym with over 5,000 square feet of diverse climbing space.
For adults, the gym has varying degrees of challenge, so while the kids take on the smaller walls, you can be tackling areas that will have you almost upside-down. Also at the gym is a yoga studio and a functional fitness room, making this the perfect location for burning off all those “we’re on vacation” desserts without ever stopping the vacation!
Gotta Go Fast at Longhorn Racing Academy
If all those hours sitting in traffic during your commute have soured you on the whole driving thing, Longhorn Racing Academy is the remedy. Live out all your racing fantasies at this racetrack that lets you get behind the wheel of exotic supercars. Speed limit? Never heard of it.
You don’t have to be an experienced racecar driver either. The academy provides professional instructors that’ll have even the greenest of drivers feeling like a NASCAR natural. Though you must be 18 or over to drive the cars, kids above the age of 12 are welcome to ride.
The Mermaid March is Making Waves
If you drive around the state, you’ll likely come across the Leather Capital of Texas or the Pecan Capital of Texas. Those are fine and all, just a little on the expected side. Here in San Marcos, on the other hand, we’re proud to be known as the Mermaid Capital of Texas.
Part of that most cherished title is due to the ever-popular Mermaid March, a self-guided tour through the city that uses seven-foot mermaid statues as waypoints. Each of these mermaids sport a unique aesthetic, designed by some of the area’s finest artists.
Every traveler knows the best way to experience a city is on-foot, and the Mermaid March adds an extra layer of fun to the exploration.
Dining Out with a Twist
When you’re on vacation, you don’t want to go eat at some chain that you could have while at home. You want to go somewhere different, unique to the place you’re visiting. One of the favorites of San Marcos locals is Triple Six Social, a devilishly good coffee shop with a gothic style. One sip of their Handsome Devil latte and your head will spin!
On the completely other end of the spectrum, we have The Sweet Spot, a dessert and coffee bar decorated head to toe in bright pink. Among its milkshakes, coffees, and baked goods, you’ll find one driving ethos: it’s got to look as adorable as it is delicious.
After you’ve got your coffee kick, you may be looking for something more savory around lunchtime. Look no further than North Street, an Indian-inspired restaurant that gives its traditional menu a Tex-Mex infusion. That includes such genius creations as Curry Queso, Chicken Curry Nachos, and Chana Masala Tacos.
Cap off your day at The Davenport, a stylish lounge with a ridiculously creative selection of cocktails. Take the Cleopatra, described as a cocktail for “a ruler of divine status,” or the Prenup, comprised of bourbon, orange liqueur, lemon juice, a splash of sour, and orange. Heck, there’s even a cocktail for each Golden Girl. Have all four and you might be thanking every stranger on the street for being a friend.
San Marcos is Full of Surprises
Sitting conveniently between Austin and San Antonio, San Marcos isn’t only a great place to stay if you’re looking to avoid those big city prices, but a destination all its own. Although we’ve helped guide you to some of our city’s brightest hidden gems, San Marcos still has some secrets up its sleeve. What are they? You’ll have to come see for yourself!
Your weekend getaway might be farther down the calendar, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get the ball rolling by making a reservation today. Check out some of our favorite local lodgings.
