Dip your bare feet into refreshing water and soak up the sun’s magnificent vitamin D. Summer is here, and there’s no better way to beat the heat than by floating along the San Marcos River. You can’t call yourself a Texan until you’ve embarked on this relaxing excursion. This all-day float trip will make your Austin summer complete.
There are several rivers to float in Central Texas, but nothing beats the crisp waters of the San Marcos.
Patrick Lewis/Flickr This spring-fed river is always crisp and cool. It’s also home to the cleanest water in the Austin area. Shimmering blue streams will greet you, and you’ll never want to leave this gorgeous oasis.
Let the sweet, crystalline waters take you away.
Trip Advisor Member/Trip Advisor A quick 45 minute drive south of Austin will lead you to pure summertime bliss. Stay for an afternoon or an entire weekend. There’s no shortage of exciting things to discover in San Marcos.
For a shorter float, begin your journey at Lion’s Club Tube Rentals.
San Marcos Lions Club Tube Rental/Facebook This option is perfect for families with little ones. This one-hour float begins at San Marcos City Park and ends at the Rio Vista Dam. You’ll glide through the heart of San Marcos while still experiencing its gorgeous natural landscape. Tube rentals cost $12 for the entire day and include unlimited shuttle rides. Lion’s Club Tube Rentals are open Friday - Wednesday from 10 am to 7 pm and Thursdays from 11:30 am to 8:30 pm. They can be found at City Park, San Marcos, TX 78666. For more information, visit their website here.
If you want to spend all day on the river, head over to Texas State Tubes.
Patrick Lewis/Flickr If you begin your journey on this stretch of the river, you’ll be met with a wildly fun time. Known as the “party float,” this portion of the San Marcos River is full of thumping music and cold beer. It flows slowly and takes about three hours to complete. Tube rentals cost $18 and include one free shuttle ride. They’re open Sunday - Friday from 11 am to 4:30 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Texas State Tubes is located at 2024 North Old Bastrop Rd. San Marcos, TX 78666. For more information, visit their website or Facebook page.
Of course, the San Marcos isn’t just for floating.
Roy Niswanger/Flickr You can also rent a kayak and paddle along the serene waters. This activity is best enjoyed in the early morning before the river tubers flock in.
You haven’t truly experienced a Texas summer until you’ve floated the San Marcos River.
gggg1234/TripAdvisor
What’s your favorite summertime activity? If you need more ideas, add these 15 things to your Austin summer bucket list.
Patrick Lewis/Flickr
This spring-fed river is always crisp and cool. It’s also home to the cleanest water in the Austin area. Shimmering blue streams will greet you, and you’ll never want to leave this gorgeous oasis.
Trip Advisor Member/Trip Advisor
A quick 45 minute drive south of Austin will lead you to pure summertime bliss. Stay for an afternoon or an entire weekend. There’s no shortage of exciting things to discover in San Marcos.
San Marcos Lions Club Tube Rental/Facebook
This option is perfect for families with little ones. This one-hour float begins at San Marcos City Park and ends at the Rio Vista Dam. You’ll glide through the heart of San Marcos while still experiencing its gorgeous natural landscape. Tube rentals cost $12 for the entire day and include unlimited shuttle rides. Lion’s Club Tube Rentals are open Friday - Wednesday from 10 am to 7 pm and Thursdays from 11:30 am to 8:30 pm. They can be found at City Park, San Marcos, TX 78666. For more information, visit their website here.
If you begin your journey on this stretch of the river, you’ll be met with a wildly fun time. Known as the “party float,” this portion of the San Marcos River is full of thumping music and cold beer. It flows slowly and takes about three hours to complete. Tube rentals cost $18 and include one free shuttle ride. They’re open Sunday - Friday from 11 am to 4:30 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Texas State Tubes is located at 2024 North Old Bastrop Rd. San Marcos, TX 78666. For more information, visit their website or Facebook page.
Roy Niswanger/Flickr
You can also rent a kayak and paddle along the serene waters. This activity is best enjoyed in the early morning before the river tubers flock in.
gggg1234/TripAdvisor
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