Things to Do in San Marcos, TX
Texas Hill Country is filled with outdoor adventure, peaceful nature, family attractions, and incredible food. From crystal-clear rivers to award-winning wineries, here's a curated guide of the best things to do during your stay at The Farm Texas.
An easy couples’ weekend
Settle into your dome on arrival. Spend a morning on a nature walk or a Spring Lake boat tour, leave time for dinner in town, and return for a quiet evening on the farm.
Explore The Haven for twoA family outing with room to unwind
Choose one main outing each day, such as a cave visit or glass-bottom boat tour. Keep the rest flexible for meals together, farm animals, and downtime at your stay.
The Jungle for up to fourFarmhouse for up to 12Planning note updated September 5, 2026: Jacob’s Well is closed to swimming. Check Hays County’s current guidance. For Spring Lake tours, check Texas State’s ticket and opening information.
Start with San Marcos for an easy outing, or set aside more time for a regional day trip. Check your route, opening hours and reservations before leaving the farm.
Outdoor Adventures
Texas Hill Country is a paradise for nature lovers. Around San Marcos and on longer Hill Country day trips, you'll find some of the most beautiful hiking trails, natural swimming holes, and scenic overlooks in the state. Whether you're looking for a challenging hike or a peaceful nature walk, there's something for every skill level.
The Hill Country terrain offers everything from easy nature walks to challenging mountain bike trails. Spring and fall are ideal for hiking, while summer visitors can cool off at natural swimming spots after their adventures.
- On-Farm Outdoor Experiences — Start your adventure right here! Enjoy nature walks, pond fishing, birdwatching, stargazing, and wildlife photography on our 15 private acres.
- Purgatory Creek Natural Area — Over 5 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails through beautiful Hill Country terrain.
- Jacob's Well Natural Area — Visit for hiking and nature viewing.
- Blue Hole Regional Park — Natural swimming area surrounded by cypress trees in Wimberley with easy hiking trails.
Start your adventure right here! Enjoy nature walks, pond fishing, birdwatching, stargazing, and wildlife photography on our 15 private acres.
Purgatory Creek Natural Area
Over 5 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails through beautiful Hill Country terrain. Great for sunrise hikes.
Visit for hiking and nature viewing. Swimming is currently closed because of low water levels; check Hays County for current conditions before traveling.
Blue Hole Regional Park
Natural swimming area surrounded by cypress trees in Wimberley with easy hiking trails.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
Stunning natural grotto with a 50-foot waterfall. One of Texas' most photographed natural attractions.
Spring Lake Preserve
Peaceful trails along the headwaters of the San Marcos River with wildlife viewing.
After a day of adventure, retreat to our spacious farmhouse or individual glamping domes for rest and relaxation.
Water Activities
The spring-fed San Marcos River is a local highlight for tubing and paddling. Choose an outfitter for your group, check current conditions, and plan transportation before heading out.
River trips depend on weather, flow and the operator’s season. Ask the outfitter about age requirements, life jackets and shuttle arrangements before booking.
- San Marcos River Tubing — Float down the crystal-clear, spring-fed San Marcos River.
- Meadows Center Glass-Bottom Boats — See the springs beneath Spring Lake on a guided glass-bottom boat tour.
- Kayaking & Paddleboarding — Rent kayaks or SUPs and explore the river at your own pace.
- Comal River in New Braunfels — Another excellent tubing destination with restaurants and bars along the route.
Float down the crystal-clear, spring-fed San Marcos River. Multiple outfitters offer tube rentals and shuttle service.
See the springs beneath Spring Lake on a guided glass-bottom boat tour. Public tours use same-day tickets; private tours require advance registration.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Rent kayaks or SUPs and explore the river at your own pace. Great for beginners.
Comal River in New Braunfels
Another excellent tubing destination with restaurants and bars along the route.
Plan a day around Canyon Lake for boating or fishing. Check current water levels and access at your chosen park or marina.
Fishing on the Blanco
Bass and catfish fishing in the peaceful Blanco River. Bring your own gear or hire a guide.
Family-Friendly Fun
Traveling with kids? San Marcos and the surrounding Hill Country are packed with family-friendly attractions. From underground caves to waterparks, there's no shortage of activities to keep children entertained and create lasting memories.
For time together on the farm, explore our family-friendly farm activities, including animal encounters and outdoor exploration.
- Wonder World Cave & Park — A San Marcos cave attraction with an earthquake fault tour, wildlife park, and observation tower.
- San Marcos Lions Club Tube Rental — Family-friendly tubing with easy access and shuttle service.
- Emily Ann Theatre — Outdoor children's performances in Wimberley.
- Inner Space Cavern — Underground cave tours near Georgetown.
A San Marcos cave attraction with an earthquake fault tour, wildlife park, and observation tower. Check the operator for current attractions and tickets.
San Marcos Lions Club Tube Rental
Family-friendly tubing with easy access and shuttle service. Great for first-time tubers.
Emily Ann Theatre
Outdoor children's performances in Wimberley. Check their schedule for shows during your visit.
