Know Before You Go: About San Marcos
From boat tours to shopping adventures, San Marcos offers fun and adventure for all ages
Whether you’re staying in Central Texas for a business meeting, family vacation or just passing through, San Marcos combines the scenic beauty of Hill Country with a thriving economy. A short drive from both downtown Austin and downtown San Antonio, the city is an ideal midway hub in the Lone Star State and home to Texas State University.
Sans Snow in San Marcos
You're more than likely to have agreeable weather year-round in San Marcos. Annual high and low temperatures average at 80 and 57 degrees, with about 275 days of sunshine per year. Early spring and late fall are especially nice, with average highs from the low 70s to low 80s and average lows in the 50s. Summer days can be sweltering with highs in the mid-90s and high humidity, so plan outdoor activities in the early morning or evening. From December to February, highs typically reach the low- to mid-60s and rainfall is scarce; however, crisp winter nights call for a jacket with lows dipping to near 40. Only May, June and October see precipitation averages of 4 inches or more.
Through the Boating Glass
Admire the idyllic beauty at the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment. With historic glass bottom boats, kayak and stand-up paddle board tours, you’re in for an adventure, while becoming educated on the local wildlife and wetlands. Explore the nation's only true example of an earthquake-formed cave at Wonder World Park, which also has an observation tower, anti-gravity house and wildlife petting park. If you’re more inclined to shopping, head over to the 140-store San Marcos Premium Outlets or Tanger Outlets or enjoy the boutiques in historic downtown. Other destinations worth looking into include Wimberley Glassworks, Dick’s Classic Garage Car Museum and Skydive San Marcos.
San Marcos Industries
Texas State University is by far the region's largest employer, attracting student and teaching talent from all over, and its Center for Research Commercialization serves as a technology accelerator for start-ups and new local businesses. Retail also holds up the backbone of the city, with San Marcos Premium Outlets and Tanger Outlets providing steady income to the city's coffers. As a hub for industries including advanced manufacturing and materials, aerospace and aviation, clean technology and life sciences—San Marcos often paves the way for innovative infrastructure.
More than 110 manufacturers stay busy here, led by CFAN, an aerospace composites and high-precision aviation parts manufacturer; Heldenfels Enterprises, which has helped construct numerous Texas sports stadiums and arenas; Philips, with commercial outdoor and industrial lighting divisions in San Marcos; and Thermon Engineering, an international heat tracing company.
Travel by Bus, Shuttle or Rental Car
San Marcos is within a 1-hour drive of 2 of Texas’ most visited cities: Austin and San Antonio. The state’s capital of Austin is 35 minutes to the northeast, while downtown San Antonio is 50 minutes to the southwest—both cities are accessible on Interstate 35. If you're flying into town, you'll come through either Austin Bergstrom International Airport or San Antonio International Airport. Both the Austin and San Antonio airports are served by major airlines and have a variety of shuttle services to San Marcos. You'll find a handful of car rental and cab companies at the airports, plus public bus transportation provided by CARTS is an option, and the city also has a Greyhound bus station.
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More to Explore
Things to Do in San Marcos
Welcome to an easygoing university town with the added dazzle of an astonishingly clear lake.
Restaurants in San Marcos
Traveling is an adventure, and sampling the local cuisine is a big part of the fun.
Water Activities in San Marcos
The San Marcos River and Spring Lake area attracts water-loving day-trippers.