San Marcos: Out & About
San Marcos is one of the oldest continually inhabited sites in North America. There is evidence of Native American inhabitants dating back 12,000 years. Spanish explorers discovered the beautiful river with its natural springs on St. Mark's day and named it San Marcos in honor of their patron saint. The town of San Marcos was founded in 1846, and four years later it boasted a population of 387. Texas history abounds in the area, and tours are offered through the historical district.

Historical information and a schedule of tours can be found at www.sanmarcostexas.com/tourism

The San Marcos River is not only a great source of beauty but it is also home to a number of aquatic species found nowhere else in the world. It is also home to the Texas Water Safari, the world's toughest 260 mile boat race. It is a favorite for canoeists, kayakers and spectators from all over. Whether swimming, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, scuba diving, fishing or just relaxing on her banks; the San Marcos River is the place to be!

Conveniently situated between Austin and San Antonio, San Marcos enjoys the best of both worlds. Take a drive through the surrounding countryside in the spring and you will be rewarded with fields of Texas wild flowers. Or take a quick trip north or south on IH-35 and take advantage of all that a metropolitan city has to offer.

Wonder World is the site of our own earthquake created cavern. Take a train ride through the park, climb the observation tower for great views of the Hill Country, or visit the largest petting park in Texas!

Don't forget our world famous outlet malls! Millions of people from all over the United States and Mexico visit our beautifully landscaped outlet malls. The Tanger and Prime outlets are the third largest tourist attraction in Texas. Shop till you drop! Grab a bite to eat at one of the many excellent restaurants that surround the malls, then shop some more!

Texas State University plays a large part in our local culture. Once a small teacher's college, it is now a thriving university of over 26,000 students. With a campus community including over 25% of the student body from ethnic minorities, Texas State is one of the many unique and diverse members of the San Marcos community. As the university's student population has grown, so too has the campus. Today Texas State is the sixth largest public university in the state. Not only is Texas State an asset to the community, it is also a historically beautiful site.
There are many annual events and festivals in San Marcos and the surrounding areas. Below is a list of some of the events that take place here in San Marcos.

Annual Events in San Marcos
March Daffodil Days
April Kite Fest, Central Texas Golf Fest
May Viva Cinco de Mayo, Farmer's Market, Heritage Home Tours, Texas Natural & Western Swing Fest
June Texas Water Safari
June & July Summer in the Park Concert Series
July Summerfest www.summerfestsanmarcos.com
September Junior Texas Water Safari
October Central Texas Seniors Golf Fest
November Veteran's Day Celebrations
December Sights and Sounds of Christmas
For more information on events in San Marcos, visit www.texasoutside.com/sanmarcos

Helpful Information:  
Utilities:  
Gas  
Entex 512-392-6672
Electric  
City of San Marcos 512-393-8300
Pedernales Co-op 512-268-2791
Bluebonnet Co-op 512-398-4101
Water  
City of San Marcos 512-393-8010
Telephone  
CenturyTel 512-754-5699
Grande Communications   512-878-4800
Cable  
Time Warner Cable 512-805-2555

Taxes:
Hays County 0.3751%
City of San Marcos    0.4710%
San Marcos CISD 1.6000%
Special Road 0.0710%
Retail Sales Tax 8.25%

Education:
San Marcos School District www.san-marcos.isd.tenet.edu
Hays County School District www.hayscisd.net
Texas State University www.txstate.edu
San Marcos Baptist Academy    www.smba.org
Wonderland School www.haysco.net/wonderland

Links
Chamber of Commerce www.sanmarcostexas.com
Hays County Government www.co.hays.tx.us
City of San Marcos www.ci.san-marcos.tx.us
Balcones Bank Community www.balconesbankcommunity.com
Prime Outlet Mall www.primeretail.com
Tanger Outlet Mall www.tangeroutlet.com
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce    www.sanmarcoshispanic.com