Famed for its massive outlet malls, San Marcos is a vibrant college town in the heart of Texas. Its historic downtown area and the Texas State University both feature beautifully restored buildings, while Dick’s Classic Garage Car Museum is renowned for its prized vintage vehicles.

Things to do

Spend an afternoon strolling the historic streets of Downtown San Marcos, which are packed with charming boutiques and restaurants serving Texas-fusion fare. Admire the early-1900s architecture of Hays County Courthouse and learn about the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson through his personal artefacts on display at the LBJ Museum.

Discover the African-American history of San Marcos at the Calaboose African American Museum, set in a late-19th-century jail. Letters, photographs and artefacts tell the stories of the Buffalo Soldiers and Tuskegee Airmen, as well as how the Civil Rights movement impacted San Marcos.  

Embark on a shopping spree at the San Marcos Outlet Malls, which include more than 350 retail stores set across the Premium Outlets and Tanger Factory Outlet Center. The shops are renowned for offering heavy discounts and bargain prices, making it one of the top shopping destinations in Texas.

Admire classic American vehicles and memorabilia from the 1930s, 40s and 50s at Dick’s Classic Garage Car Museum. It’s home to a 1948 Tucker Sedan, vintage Cadillacs, Buicks and Oldsmobiles, as well as a dedicated restoration area where you can see classic vehicles being reworked.

Getting around

San Marcos is a 30-minute drive from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and 2.5 hours from Houston. Buses travel throughout San Marcos and many attractions are within easy cycling distance of one another.