Things To Do

Vista Brewing

Enjoy a craft beer and burger at our favorite brewery! Driftwood is about 30 minutes northwest of San Marcos in the heart of the hill country. The property is part of the League of Land granted to William B. Travis in 1835. They have GREAT burgers and beers, a playscape for the kiddos, and short trail for those who would like to explore the property.

Wimberley

Wimberley is about 20 minutes northwest of San Marcos. It's a very cute, up-and-coming town. This town is right off Cypress Creek and the Blanco River, with several restaurants offering a views of the Cypress trees lining the creek (gorgeous!). There are a number of restaurants, night life, shops, and options for our outdoorsy family/friends! If whether permits, tubing and Blue Hole are popular swim spots! If you are sticking around for a couple nights, and don't mind driving, this would be a great place to stay the weekend! This is also part of Texas wine country.

Riley's Tavern

In September of 1933 J. C. (James Curtis) Riley, at the age of 17, drove to Austin, Texas from his home in Hunter, Texas, some 45 miles. He was in a Model "T" car with his uncle. The purpose of this trip was to obtain a beer license for his soon - to - be beer joint. It was now at the end of prohibition. He camped out on the steps of the Capital building and waited for it to open. He was the first person in line in Texas and got the first beer license!

Cheatham Street Warehouse

Kent Finlay and his business partner opened Cheatham Street Warehouse in 1974. He set out to create an atmosphere for songwriters similar to the one he had been part of at Luckenbach, TX where he, Willie Nelson, Jerry Walker and other musicians had cracked jokes and swapped songs under the trees with Hondo Crouch. This establishment has hosted a number of singers and songwriters, including: George Straight and Ace in the Hole Band, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Randy Rogers, Todd Snider, James McMurtry, John Arthur Martinez, Terri Hendrix, Hal Ketchum, Adam Carroll, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Big John Mills, Shelley King, Monte Montgomery, Charlie and Will Sexton, and Slaid Cleaves and many more. Randy Rogers would later purchase this property from the foundation in Dec. 2016 and is the current owner of Cheatham Street Warehouse.

The Square

Shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. Just a heads up, San Marcos is home to Texas State University and college will be back in session!

Lockhart

Lockhart, TX is about 25 minutes east of San Marcos. This is an older Texas town that has been revitalized. Just about everything you need is in the town square surrounding the courthouse. Lockhart is the Barbeque Capital of Texas, and is home to Lockhart State Park. Our favorite restaurants are listed below. Loop & Lil's- Family-style restaurant with great pizza Little Trouble- Cellar restaurant with great food and cocktails, and just about as fancy as you can get in Lockhart. Old Pal Tavern- Good burgers and bar food. Market Street Cafe for Breakfast or Lunch. Load off Fanny's Pub and Patio

Tanger Outlets San Marcos

LOTS of shopping options at the Tanger Outlets in San Marcos. Way too many for me to list, but the website with their stores is in the link below!

Hays City Store & Ice House

Yes. Just yes. This is one of our favorite restaurants. Often this venue has live music outside, with space heaters nearby on cold evenings. The food is great, lots of beers on tap, and a great margarita flight if you're feeling spicy!

Industry

Just 7 minutes (3.5 miles) south of the Hilton Garden Inn, Industry offers a laid back atmosphere to get a bite to eat before exploring The Square in downtown San Marcos.

Palmer's Restaurant Bar & Courtyard

One of San Marcos' "up-scale", but casual restaurants. Located ~ 8 minutes (3.2 miles) from the Hilton Garden Inn San Marcos.

Purgatory Creek Natural Area

Lower Purgatory (2102 Hunter Road) is the most popular trailhead and fills up quickly on weekends and Spring days. It is a destination for serious mountain bikers and trail runners looking for the technical difficulty of avoiding rocks and tree roots, as the trail is a natural surface, single-track. More than 12 miles of trail wind uphill to the Valencia Way trailhead. Popular trails are Dante, Beatrice, Ovid and Ripheus. Upper Purgatory - (1753 Valencia Way) is equally as popular, but its access is from a half-mile caliche road near the Craddock and Wonder World intersection. Popular trails are Dante, Paraiso and Malacoda, where Purgatory Creek has carved a large grotto into the limestone cliff. In addition to trail runners and mountain bikers, this is also a popular hike for bird watchers and nature explorers. An ADA trail was added in 2019 and is accessible via the Upper Purgatory trailhead.

Spring Lake Natural Area

Natural Areas of San Marcos

The City of San Marcos has six beautiful natural areas consisting of more than 1,200 acres with more than 22 miles of trails. Each natural area has its own personality and attraction. In all cases, their purpose is to provide flood mitigation, water quality, clean air, wildlife refuge, recreation, exercise opportunities, transportation corridors and outdoor classrooms. Natural areas, as opposed to city parks, are limited in amenities and conveniences. Experienced and enthusiastic SMGA members lead guided hikes in the natural areas including bird walks. Scheduled hikes are listed in the News and Events Section and on our Facebook page, San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance. The walks are geared for all ages and experience levels. The birding lists are compiled on eBird from Cornell Labs.

Doc's Drive In Theatre

Enjoy a drive-in movie in Buda, TX, approximately 18 minutes (16 miles) north from the Hilton Garden Inn. Schedule for March pending.

Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park

Family-friendly fun including a Cave Tour, Train ride through Wildlife Park, Anti-Gravity House, Arcade Room, and Gem Mining.

Buda Mill & Grain Co.

ONCE DOTTED WITH DILAPIDATED METAL BARNS, SILOS AND A COTTON GIN DATING 1914, HISTORIC Buda Mill & Grain Co. is finding a new life. Firmly entrenched in Buda’s history for the past 100 years, the newly re-Developed site will ultimately offer more than 27,000 sf of available retail/restaurant/office space with the intention of bringing the surrounding community together to savor good food and wine, shop locally, grab a slice of cake or just meet up with friends to Listen to live music under the shade of a giant live oak tree. come ShOP, EAT & Stay Awhile at Buda Mill & Grain CO.

Gruene Historic District

Gruene's motto is "Gently resisting change since 1872" Originally settled over a century ago, Gruene is a snapshot of Texas culture and history come-to-life. With 15 walkable acres designated a National Historic District, visitors can shop, dine, and dance within the walls of the original township buildings. The ideal balance of preservation and progress, Gruene Historic District is a Texas travel industry darling for good reason. From tacos to onion rings, antiques to cowboy hats, and Americana music to blues, every doorway leads you to something unforgettable. Gruene is for people who love good music, fun times, and old things! Gruene Hall is the oldest (continually running) dance hall in Texas, and Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar offers lunch or dinner with a view overlooking the Guadalupe River.