San Marcos

San Marcos is a city in central Texas that serves as the seat of Hays County and extends into portions of Guadalupe County and Caldwell County. The town center sits along the San Marcos River, which winds through the area and acts as a natural focal point.

A settlement formed near the San Marcos Springs beginning in 1808, drawn by fresh spring water that supported farming and daily life. Designation as the seat of Hays County in 1848 brought new residents and encouraged steady growth.

Texas State University anchors the city with a sprawling campus where students gather in coffee shops, browse bookstores and fill the downtown streets with energy. The name honors the nearby San Marcos Springs, which have fed the river and sustained the community for centuries.

The downtown area invites walking, while the river offers opportunities for swimming and kayaking nearby. Two large outlet centers sit outside the center and are easily reached by car.

The San Marcos Springs hold a year-round temperature near 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius) and shelter rare species. Some of these organisms exist only here, adapted to the constant flow of spring water.

Location: Hays County

Location: Guadalupe County

Location: Caldwell County

Inception: 1808

Elevation above the sea: 188 m

Website: https://sanmarcostx.gov

GPS coordinates: 29.87944,-97.93889

Latest update: December 12, 2025 21:17