Getting Around San Marcos: Walkability, Public Transit & Biking

San Marcos offers a moderately walkable environment, particularly in neighborhoods like Heritage and Dunbar, as well as the downtown area, which boasts a variety of shops, restaurants, and the university, all within walking distance. However, a car is still necessary for many errands, as the city's layout includes areas that are less pedestrian-friendly. Careful selection of accommodation near downtown or the university can enable travelers to manage daily needs on foot, though venturing beyond these areas typically requires additional transportation.

San Marcos has a basic public transit system that can be useful for traveling between key points such as the university and downtown, though it is limited in both coverage and frequency. The city’s transit comprises 'THE BUS' service by CARTS and the Bobcat Shuttle by Texas State University, providing some connectivity within the city and to neighboring areas. The service is functional but could constrain the flexibility of travelers, particularly outside the main operation hours or routes.

San Marcos is quite accommodating for cyclists, with a designation as a Bronze level Bicycle Friendly Community. The city features a growing network of bike lanes and paths, including protected and multi-use trails that encourage biking as a practical transportation option. With over 120 miles of bike infrastructure, cycling is a viable option for exploring both the cityscape and nearby natural venues, although route planning is essential to navigate traffic effectively.