Top 5 Summer Spots in San Marcos

By Katie Krupinski
Community Outreach Coordinator 

With being located within the Texas Hill Country, San Marcos is a prime spot to spend the summer in. If you’re staying in San Marcos this summer, here are some of my favorite recommendations:

Summer in the Park

Summer in the Park is a family friendly music concert that features Texas musicians. Residents and visitors are welcome to bring a cooler, blankets, and a lawn chair to sit in while being at the park. The atmosphere of Summer in the Park is fun and relaxing. Concerts run from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Thursday in the summer and are located at 501 E Hopkins Street. 

Paddle SMTX

If you’re into adventurous water activities, this is the spot for you. Paddle SMTX offers kayaking and paddle boarding with a twist: each of their boards is equipped with waterproof LED lighting that allows you to see the San Marcos River at night and under the stars. Guests are allowed to have a guided tour or have it SUPZILLA Party Barge, which is able to fit four people “party barge style.” Additionally, it offers a paddle board yoga service that is held during the daytime. 

Sewell/Rio Vista Park 

If you’re a Texas State University student, this one is a given. Sewell Park is a spring fed crystal clear river that flows right through the campus at Texas State. It is an amazing spot to hangout with friends and enjoy some sun as well as float the river. Many people like to do the one-hour float which stops at Rio Vista Park. Sewell and Rio Vista Park both offer features such as basketball and volleyball courts, picnic benches, as well as hiking trail areas.

Purgatory Creek

This 830-acre Purgatory area is an amazing spot to go to if you love nature exploration, trail running, or mountain biking. There are three entrances to the park and visitors are able to hike along an old jeep track that winds throughout the entire property. Beside from the trails, the park includes canyon bluffs of 40 feet or more, upland meadows, and much more.

San Marcos Flea Market

If you’re looking for live music, local venders, and food trucks, this is the place to go! San Marcos Flea Market is open every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located at Wonder World Park on 1000 Prospect Street.

If you’re debating on whether staying in San Marcos after the semester is ending, I would definitely recommend spending the summer here. With its scenic nature spots and advantageous activities, you can’t go wrong with being here during the summertime. 

Featured Image by Paige Greene