Linda’s guidebook
My Favorite Spots To Visit
Beautiful "artsy" glass and "not to be missed" free glass blowing demonstrations.
54 locals recommend
Wimberley Glassworks
6469 Ranch Rd 12Beautiful "artsy" glass and "not to be missed" free glass blowing demonstrations.
See vintage aircraft including The “Yellow Rose”, a B-25J Mitchell WWII bomber, in an original WWII hangar. A fascinating 5 room museum dedicated to aviation through all eras but primarily WWII. Enjoy the exhibits, but be sure to talk to the museum staff to learn more about the museum and it's supporting members. I have not had the opportunity yet, but you can even schedule a flight experience in some of the aircraft, including the WWII bomber! Unless there has been a change the museum visit is free, donations accepted.
Commemorative Air Force Central Texas Wing
1841 Airport DriveSee vintage aircraft including The “Yellow Rose”, a B-25J Mitchell WWII bomber, in an original WWII hangar. A fascinating 5 room museum dedicated to aviation through all eras but primarily WWII. Enjoy the exhibits, but be sure to talk to the museum staff to learn more about the museum and it's supporting members. I have not had the opportunity yet, but you can even schedule a flight experience in some of the aircraft, including the WWII bomber! Unless there has been a change the museum visit is free, donations accepted.
Best movie theater experience ever! Large, comfy recliners. ALL the seats are good, but we like to sit in one of the back row corners. There are 2 seats in each corner with a big space between you and the other seats. Great view of the screen. Push a lighted button at your seat to call a wait staff to order from their full menu. Get dinner, snacks, or a bowl of cookies and ice cream. It's all good! Plus there's a tray to hold all this that will rotate right over your comfy recliner.
There's a lot more to do at The SPOT... bowling, full bar with comfortable seating to hang out with friends, etc., but we go right to the theater!
21 locals recommend
EVO Entertainment Springtown
1180 Thorpe LnBest movie theater experience ever! Large, comfy recliners. ALL the seats are good, but we like to sit in one of the back row corners. There are 2 seats in each corner with a big space between you and the other seats. Great view of the screen. Push a lighted button at your seat to call a wait staff to order from their full menu. Get dinner, snacks, or a bowl of cookies and ice cream. It's all good! Plus there's a tray to hold all this that will rotate right over your comfy recliner.
There's a lot more to do at The SPOT... bowling, full bar with comfortable seating to hang out with friends, etc., but we go right to the theater!
It's a free visit to the Gardens and Nature Trails of Emilyann Theatre. There are always changes underway here and new surprises to find. During the month of December, it is converted into the Trail of Lights.
It's always great fun to attend a performance at the outdoor theatre. During the summer you have the opportunity to see some amazing young talent in their Shakespeare Under the Stars productions. The rest of the year on select weekends they offer a variety of plays, musicals, and melodramas in either the outdoor or the indoor theatre.
46 locals recommend
Emilyann Theatre
1101 Ranch Rd 2325It's a free visit to the Gardens and Nature Trails of Emilyann Theatre. There are always changes underway here and new surprises to find. During the month of December, it is converted into the Trail of Lights.
It's always great fun to attend a performance at the outdoor theatre. During the summer you have the opportunity to see some amazing young talent in their Shakespeare Under the Stars productions. The rest of the year on select weekends they offer a variety of plays, musicals, and melodramas in either the outdoor or the indoor theatre.
Discovered this little gem taking some kids on a field trip. Was surprised at how much I enjoyed it! You can tour a locomotive (the engine) , dining car, caboose and more! The depot houses a museum of train memorabilia and a really large model train setup. Amazingly, there is no charge for admission!
12 locals recommend
New Braunfels Historic Railroad and Modelers Society
302 W San Antonio StDiscovered this little gem taking some kids on a field trip. Was surprised at how much I enjoyed it! You can tour a locomotive (the engine) , dining car, caboose and more! The depot houses a museum of train memorabilia and a really large model train setup. Amazingly, there is no charge for admission!
I haven't personally been here (I like my big, comfy recliner at The Spot too much, lol), but friends and family really recommend this place. They say it is a lot of fun. Since there are not many opportunities to take a trip down memory lane and go to the drive-in, I have to include this in my "not to be missed" nearby activities.
47 locals recommend
Stars and Stripes Drive In Theatre
1178 Kroesche LnI haven't personally been here (I like my big, comfy recliner at The Spot too much, lol), but friends and family really recommend this place. They say it is a lot of fun. Since there are not many opportunities to take a trip down memory lane and go to the drive-in, I have to include this in my "not to be missed" nearby activities.
Food, Libations, and More
Some of our favorite places for food, drinks, and snacks.
Everything I've ordered here was great! Chicken fried steak, reuben, burgers, ribs, steaks, etc. It's all good!!! They even won me over with their fried pickles. Never cared or understood why people would want fried pickles, until I had these. OMG, they are soooo good! I think it's because they start with really nice spears, not those hamburger dill chips, and then add a little spice and a ranch dipping sauce. Try them, you won't be sorry!