Inner Space Cavern
Underground cave tours near Georgetown. Discovered during highway construction in 1963.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark
World-famous waterpark in New Braunfels. Perfect for hot summer days.
Downtown San Marcos Mermaid Statue
Take photos at the iconic mermaid statue and explore the charming downtown square.
Romantic Hill Country Activities
Looking for a romantic escape? Texas Hill Country is one of the most romantic destinations in the Southwest. From award-winning wineries with sunset views to secluded scenic overlooks, couples will find endless opportunities for connection and adventure.
Build some quiet time into your itinerary. Our Texas farm stay guide introduces the farm and the different accommodations.
- Sunset Wine Tasting — Visit one of 50+ Hill Country wineries and watch the sunset over the vineyards.
- Scenic Drive on Ranch Road 12 — One of the most beautiful drives in Texas, winding through hills and past historic ranches.
- Private Kayak Float — Rent a tandem kayak and enjoy a peaceful paddle down the San Marcos River.
- Stargazing at The Farm — Our property offers dark skies perfect for viewing the Milky Way away from city lights.
Sunset Wine Tasting
Visit one of 50+ Hill Country wineries and watch the sunset over the vineyards.
Scenic Drive on Ranch Road 12
One of the most beautiful drives in Texas, winding through hills and past historic ranches.
Private Kayak Float
Rent a tandem kayak and enjoy a peaceful paddle down the San Marcos River.
Our property offers dark skies perfect for viewing the Milky Way away from city lights.
Feed alpacas, enjoy nature walks, hot tub evenings, and pond fishing on our 15-acre property.
Couples Massage in Wimberley
Several spas offer couples treatments in the charming town of Wimberley.
Dinner at a Hill Country Restaurant
Enjoy farm-to-table dining with Hill Country views at restaurants like Trattoria Lisina.
Looking for the perfect romantic accommodation? Our Haven dome offers intimate privacy with alpaca neighbors, while the farmhouse provides a cozy retreat with a hot tub under the stars.
Best Restaurants & Local Eats
The San Marcos area has experienced a food renaissance in recent years. From authentic Texas BBQ to farm-to-table fine dining, you'll find incredible culinary experiences within easy reach of The Farm Texas. Here are our top recommendations by category.
Don't miss the local coffee shops and breakfast spots for a relaxed morning before heading out on your adventures.
- Black's BBQ (Lockhart) — Historic Texas BBQ since 1932.
- Trattoria Lisina — Authentic Italian cuisine in Driftwood with stunning Hill Country views and a winery.
- Gristmill River Restaurant — Iconic restaurant in Gruene overlooking the Guadalupe River.
- Wake the Dead Coffee — Local favorite for specialty coffee and pastries in downtown San Marcos.
Black's BBQ (Lockhart)
Historic Texas BBQ since 1932. Worth the drive for legendary brisket and sausage.
Trattoria Lisina
Authentic Italian cuisine in Driftwood with stunning Hill Country views and a winery.
Iconic restaurant in Gruene overlooking the Guadalupe River. Perfect for lunch or dinner.
Wake the Dead Coffee
Local favorite for specialty coffee and pastries in downtown San Marcos.
Root Cellar Cafe
Farm-to-table breakfast and lunch with produce from local farms.
The Leaning Pear
Upscale dining in Wimberley with seasonal menus and an extensive wine list.
The farm store is closed to guests. Please bring any snacks or supplies you need for your stay.
Wineries & Breweries
Texas Hill Country is the second-largest wine region in the United States, with over 50 wineries within an hour of The Farm Texas. The area is also home to award-winning craft breweries. Many offer live music, stunning views, and food pairings.
The best time to visit wineries is fall during harvest season, but you'll find excellent experiences year-round. Many wineries require reservations on weekends.
- Duchman Family Winery — Award-winning Italian varietals with stunning vineyard views and a bocce court.
- Driftwood Estate Winery — Beautiful winery in the hills with live music on weekends and great pizza.
- Jester King Brewery — World-renowned farmhouse brewery with unique wild ales and a pizzeria.
- Middleton Brewing — Local craft brewery in downtown San Marcos with rotating taps and a friendly atmosphere.
Award-winning Italian varietals with stunning vineyard views and a bocce court.
Driftwood Estate Winery
Beautiful winery in the hills with live music on weekends and great pizza.
Jester King Brewery
World-renowned farmhouse brewery with unique wild ales and a pizzeria.
Middleton Brewing
Local craft brewery in downtown San Marcos with rotating taps and a friendly atmosphere.
William Chris Vineyards
Fredericksburg's premier winery offering Texas-focused wines.
Fall Creek Vineyards
One of Texas' oldest wineries with award-winning wines and lake views.
Best Day Trips from The Farm Texas
The Farm Texas is perfectly positioned for day trips throughout Central Texas. Whether you want to explore Austin's vibrant culture, shop in the outlets, or discover charming small towns, you can do it all and return to your peaceful farm stay each evening.
Plan your day trips for weekdays when possible to avoid weekend crowds, especially in summer.
