Can you believe it, Spring Break is almost here! Relaxation, great food, shopping, adventure and more – the week-long break is just a little teaser of what summer has in store. Whether you are enjoying your break with friends, family, kids, or by yourself, we have some ideas for your Spring Break SMTXperience. 

Outdoor Adventures

Hit The Trails

From leisurely strolls on ADA-accessible trails to more challenging hikes on rugged terrain, San Marcos has trails for outdoor adventurers of all fitness levels. Bring your binoculars or man’s best friend to explore scenic parks that make you feel like you are miles from civilization but are still in the heart of town. With more than 2,100 acres of natural areas and a lot of native wildlife and migratory birds, there’s plenty of natural San Marcos for you to see and explore. And speaking of birds... March kicks off the nesting season for the Golden-cheeked warbler, so please observe and respect any closed trail signage due to these special birds.

 

Take A Dip

There are several public access points in town for you to do just that. Kayak, SUP, swim, or snorkel – there’s no wrong way to enjoy the San Marcos River. For those feeling a bit more adventurous, may we suggest the Glow Kayak tour from Paddle SMTX and Get Up and Go – a nighttime adventure lit by LED lights fastened to the belly of the board, allowing you to see the flora and fauna of the San Marcos River in a new way. The San Marcos River is also home to several threatened or endangered species, so be sure to take extra care when playing in and around its waters. For a complete list of park tips and rules, please check HERE.  

 

Throw The Ol’ Disc Around

With two 18-hole courses to play, BYOB, and a friendly four-legged guide named Taco – it's always a good time at Flying Armadillo Disc Golf Club! Get the gang together for a fun group activity, day or night, with night golf being offered on the mini-course when scheduled in advance. 

 

Mini Golf In Downtown San Marcos

With two full bars, food trucks, yard games, and, of course, a really cool mini golf course, Putt Pub is a lively hangout spot for adults looking for an activity to go with their beverage of choice. And, from open till 8pm, all ages are welcome to try their hand at the course. 

Amazing Attractions

Glass-Bottom Boat Tour

Hundreds of springs from the Edwards Aquifer bubble up to form Spring Lake, the headwaters of the San Marcos River. What better way to see those springs up close than from the comfort of a Glass-Bottom Boat? Since 1945 the Glass-Bottom Boat tours have allowed visitors to look through the bottom of the boat to see bubbling springs, swimming fish, snapping turtles and swaying fauna in the crystal clear water. It is just like snorkeling without getting wet.

 

Explore Underground

Go deep underground at Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park on a tour of the Balcones Fault Line Cave. The earthquake-formed cave, like the San Marcos River, stays a cool 72 degrees year-round. “Ooh” and “ah” over the prehistoric fossils and huge boulders suspended in midair. After your cave tour, check out the anti-gravity house, Texas Wildlife Petting Park or the Tejas Observatory Tower for awesome hill country views.

 

Museums

Visit the LBJ Museum of San Marcos, Calaboose African American History Museum and the Hays County Courthouse for a cultural/education activity. You'll learn all about the history of the area, as well as the larger-than-life president who called San Marcos home as a university student. Interested in historic military warbirds? You'll absolutely want to make a quick jaunt to the Commemorative Air Force Exhibit for the military museum and amazing WWII planes! 

Sip & Shop

Shop Until You Drop

With more than 240 name-brand and luxury stores and 1.2 million – yes, million – square feet of shopping paradise, you can quite literally shop until you drop at the San Marcos Outlet Shopping Center! Pro tip: grab a coffee before your shopping excursion – you're going to need the extra energy. 

You never know what treasures you’ll find shopping at San Marcos’ boutiques and shops around town. No matter what, you're sure to find something you can’t find anywhere else. 

 

Consume Craft

You’ve had a day full of exploring all that San Marcos has to offer, be it hiking, a sporting event, shopping, or visiting an attraction or two. You and your friend(s)/family/beloved are looking for the perfect ending to a wonderful day. We suggest celebrating and relaxing with some of San Marcos’ finest brews. Looking for a place that has space for the kids to play while you relax? Roughhouse Brewing has a playscape and lots of space for them to roam. Are you visiting with a group of friends who want to pair an activity with their brew? Middleton Brewing has a disc golf course on site. 

Arts & Culture

Sounds of San Marcos

Once the sun sets, things really heat up in San Marcos. From legendary career-launching stages to small hole-in-the-wall bars, you’re sure to find a show every night of the week in San Marcos. Live music in San Marcos is as unique as the city itself. You can find our weekly live music lineup HERE. 

 

Mermaids and Murals

Of course, every SMTXperience should be documented, and what better way to capture your vacation than with a photo in front of a colorful San Marcos mural? From a larger-than-life mermaid mural to “Cupig” waiting to strike in Kissing Alley, you never know what whimsical piece of art you’ll stumble upon in San Marcos.