54th Street Restaurant & Drafthouse
1303 IH 35 SEverything I've ordered here was great! Chicken fried steak, reuben, burgers, ribs, steaks, etc. It's all good!!! They even won me over with their fried pickles. Never cared or understood why people would want fried pickles, until I had these. OMG, they are soooo good! I think it's because they start with really nice spears, not those hamburger dill chips, and then add a little spice and a ranch dipping sauce. Try them, you won't be sorry!
I love their Seafood Platter (fried catfish, grilled shrimp, and fried crawfish - you get to choose grilled, fried, or blackened). Max loves the Shrimp Po-Boy. They have a pleasant outdoor area and we enjoy sitting there if it's not too hot or windy... makes us feel like we're on vacation!
Willies Grill & Icehouse
2966 Cold Spring DrI love their Seafood Platter (fried catfish, grilled shrimp, and fried crawfish - you get to choose grilled, fried, or blackened). Max loves the Shrimp Po-Boy. They have a pleasant outdoor area and we enjoy sitting there if it's not too hot or windy... makes us feel like we're on vacation!
One of our two favorite BBQ spots. They have the best sausage around... not too spicy or greasy. The sausage is made at their original location in Lockhart. For years we would drive to Lockhart whenever we wanted BBQ, and were very happy to get a location here in San Marcos. Ribs are great. The brisket is okay, but not as good as Hays County BBQ, which is our other favorite. They also have a really nice selection of sides that goes beyond the traditional BBQ sides of beans, slaw & potato salad. Be sure to try their creamed corn. I also like their smoked cabbage with bacon! You can eat indoors or enjoy their large outdoor area. If you time it just right you will catch some live music (dates & times are listed on their website).
30 locals recommend
Black's Barbecue San Marcos
510 Hull StOne of our two favorite BBQ spots. They have the best sausage around... not too spicy or greasy. The sausage is made at their original location in Lockhart. For years we would drive to Lockhart whenever we wanted BBQ, and were very happy to get a location here in San Marcos. Ribs are great. The brisket is okay, but not as good as Hays County BBQ, which is our other favorite. They also have a really nice selection of sides that goes beyond the traditional BBQ sides of beans, slaw & potato salad. Be sure to try their creamed corn. I also like their smoked cabbage with bacon! You can eat indoors or enjoy their large outdoor area. If you time it just right you will catch some live music (dates & times are listed on their website).
This is the place to come for melt in your mouth brisket! I don't care for their sausage though --- too much pepper. Go to Blacks if you want great sausage. Ribs are great! Traditional BBQ sides.
11 locals recommend
Hays County Barbeque Restaurant
1612 S Interstate 35This is the place to come for melt in your mouth brisket! I don't care for their sausage though --- too much pepper. Go to Blacks if you want great sausage. Ribs are great! Traditional BBQ sides.
Good Tex-Mex, but like a lot of others out there. What really is special about this place is their chips!! Crazy, huh? But really! They are the best chips I have EVER had. Our son-in-law would buy a bag of chips (& queso) from them to take home with him!! I eventually met a member of the Garcia family who runs the Buda location. Started raving to her about their chips and asking why they are so good and different. She told me it was not something they necessarily do before serving, but that her sister had worked with their chips supplier and kept suggesting things & changes until they got their signature chips. Whatever it is, I compare every Mexican restaurant to Garcia's based on their chips alone!
24 locals recommend
Garcia's
104 S Main StGood Tex-Mex, but like a lot of others out there. What really is special about this place is their chips!! Crazy, huh? But really! They are the best chips I have EVER had. Our son-in-law would buy a bag of chips (& queso) from them to take home with him!! I eventually met a member of the Garcia family who runs the Buda location. Started raving to her about their chips and asking why they are so good and different. She told me it was not something they necessarily do before serving, but that her sister had worked with their chips supplier and kept suggesting things & changes until they got their signature chips. Whatever it is, I compare every Mexican restaurant to Garcia's based on their chips alone!
Grins is a San Marcos tradition. The food is good, however I'm not sure I would choose it over some of my other recommendations on the food alone. **BUT** it is a fun place to go, and the food is good. Atmosphere and tradition goes a long way! **AND** they have the BEST 99 cent Happy Hour Margaritas around!!! Monday thru Friday from 3:00pm - 7:00pm. You can't beat that!
12 locals recommend
Grins Restaurant
802 N LBJ DrGrins is a San Marcos tradition. The food is good, however I'm not sure I would choose it over some of my other recommendations on the food alone. **BUT** it is a fun place to go, and the food is good. Atmosphere and tradition goes a long way! **AND** they have the BEST 99 cent Happy Hour Margaritas around!!! Monday thru Friday from 3:00pm - 7:00pm. You can't beat that!
Want a little something sweet! This is the best frozen yogurt in town! They have a variety of yummy flavors and tons of different toppings to finish it off.
