San Marcos is a city in the heart of Texas that is surrounded by natural beauty, history, and culture. While the city itself has a lot to offer in its own right, if you are looking for a fun day trip outside the city to explore more of the great Lone Star State there is a lot to choose from. So whether you're a resident of apartments in San Marcos or just passing through, here are some fantastic day trip options to consider.

Austin

As the capitol of the state of Texas, Austin makes for a great day trip from San Marcos. You can explore this sprawling city and find activities to suit any type or age of person. Visit the Texas State Capitol or the historic Sixth Street entertainment district. Enjoy the lush green and wide skies by taking a walk around Lady Bird Lake. Foodies will be happy to know Austin is renowned for its eclectic and varied cuisine offerings from local restaurants and food trucks.

San Antonio

For a family-friendly trip filled with history and culture, head south to San Antonio. Visit the Alamo and learn about the pivotal battle that shaped Texas history. Talk a walk along the famous River Walk, enjoying restaurants, shopping, and even taking boat tours down the river. For those who love architecture and art, visit the artistic neighborhoods of Southtown and King William.

New Braunfels

New Braunfels is a good bit closer to San Marcos than the previous two cities. With a rich German heritage, New Braunfels is a unique place to spend a day exploring. You can tube or raft on the beautiful Guadalupe and Comal Rivers or take your family to the Schlitterbahn Waterpark, which is one of the largest water parks in the country. For animal lovers, consider checking out the Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo for a close-up look at some of nature’s greatest creatures. For German cuisine and culture, head down to the downtown area where there are many places to shop, drink, and eat.

Canyon Lake

For those who love an outdoor adventure, you may consider a day trip to Canyon Lake, well-loved for its clean waters and beautiful shoreline. You can spend the day enjoying watersports like boating, fishing, or swimming. Kayak or paddle board around the lake and enjoy finding secluded beaches and hidden coves. Or you can stay on dry ground and explore the surrounding hills on the many trails and paths created for biking and hiking.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Another great day trip for the outdoor enthusiast is the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Located just a short distance north of San Marcos, this unique park has a ton to offer hikers of all experience levels. You can hike to the summit of Enchanted Rock, a massive pink granite dome that has amazing views of the surrounding landscape. There is an extensive network of hiking available, as well as rock climbing routes for the adventurous, and picnic areas for a peaceful place to stop and rest.

These are just a few of the many day trip options available to residents and visitors of San Marcos, but they are a great sampling and starting place for anyone to begin to explore, discover, and enjoy more about this part of the state and country.