If you’re visiting the south-western Texas town of San Marcos, Texas, make sure to check out the city’s nightlife. It’s a college town and has a great atmosphere during the day, but once dark, the city comes alive! The city’s nightlife has been nicknamed San Marvelous. After dark, there’s plenty to do in San Marcos, from paddleboarding under the stars to bowling and music.
Paddle under the stars
If you’re looking for a fun activity to enjoy in the evening, you might want to paddle under the stars in San Marcos at sunset or night. While most river cruises take about an hour, you can find a longer trip if you want more adventure. The San Marcos River is a natural-forming body of moving water, so be aware of currents and wildlife. If you’re a beginner or have never paddled before, it’s highly recommended that you wear a life vest.
There are plenty of things to do in San Marcos at night, including paddle board yoga and guided SUP trips. Paddle SMTX can help you find the perfect activity. The company offers SUP tours for all levels of experience, including beginners. Guides use LED lights attached to the bottom of their boards to make the water glow. You can choose from different colors for the glow effect. The entire experience is guaranteed to be an unforgettable one.
The kayak rental includes everything you need to experience the activity. Your paddleboard, LED light kit, and glow sticks are included. You should wear sunglasses and a hat to protect your eyes from the sun’s rays. You can wear a vintage baseball cap, but it’s not necessary. The water bottle is essential as paddling is an excellent exercise and relaxing activity. Make sure you hydrate well before and after your paddle session.
Bowling
If you enjoy drinking and bowling, San Marcos has many options for you. Texas State University offers many options for nightlife. For a great student discount, visit the Tanger Outlet Mall. Bowling in San Marcos during the day can be boring. But the evenings aren’t so dull with these nighttime activities. After work, grab a drink at the Tanger Outlet Mall, then head to Sunset Bowling in San Marcos for a game of bowling.
There are two bowling alleys in San Marcos. Both are open late on weekends, which means you can have a fun night out with a drink and bowling! Bowling alleys are open from noon to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday and four to 11 p.m. Thursday. Saturday and Sunday are also open late. But if you’re looking for a late-night bowling experience, don’t wait until Wednesday.
Music
Live music is a staple of San Marcos’ nightlife, whether in the intimate hole-in-the-wall bars or the big concert venues. The variety of musical events is vast, and you can find something for everyone, from classical music lovers to groove-mongers. Even dog owners are welcome at many of the venues. In addition, local musicians are always ready to help out with dog-friendly venues, so bring your four-legged friends.
The summer months are filled with fun music events, such as the Summer in the Park concert series. These free concerts take place every Thursday in San Marcos Plaza Park and feature a different musical act every week. There are concerts to suit every musical taste, and the lineup changes each week. There’s something for everyone, from rock bands to reggae. Here’s a taste of what’s available for the family in San Marcos.
The Parks and Recreation Department of San Marcos hosts the Summer in the Park concert series every Thursday night. The concert series includes local bands as well as national and international acts. Other festivals include Hill Country Jazz Festival and Eddie Durham Celebration, hosted by the Texas State University-San Marcos. Other ongoing outdoor concerts include the Foodstock, a tribute to Woodstock that benefits the Hays County Food Bank. Music at night in San Marcos provides a variety of entertainment options for the entire family, and there are countless opportunities to find a concert that fits your mood or musical taste.
Arts
Art lovers will enjoy a scavenger hunt through San Marcos murals. The city’s murals are a colorful kaleidoscope in downtown. Start your adventure with a beer at the Taproom Pub & Grub, where you can find 42 different kinds of beers on tap. While you’re there, you can explore one of the city’s mini murals, depicting a teeny mouse who has fallen in love with a girl from the “right side of the tracks.”
The city is also home to the largest outlet mall in the United States. Downtown San Marcos has trendy shops, welcoming cafes, and a renowned outlet mall. The San Marcos River offers kayaking, fly fishing, and other watersports. While you’re in San Marcos, make sure to check out these night activities. Some may be temporarily closed or require advance reservations. There are also plenty of things to do during the day.
If you love brews, you can also head to the Middleton Brewery and enjoy a great craft beer while you listen to live music. You can even eat a burger at this popular cafe and listen to live music. There’s a patio area where you can bring your dog for outdoor fun. The San Marcos River is right outside the door. You’ll have plenty of space to dance, eat, and enjoy the nightlife.
Date spots
There are several date spots in San Marcos at night. If you’re looking for an alternative to your standard bar scene, you can head to Elevate Bar and Table. The second-story lounge serves light fare and is an excellent choice for a date. The restaurant also offers a biergarten and outdoor music. Date nights in San Marcos don’t have to be confined to Friday or Saturday nights.
A classic date night combines good food and drinks, so you should consider a place that serves both. There are many excellent options in San Marcos, and you can even bring your pet along. You can also stroll down Kissing Alley for a romantic nighttime stroll. In fact, it was named the most romantic main street in the United States! Once you’ve had your fill of alcoholic beverages, you can enjoy your date’s company while watching a movie, or go out to a local bar.
River activities
Paddle SMTX in San Marcos offers Glow Tours, where participants can see everything beneath them. These tours are perfect for families or groups of friends who want to take in the sights without spending a ton of money. If you’d prefer to stay afloat, you can rent a kayak or rent a SUPzilla board. Both options have plenty of fun things to do at night. If you want to have an evening to remember, try a night paddleboard glow tour with Paddle SMTX.
During the summer months, staying hydrated is essential. Bring a bottle of water, and drink plenty throughout the day. Be sure to avoid alcohol and caffeine, both of which are diuretics, making staying hydrated a chore. Remember that alcohol is not permitted on parkland, but you can bring it into the river through the public access points. However, if you do drink alcohol while on the tour, don’t forget to leave it in the car and put it in a trunk.
There are plenty of other activities on the river. While the San Marcos River is a calm, beautiful stretch of water, there are also some exciting whitewater sections. The Rio Vista Park whitewater section offers three man-made rapids. This section is open until 11 p.m., so it’s possible to paddle there even if the sun sets. If you haven’t done so before, you can do it after dinner. The experience will be unforgettable.
