San Marcos City Park is pretty big. I think it's close to 18 acres. It sits next to the smaller San…read moreMarcos Plaza Park. I love coming to this park because river swimming is easily accessible as is tubing and other water activities. It's also pretty great because they have recently installed outdoor gym equipment (within the last year or so). The park has picnic areas and playgrounds and lots of green space. There's a basketball court too, so if BBall is your thing have at it. This park also provides free wifi access...BONUS! The parking lot is free if you live in San Marcos and non-residents are charged a fee. I think we only paid $5 to park. Such a fun way to get to enjoy San Marcos and the water!

This was a great place to park and enjoy the crisp clear water…read more Make sure you pack a life best for the children. The water current can be swift but fun. Lots of young college kids and some city folk looking for a good time in the water. Have fun.

Think of the most awesome park you (or your kids) have ever been to. Now forget everything about…read moreit, because that park is nothing compared to the awesomeness that is Playscape. Playscape was built when I was but a wee child, and all of my most fond playground memories are of me running amok among the bridges, towers, swings, slides, sandboxes, and tunnels at Playscape. If you have ever wanted to play pretend that you were in a castle, well, that's what Playscape is modeled after! They even have painted dragons and trolls on the sides (along with some other non-castle themed images) to further spike you or your child's imagination. There's lots of picnic tables and BBQ pits around the park, so you can bring a lunch or have a birthday party here and keep all the kiddos entertained and active. The only downside is that the bathrooms are disgusting. Granted, public restrooms in parks aren't known for their cleanliness, but be sure to bring hand sanitizer and scrub your kids hands down well after they use these filthy facilities. Otherwise the kids will hopefully wear themselves out of energy, get some great exercise, and be ready to come back tomorrow!

I had seen this park numerous times and was excited to take my son there. However, they have now…read moretorn it down

Went with an out of town friend. She wanted to walk outside and tour around since she's never been…read moreto this area. We went to this park since it was close. Parking was plenty. Looks like they have sports games here. We had to use the bathroom but unfortunately it was closed. Had to use the portapotty. After that, we got walking and it was a beautiful area. The water was dried up in some spots but other parts had a beautiful water area. Just wish it were a longer walking path along the water. The trail was fairly short. But otherwise clean and safe. Good place to bring my dog except I wouldn't let him near the water since it was pretty dirty.

A nice place to walk at, although, I would do five stars, but due to recent droughts, five mile dam…read moredoesn't have much water, sadly.

This is a really lovely place to spend some time outdoors. A beautiful park right by the water,…read morewith a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere. There's a café along the shore where you can sit, have a drink, and enjoy the view of the waterfall -- such a nice spot to slow down and take everything in. It's a great area for walking and casual strolls, and there's also a playground for kids. Overall, it's a wonderful place to relax, whether you're visiting with children or just coming on your own. Perfect for a walk, some fresh air, and enjoying the water. Definitely a spot worth coming back to.

Come with your family don't bring a lot of things. It's very unwalkable with bigger items like a…read morerolling chest. Don't bring those bring a shoulder bag version. don't think you're gonna be able to lay out your towel and sit down. It's not a beach. It's very much a river first come first serve. It starts getting dirty later in the day with all the water but that's what we get for moving a lot. There is no camping on the other side of the wall. If you're facing up to the restaurant that would be the right side. Be careful bring your water shoes!!!!!

Jayden gave the best tour you could possibly give very knowledgeable very very patient and made…read morethe tour a wonderful experience for me and my family. This establishment is very underrated.

Had an amazing trip Out to Wonder World with my 79 year-old…read moremom yesterday. Our tour guide, Jaden was amazing!! He was energetic, knowledgeable, great with the little kids and even the elderly! Great your, enjoyed the animals, the facts about the cave, and even the crazy Gravity Free House.

Love coming here & just listening to the water. Good views. Some good areas to sit & hang out…read more Limited space in my opinion to hang out but love taking the dogs for a walk out here. Parking can be difficult sometimes but overall it is a nice park. Hoping they will re-open the other side of it at some point.

You know those scenes in movies where kids are swinging off old ropes into a shady river while…read moretheir friends are making out downstream, and you think, "Where did these punks find such a cool and private place to hang?" Well, congrats, you just found that place via Yelp. John Stokes park is wedged between farmland on the other side of I35, down the narrow and unsuspecting Cape street. Even on a Sunday, the park wasn't so busy that there was nowhere to sit or have to ourselves, and the people there made a comfortable mix of college kids, adults, and families. The best part of the park is the 30ft high, man-made waterfall that drops into a sort of cove. A perfect touch. Chances are, you'll see fearless kids flipping from the falls into the water below, which is at least a sight to see, if you are not the daredevil type. There are also park benches here for eating, drinking, or talking. If you live here in town, forget the Sewell Park swimsuit competition. Forget the Cheatam Street theme park crowd. John Stokes state park is the best place to experience and enjoy the San Marcos river. Tip: Much of this river park is tree-lined, so if you need direct sunlight to enjoy swimming in the cool river water, visit around noon when the sun is overhead.

Best place to relax. I love the river and playing volleyball or even throwing a football around…read more This place is great!

So even though Tx State regs allow the general public to Sewell Park (02.01"Sewell Park is a…read moreproperty of Texas State ... Generally, it is open to the public if the applicable policies and procedures are adhered to"), the City of San Marcos started charging $15 parking at Lions Club (if over 2 hrs, in nearly empty lot during weekday) and, although not clearly communicated, the City Marshall's sit and watch if anyone walks into Sewell Park and then issues a $100 ticket on the vehicle for being "parked in a No Parking Zone" and "Driver observed leaving city park". Much more militant/surveillance atmosphere than I was used to visiting Sewell Park since the 1970's but I guess that is where most our tax dollars go to promoting these days. Parks are becoming just for the wealthy. Sewell Park itself was great otherwise.