- Austin — Live music, food trucks, museums, and the state capitol.
- Wimberley — Charming small town with art galleries, unique shops, and the famous Wimberley Market Days.
- New Braunfels — German heritage town with tubing, Schlitterbahn, and the historic Gruene district.
- Gruene — Step back in time at Texas' oldest dance hall and browse antique shops.
Austin
Live music, food trucks, museums, and the state capitol. The Live Music Capital of the World.
Wimberley
Charming small town with art galleries, unique shops, and the famous Wimberley Market Days.
New Braunfels
German heritage town with tubing, Schlitterbahn, and the historic Gruene district.
Dripping Springs
The 'Gateway to the Hill Country' with distilleries, breweries, and Hamilton Pool.
Fredericksburg
German-Texan heritage town with the National Museum of the Pacific War and wine tasting.
Shopping & Entertainment
From outlet malls to local boutiques, the San Marcos area offers diverse shopping experiences. The downtown square features unique local shops, while the outlet malls offer name-brand deals. Entertainment options range from live music venues to unique attractions.
Visit on weekdays to avoid outlet mall crowds. The downtown square is best explored on Saturday mornings.
- San Marcos Premium Outlets — One of Texas' largest outlet malls with 140+ stores.
- Tanger Outlets San Marcos — Another major outlet mall right next door with different store offerings.
- Downtown San Marcos Square — Historic courthouse square with local boutiques, restaurants, and live music venues.
- Wimberley Market Days — First Saturday of the month market with 400+ vendors.
One of Texas' largest outlet malls with 140+ stores. Great deals on name brands.
Tanger Outlets San Marcos
Another major outlet mall right next door with different store offerings.
Downtown San Marcos Square
Historic courthouse square with local boutiques, restaurants, and live music venues.
Wimberley Market Days
First Saturday of the month market with 400+ vendors. Texas' largest outdoor market.
Gruene Antique District
Multiple antique shops and galleries in a historic setting.
Events & Seasonal Experiences
San Marcos and the Hill Country host festivals and events throughout the year. From spring wildflower blooms to fall harvest festivals, there's always something special happening. Plan your visit around these unique seasonal experiences.
Check local event calendars when booking to catch special events during your stay.
- Texas State University Events — Football games, concerts, and cultural events throughout the academic year.
- Wimberley Market Days — First Saturday of each month, March through December.
- Gruene Music & Wine Fest — Annual fall festival with live music, wine tasting, and local food.
- Spring Wildflower Season — March-April brings bluebonnets and wildflowers across the Hill Country.
Texas State University Events
Football games, concerts, and cultural events throughout the academic year.
Wimberley Market Days
First Saturday of each month, March through December. 400+ vendors.
Gruene Music & Wine Fest
Annual fall festival with live music, wine tasting, and local food.
Spring Wildflower Season
March-April brings bluebonnets and wildflowers across the Hill Country.
Wurstfest (New Braunfels)
10-day German festival in November with food, music, and beer.
Float Fest
Music festival on the San Marcos River (when scheduled).
FAQ About Visiting San Marcos
Common questions about planning your Texas Hill Country vacation
What is the best time of year to visit San Marcos?
San Marcos is a year-round destination. Spring (March-May) offers wildflowers and pleasant weather. Summer (June-August) is perfect for water activities, though it gets hot. Fall (September-November) has ideal weather for outdoor activities. Winter is mild and less crowded.
How far is The Farm Texas from Austin?
The Farm Texas is about 45 minutes south of Austin, depending on traffic, making it an ideal escape from the city while still being close enough for day trips to Austin's restaurants, music venues, and attractions.
Are there activities for rainy days?
Yes! Wonder World Cave, Inner Space Cavern, the San Marcos Premium Outlets, and various wineries and breweries all offer great rainy-day options. Many restaurants in the area are destinations in themselves.
Do I need a car to visit the attractions?
We recommend having a car to explore the area. While some tube outfitters offer shuttles, most attractions require driving. Rideshare services are available but limited in rural areas.
What are the must-do activities for first-time visitors?
We recommend tubing on the San Marcos River, visiting at least one winery, exploring downtown Wimberley or Gruene, and enjoying a meal at a local restaurant like Gristmill or Root Cellar.
Is the area family-friendly?
Absolutely! Wonder World Cave, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, family-friendly tubing on the San Marcos River, and numerous nature trails make this area perfect for families with children of all ages.
Have more questions? Visit our complete FAQ page or contact us directly.
Where to Stay in Texas Hill Country
Make The Farm Texas your home base for exploring the region
The Farmhouse
Sleeps 12 · Space for families and groups
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The Haven
Sleeps 2 · A farm retreat for two
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The Jungle
Sleeps 4 · Tropical style with room for four
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The Stargazer
Sleeps 4 · A celestial retreat for up to four
See details and availabilityReady to Book Your Hill Country Getaway?
Stay at The Farm Texas and enjoy easy access to all these amazing attractions. Our peaceful farm stay is the perfect retreat after a day of adventure.