From its extensive arts and cultural events to its numerous outdoor recreation activities, San Marcos, Texas, is a fantastic place to live or visit. While the town offers plenty of opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment, its unique location means you can easily enjoy plenty of amenities outside of the city, too.

San Marcos Is Nearby Big Cities

San Marcos is located between Austin and San Antonio, so while it offers many of the perks of a smaller community, you can easily access fantastic amenities just outside the city’s border.

Austin is a 35-minute drive North and Interstate 35 runs through San Marcos for easy access. To reach San Antonio, simply take Interstate 35 South. You’ll reach the city within about 55 minutes.

Houston is also just a three-hour drive away making it ideal for a weekend getaway.

If you have family or friends flying in, or if you plan to fly out, Austin’s Austin-Bergstrom International Airport offers a convenient option for air travel. The airport features 34 gates and full customs facilities for international travel. This rapidly growing airport sees approximately 300 flights per day and offers nonstop service to more than 90 domestic and international destinations.

Healthcare in San Marcos

You’ll find many healthcare facilities located within San Marcos:

• Total Care Primary Care San Marcos
• CommuniCare Health Centers San Marcos
• Ascension Medical Group Seton San Marcos
• Christus Santa Rosa Hospital San Marcos: Women’s Center
• Christus Trinity Clinic
• Baylor Scott & White Clinic
• San Marcos Medical Center
• San Marcos Rehabilitation & Health Care
• And more

However, thanks to San Marcos’ convenient location, you can also access healthcare facilities in Austin, San Antonio, and beyond. The ability to easily travel to these other cities means you can get specialized healthcare if needed.

For example, Austin is home to over a dozen hospitals, including the Family Hospital at Lake Travis, the North Austin Medical Center, St. David’s Children’s Hospital, and Austin State Hospital.

Traveling to San Antonio will also expand your healthcare options, where you can access the University Health Robert B. Green Campus, San Antonio North Nursing and Rehab, the Baptist Medical Center, and more. With so many high-quality medical facilities within an hour’s drive, you will have many options for finding the care you and your family need.

San Marcos Schools

The San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District encompasses 210 miles and serves more than 7,500 students. The district consists of six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school.

However, there are additional educational opportunities available beyond the district. There are many private schools in the area:

• San Marcos Academy
• Hill Country Christian School
• New Braunfels Christian Academy
• St. Stephen’s Episcopal School
• Havenwood Nature School
• Wonderland School
• Harmony School of Excellence
• New Leaf Academy

Texas State University has a San Marcos campus and a Round Rock campus.

Hotels in San Marcos

If you have family or friends coming into town, there are plenty of places for them to stay within San Marcos: 

• Hampton Inn & Suites San Marcos
• Hilton Garden Inn New Braunfels
• Crystal River Inn
• Holiday Inn San Marcos
• Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos
• Courtyard by Marriott San Marcos

However, nearby Austin and San Antonio also offer an excellent selection of lodging options, so you can choose an option that meets your location and budget needs.

Shopping Around San Marcos

The San Marcos Premium Outlets offer 1.2 million square feet of shopping, encompassing 145 stores. While this is the largest outlet center in the United States, there are additional shopping opportunities outside of the city, too.

Take a quick drive out to Austin, and you’ll have an array of shopping destinations to choose from. South Congress Avenue boasts vintage stores and cafes, while The Domain, an outdoor mall, features more than 100 stores plus plenty of entertainment, including a cinema.

Nearby San Antonio also features plenty of shopping malls. Head to the Shops at La Cantera for open-air shopping, or choose from more than 100 retailers at the Shops at Rivercenter.

Things To Do in San Marcos

San Marcos’ location also means you’ll have access to a fantastic selection of recreation amenities.

The town’s scenic parks and the San Marcos River are popular spots for outdoor recreation. Travel East to Canyon Lake, and you’ll enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, including hiking at Canyon Lake George, camping at North Park, and boating on the lake.

Head North to Austin, and you can explore more outdoor recreation options, like a visit to Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve or a swim at Lake Walter.

You can also easily access some premier entertainment from San Marcos:

• The Austin Convention Center hosts many different events each year.
• Austin’s Moody Theater, Paramount Theatre, and Skyline Theater host a variety of events, including music and theater productions.
• The Witte Museum in San Antonio immerses you in Texas history.
• Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio offers entertainment and thrills for the whole family.

Make San Marcos Your Home

Thanks to its location, San Marcos offers a unique and extensive selection of amenities. Whether in town or on a day trip to Austin or San Antonio, you can access a wide range of healthcare facilities, schools, lodging, shopping, and other amenities.

Our sales team is excited to help you find your dream home in your dream location with Brookfield Residential’s Kissing Tree Community. Explore the community and connect with our sales team when you’re ready to learn more. We’ll be expecting you!