&
TRAVEL
PaddleSMTX.com and
Andy Heatwole
EXCURSIONS
All other photos courtesy
of San Marcos CVB
Playing it Cool in San Marcos, TX
As the hot days of Texas summer fade, the
perfect outdoor weather begins winding
through the hill country in San Marcos.
Tubes are traded for kayaks and the clear
spring-fed San Marcos River quiets with
the more relaxed pace of paddling activities.
The river bubbles up from hundreds of
springs right in the center of town at a
constant 72 degrees, so it feels just as good
in November as it does in June.
Cypress trees line the banks of the San
Marcos River in a dozen public parks
providing ample access to put in a kayak
or stand-up paddleboard (SUP). Boats and
boards can be rented in town or down
river for a variety of excursion lengths
132 Fall 2016 Adventure Outdoors
that include slower deep-water pools, rapids
and the whitewater drops at Rio Vista Falls.
River adventures extend into the evenings
with one of the coolest experiences in San
Marcos. A SUP glow tour takes you down the
beautiful San Marcos River at night using
boards equipped with special underwater LED
lights. There’s no better way to get gorgeous
views of the river, wildlife and the fascinating
endangered Texas wild-rice rippling beneath
the surface than with a surreal paddle
experience under the stars.
For those that like to keep their feet planted
squarely on dry land, San Marcos natural
areas include more than 1,000 acres in the
heart of the city. An extensive urban trail
system includes miles-long natural terrain
for hiking, biking and trail running. The
first half- to full mile of most parks is ADA
accessible so people of all activity level
can enjoy the outdoors. Bring your bike,
binoculars or man's best friend to explore
native plants, wildlife and migratory birds
that abound.
San Marcos' beauty is more than just surface
deep. We take stewardship of the river and
natural areas to heart, protecting the Edwards
Aquifer and the eight endangered species
native to this area. This way every visit is just
as good as your first.
Find your favorite outdoor experience at
TourSanMarcos.com.