The Meadows Center
What better way to start off your San Marcos adventure than with a Glass-Bottom Boat Tour at The Meadows Center. Once the iconic Aquarena Springs, and home to the San Marcos "aquamaids," Spring Lake has been transformed into a research and nature-lovers haven. We recommend coming to The Meadows Center early in the day for a cooler experience exploring Spring Lake. Purchase your ticket and then take a scenic and serene stroll on the Wetlands Walk. After your stroll through the shallows make your way to what was originally the Spring Lake Park Hotel, now turned research facility, for the cool exhibits and aquariums at Discovery Hall. See the native species of San Marcos up-close in the air-conditioning. Then you're ready for your Glass-Bottom Boat Tour. Your knowledgeable guide will tell you all about the history of the area (considered the longest continuously inhabited site in North America) and the flora and fauna that call Spring Lake home.
Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park
Adventure lovers will get a kick out off exploring what lurks beneath San Marcos. Wonder World Cave is an earthquake-formed cave, which is different to a lot of other cave formations in the area since it's dry-formed. Join a guided tour to experience the depths and wonders of this local attraction. The cave has been a popular destination for more than 100 years, giving locals and visitors alike a unique experience.
Make sure to look up to see the fossils and the crack that runs where the Balcones Fault Line shifted, resulting in the formation of the cave. After the tour make sure to check out the Anti-Gravity Room for a trippy experience. Then hop on the train that takes you through Mystery Mountain into the Wildlife Park for an up-close encounter with all sorts of friendly animals. Finally, before you leave, make sure you pop into the gift shop for wonderous swag and boutique finds from KnDs. There are also concessions on site for a quick snack and an arcade room while you're waiting for your tour.
Tubing the San Marcos River
Finally, during the hottest part of the day, head on over to the San Marcos River where you can get off your feet and get into a tube. The San Marcos River stays 72 degrees year-round and is crystal clear. One of the ways we help keep the water clear is through the Reuse at the River Ordinance - so don't forget to bring your reusable water bottle for your relaxing float. (No single-use plastics or aluminum, and no glass or styrofoam allowed.) The float from Lion's Club Tube Rental to Rio Vista Park is roughly 45 minutes to an hour and the shuttle can bring you back to City Park. You can learn more about the San Marcos River rules here.