Region: San Marcos
San Marcos
San Marcos truly is in the center of everything. So no matter where you are, you won’t have far to go.
San Marcos
History:
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.
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 town is the restored Hays County Courthouse.
The Belvin Street Historic District is one of two historic districts in town (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 homes in this district are private residences. They are not open to the public, except during the Tours of Distinction, which is observed the first weekend in May.
Tradition:
San Marcos is home to the alma mater of Lyndon B. Johnson, Texas State University (formerly Southwest Texas State University). The University campus commands an impressive view of the town.
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 Fridays from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. throughout the year. It is located at C.M. Allen Parkway and E. Hopkins St.
Recreation and Relaxation:
San Marcos is the perfect place to stay and play. With an abundance of leisure and recreation activities, this gateway town to the Hill Country offers small-town charm with modern activities. There is a wealth of restaurants to choose from, as well as many exciting entertainment venues. The lively college town atmosphere makes the city a fun place to be any night of the week.
The A. E. Wood State Fish Hatchery focuses on bass, catfish, and paddlefish. It accommodates up to 150 people for tours by appointment only. The address is 505 Staples Rd..
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.
Nature:
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 world’s most fertile. White-tailed deer are numerous in the Texas Hill Country, and fishing is enjoyed year-round in the San Marcos River and the nearby Blanco River.
Water recreation abounds. You can scuba, snorkel, fish, kayak or tube the clear San Marcos River. The water is 72 degrees year-round. The Lions Club offers tube and kayak rentals year round.
The San Marcos River Walkway unites five city parks along the picturesque river. It is accented by lush landscaping. There is access from Juan Veramendi Plaza, located at the intersection of C.M. Allen Parkway and Hopkins St.
Scenic Drives:
The Hill Country is made up of many small towns connected by beautiful scenic drives. There are gorgeous Hill Country landscapes in almost any direction. Scenic drives are a favorite pastime for many locals, especially during sunset. So crank those windows down, turn up the radio, and fly over those hills!
- The Devil’s Backbone: R.R. 12 travels northwest to a junction with R.R. 32 along a winding ridge. It offers exceptional views of Texas Hill Country scenery.
- Wimberley is a beautiful 15 mile drive away.
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Fun Stuff
Enjoy a relaxing drive through the spectacular Texas Hill Country on wide-open roads lined with breath-taking flowers and trees. Relish views only available in the Hill Country. You’ll feel like you’re light years away from a crowded freeway…because you are.
And, you won’t have to pick up and move. No packing and unpacking. You can make yourself at home and still experience a multitude of adventures that are fun for the whole family.
Here are just a few of the possibilities:
