Discover San Marcos: fun things to do in the area

By: Saige Klein

Blog Content Contributor

Classes are back in session as many new faces and first-year students discover the wonders of San Marcos. With the river within walking distance from campus and local spots just minutes from student dorms, San Marcos is a fun and fascinating place to explore and spend time with friends.

San Marcos is known for many things — the river being one of them. Sewell Park has been a popular campus attraction for years, with large areas of grass to relax on, a sand volleyball court and the refreshing river water — which stays 72 degrees year-round.

“I love Sewell because it reminds me of past experiences with my friends that bring me joy,” Texas State student Iris Araceli Sullivan said. “It gives me something that I know I can look back on with fondness.”

For many freshmen, Sewell becomes a key place for making unforgettable memories. Its proximity provides students a place to enjoy the company of friends for free!

As a town filled primarily with college students, San Marcos has a large number of local coffee shops nearby. These spots offer more than just a quick pick-me-up; they’re also fantastic local businesses to support, offers a place to catch up on homework, and ideal study spots with friends.

Texas State sophomore Livvy Bush said one of her favorite coffee shops is Wake the Dead Coffee House. This popular spot located just minutes from campus on Old Ranch Road, offers a delightful combination of live music and delicious food.

“I love Wake the Dead Coffee House so much,” Bush said. “They have great teas, and I love the vibe of the place from the mix of the indoor and outdoor seating.”

Spending the weekend floating the river or exploring The Square are highlights of what San Marcos has to offer as well as local music. San Marcos’ music scene offers students a chance to meet new people, hang out with friends and support Central Texas bands.

Austin’s proximity to San Marcos has naturally integrated the city’s vibrant live music scene into the community. Numerous local bands have emerged from Austin, making live performances an easy occurrence any night of the week.

Texas State sophomore Levee Abbott, an Austin native, has been attending shows for as long as she can remember. Abbott recalls that moving to San Marcos for college gave her the chance to connect with others who love local music as much as she does.

“I love the local music scene because art is something we want no one, yet everyone, to see,” Abbott said. “At a local house show, I’m allotted the fervor of the musicians’ art that I may not experience in a big stadium surrounded by people I don’t know.”

Many freshmen come from places without a local music scene, and San Marcos helps fill that gap. Organizations like KTSW 89.9-FM promote local music through events like Third Thursday, where two bands perform at The Porch every third Thursday of the month.

Sophomore Adam Wright, also from Austin, is part of a local band called The Kevin Shultz Experience. Wright said that music has been a part of his life for as long as he can remember, highlighting that being in a band has allowed him to make connections, create unforgettable memories and entertain new faces in the area.

“Being able to play around town is pretty dope, and when you start to recognize recurring faces in the crowd, you realize the community that’s built around this little slice of Central Texas music,” Wright said.