Orange Leaf
4015 I-35Want a little something sweet! This is the best frozen yogurt in town! They have a variety of yummy flavors and tons of different toppings to finish it off.
Everybody can find a Starbucks everywhere they go, but if you want something a little different from this big, national chain and near us, try Mochas & Javas. If you want something even a little MORE different, check out my review for Wake the Dead Coffee House.
Mochas & Javas
102 Wonder World DrEverybody can find a Starbucks everywhere they go, but if you want something a little different from this big, national chain and near us, try Mochas & Javas. If you want something even a little MORE different, check out my review for Wake the Dead Coffee House.
Review coming soon! I'm not a coffee drinker and so I have never been here. BUT it gets good reviews, looks really interesting, has some great looking food on the website, and a terrific looking outdoor area. I'm going to check it out soon!!!
14 locals recommend
Wake the Dead Coffee House
1432 Ranch Rd 12Review coming soon! I'm not a coffee drinker and so I have never been here. BUT it gets good reviews, looks really interesting, has some great looking food on the website, and a terrific looking outdoor area. I'm going to check it out soon!!!
Great alternative to typical pizza fare. Friendly, helpful staff. You can order a whole pizza or choose ready made options by the slice. Our favorite is not on the menu, but was a Pie of the Day... to request it, ask for: garlic oil base, minced garlic, NY style pepperoni, feta cheese, basil, and Texas honey. Be sure to add one of their great salads. YUM!
28 locals recommend
Pie Society
700 N LBJ DrGreat alternative to typical pizza fare. Friendly, helpful staff. You can order a whole pizza or choose ready made options by the slice. Our favorite is not on the menu, but was a Pie of the Day... to request it, ask for: garlic oil base, minced garlic, NY style pepperoni, feta cheese, basil, and Texas honey. Be sure to add one of their great salads. YUM!
Not really a restaurant, but a great bar with a food trailer onsite. You can't drive by this place without wanting to stop for a visit! It has a great outdoor appearance that just calls to you!
33 locals recommend
Zelicks Icehouse
336 W Hopkins StNot really a restaurant, but a great bar with a food trailer onsite. You can't drive by this place without wanting to stop for a visit! It has a great outdoor appearance that just calls to you!
Patio Dolcetto
322 Cheatham StIvar's River Pub
701 Cheatham StCenterpoint Station Restaurant & Boutique
3946 IH 35 SGreat food! Reasonably priced and just off the Square downtown. Lots of interesting variety on the menu, but for our first trip we ordered off the daily special board. It was so good, we may always go with whatever the chef feels like preparing that day. The appetizer was beautifully prepared crab cakes in a delicious mild dill sauce. This was not on the regular menu, but if you see it on the specials board... GET IT! Wonderful experience and meal... can't wait to sample more of their dishes!
Nostimo Mediterranean Cafe
141 South Main StreetGreat food! Reasonably priced and just off the Square downtown. Lots of interesting variety on the menu, but for our first trip we ordered off the daily special board. It was so good, we may always go with whatever the chef feels like preparing that day. The appetizer was beautifully prepared crab cakes in a delicious mild dill sauce. This was not on the regular menu, but if you see it on the specials board... GET IT! Wonderful experience and meal... can't wait to sample more of their dishes!
Nice burger and sandwich spot with a great outdoor area within walking distance of the downtown Square. Also recommend the frozen margaritas! Be warned, they may look small, but they are a REAL margarita! After one or two, plan to spend some time enjoying the Railyards outdoor area, visit the Square, or call an Uber, LOL.
Railyard
116 S Edward Gary StNice burger and sandwich spot with a great outdoor area within walking distance of the downtown Square. Also recommend the frozen margaritas! Be warned, they may look small, but they are a REAL margarita! After one or two, plan to spend some time enjoying the Railyards outdoor area, visit the Square, or call an Uber, LOL.
Craft beer with great scenery away from the the hustle & bustle of downtown.
71 locals recommend
Middleton Brewing
101 Oakwood LoopCraft beer with great scenery away from the the hustle & bustle of downtown.
Shopping
A shoppers paradise! 145 luxury and name brand stores. If that's not enough, try the adjoining Tanger Outlets. At both of these check online or with Guest Services for special deals, i.e. shoppers clubs, discount coupon books, etc.
358 locals recommend
San Marcos Premium Outlets
3939 I-35A shoppers paradise! 145 luxury and name brand stores. If that's not enough, try the adjoining Tanger Outlets. At both of these check online or with Guest Services for special deals, i.e. shoppers clubs, discount coupon books, etc.
Seasonal Fun - Special Events, Happenings, & Activities
Santa's Ranch
9561 I-35 NorthSights and Sounds of Christmas
401 E Hopkins StWurstfest
178 Landa Park DrSan Marcos River
San Marcos Lions Club Tube Rental
170 Charles Austin DriveBuda Trail of Lights
880 Main St