Holiday Shopping Destination

Visit the shopper's paradise of San Marcos for luxe goods and more

There's no better excuse for a shopping spree than the holidays, and this year, why not do something a little different after you make your list?

The city of San Marcos offers the ultimate shopping experience for friends, family, or even if you're going solo. With everything from quirky vintage finds to name-brand items, you'll discover what you're looking for — and probably a few things you didn't know you needed.

First stop: the San Marcos Outlets. This massive collection of luxury shops includes Tanger Outlets and San Marcos Premium Outlets; together, they offer 220 stores for a total of 1.2-million-square feet of shopping.

Some big-name retailers have only one Texas outlet, and they're located in San Marcos. Brahmin, CH Carolina Herrera, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, MCM, Prada, Saint Laurent, Salvatore Ferragamo, Versace, West Elm, and Williams-Sonoma are just a few.

If boutiques are more your speed, then you'll get your fill here. San Marcos abounds with shops selling outdoor adventure gear, local apparel, hot trends, and always-in-style classics.

To find something for the music lovers in your life, make sure to stop at Sundance Record Lagoon for vinyl, music memorabilia, and much more.

Hit up the vintage shops for funky finds and hip gifts. Now more popular than ever, thrift stores give you the opportunity to remain environmentally conscious while giving. You're also most likely to find the hottest fashion trends here.

Downtown San Marcos has several great options for discovering fabulous, new-to-you items. Try Vagabond, Old Soul Exchange, Solid Gold, Twice Blessed, Shop 1893, and KnD’s Resale & More.

For the art lovers, Wimberley Glassworks lets you purchase some colorful creations from the gallery. Or head to San Marcos Art Center for a one-of-a-kind piece of art from local makers. You can also find great gift ideas at Art Squared on the second Saturday of each month.

If all the shopping wears you out, refuel with any one of the city's tempting restaurants and bars. San Marcos has four craft breweries: AquaBrew, Sean Patrick’s Irish Pub, Middleton Brewing, and Roughhouse Brewing.

Two of those are located in downtown, with outdoor or patio areas for you to sip and savor under the big and bright Texas stars. Or you can check out Patio Dolcetto for wines, bites, and a romantic courtyard.

You'll also find coffee shops, concert venues, and tons of outdoor activities to relax with after a full day of holiday shopping.

San Marcos offers two massive outlet shopping centers with luxury and brand-name retailers.

Photo courtesy of San Marcos Convention and Visitor Bureau

San Marcos offers two massive outlet shopping centers with luxury and brand-name retailers.

holidays promoted shopping

NOTES ON CAMP

New $2M KOA glamping resort with lazy river to open in Fredericksburg

Photo courtesy of KOA Fredericksburg Resort

KOA Fredericksburg will offer RV hookups, cabins, and family-friendly amenities.

A new Hill Country campground might soon convince outdoor die-hards that roughing it is for the birds. Kampgrounds of America (KOA) is building a $2 million luxury RV resort on historic farmland near downtown Fredericksburg.

The project isn’t KOA’s first foray into Fredericksburg. The company franchised a property off US-290 for 45 years before it converted to an independently run 21-plus RV park. Still, according to Woodall’s Campground Magazine, the new resort will be KOA’s first greenfield development where everything was built from scratch.

Once open, the site will offer visitors several ways to rest their heads. Those who own RVs can rent spots with full hookups and an outdoor patio. Everyone else can stay in Conestoga-style wagons outfitted with bathrooms and contemporary amenities or deluxe cabins. One of the cabins was built to mimic the Hill Country’s historic Sunday Houses.

An aerial rendering shows the family pool, lazy river, and Social Haus café.Rendering courtesy of KOA Fredericksburg Resort

Photo courtesy of KOA Fredericksburg Resort

KOA Fredericksburg will offer RV hookups, cabins, and family-friendly amenities.

The Fredericksburg campgrounds are packed with outdoor amenities. Families can enjoy a resort-style pool, a lazy river, pickleball courts, walking trails, and a playground. A separate pool with a hot tub is reserved for adults.

The site will also feature the Social Haus, a full-service café with live entertainment on select dates, and the Oak Room, a private space available to rent for family gatherings or corporate retreats. A small shop, the Outpost, will offer golf car, bike, and pool tube rentals, and a wine barn will serve pours from area breweries and wineries.

Although newly filed project details with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation say the build-out won’t be finished until early October, the resort is advertising a soft opening on September 1. KOA did not immediately return a request for further details.

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