Martindale TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Martindale, Texas.
1. Don's Fish Camp
RIVER TUBING ADVENTURE
Don's Fish Camp offers a popular river tubing experience on the San Marcos River in Martindale. Visitors can rent tubes and enjoy a relaxing float down the crystal-clear waters surrounded by beautiful Texas scenery. The camp provides shuttle services and is known for its laid-back atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists seeking summer fun.
2. Duett's Texas Club
LIVE MUSIC VENUE
Duett's Texas Club is an authentic Texas dance hall and live music venue in Martindale. The club features regular performances by local and regional country music artists in a rustic setting that captures the essence of Texas culture. Visitors can enjoy cold drinks, dancing, and the friendly atmosphere that makes it a favorite among locals.
3. Cool River Ranch
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Cool River Ranch offers beautiful, spacious grounds with good river access for outdoor enthusiasts in Martindale. The ranch provides various recreational activities including tubing, swimming, and camping in a natural setting away from urban distractions. Visitors should be prepared for limited cell service, which many find adds to the authentic outdoor experience.
4. Spring Lake Natural Area
HIKING AND BIKING TRAILS
Spring Lake Natural Area features a variety of well-maintained singletrack and doubletrack trails for hiking and mountain biking near Martindale. The preserve offers beautiful natural scenery with diverse ecosystems and wildlife viewing opportunities throughout its trail system. Visitors appreciate the range of trail difficulties, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
5. Lime Kiln Pond
TRANQUIL BIRDWATCHING SPOT
Lime Kiln Pond features a viewing platform with a bench that's perfect for birdwatching and peaceful contemplation near Martindale. The trail skirts the west side of the pond, offering different vantage points to observe the water and wildlife. This serene location provides a quiet retreat for nature lovers looking to escape the bustle of everyday life.
6. Blanco River
SCENIC RIVER VIEWS
The Blanco River flows eastward for about 87 miles before turning south to meet the San Marcos River near Martindale. This scenic waterway offers excellent opportunities for swimming, fishing, and paddling through the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the river from various points within the preserve area, making it a must-visit natural attraction.
7. Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park
UNDERGROUND CAVE EXPLORATION
Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore an earthquake-formed cave near Martindale. The park includes additional attractions such as an anti-gravity house, wildlife petting park, and an observation tower with panoramic views of the surrounding area. Families particularly enjoy the educational yet entertaining experience that combines natural wonders with fun activities.
8. Santa's Ranch Drive Thru Christmas Light Park
FESTIVE HOLIDAY DISPLAY
Santa's Ranch Drive Thru Christmas Light Park transforms the area near Martindale into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Visitors can drive through over a mile of winding country roads illuminated by more than 1.5 million lights and 100+ animated displays. The festive attraction also offers homemade hot cocoa, kettle corn, and other seasonal treats to enjoy while experiencing the magical light show.
9. Schlitterbahn New Braunfels
PREMIER WATER PARK
Schlitterbahn New Braunfels is a world-renowned water park located a short drive from Martindale, offering thrilling water attractions for all ages. The park features a mix of high-speed water slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and kid-friendly play areas spread across multiple sections. As one of Texas's most popular summer destinations, it provides cooling relief during hot Texas summers with attractions that use spring-fed water from the Comal River.
10. Blue Heron Trail
PEACEFUL NATURE WALK
Blue Heron Trail offers a peaceful hiking experience through natural habitats near Martindale. The trail is known for its excellent birdwatching opportunities, particularly for spotting the majestic blue herons that give the path its name. Visitors enjoy the well-maintained trail system that winds through diverse ecosystems while providing a tranquil escape into nature.
11. Palmetto State Park
TROPICAL-LIKE STATE PARK
Palmetto State Park is a unique natural area near Martindale featuring unusual tropical-looking dwarf palmetto plants that give the park its name. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming, and paddling opportunities within the park's diverse ecosystem centered around the San Marcos River. The park's CCC-built facilities and interpretive center provide historical context and educational resources about this distinctive Texas landscape.
12. Root Cellar Cafe
FARM-TO-TABLE DINING EXPERIENCE
Root Cellar Cafe offers a delicious farm-to-table dining experience using locally-sourced ingredients near Martindale. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with creative menu options that showcase the fresh flavors of Texas Hill Country produce and proteins. Visitors appreciate the cozy atmosphere, attentive service, and commitment to sustainability that makes this eatery a local favorite.
13. San Marcos Premium Outlets
UPSCALE SHOPPING DESTINATION
San Marcos Premium Outlets is a sprawling shopping destination featuring over 140 designer and name-brand outlet stores near Martindale. Shoppers can find significant discounts on luxury and popular brands including Coach, Michael Kors, Nike, and many more throughout the open-air mall. The center attracts visitors from across Texas and beyond who come for the extensive selection and tax-free shopping options for international travelers.
14. Zelicks Icehouse
HISTORIC GAS STATION BAR
Zelicks Icehouse is a popular bar housed in a converted 1930s gas station near Martindale, offering a unique drinking experience with historical charm. The establishment features a spacious outdoor patio with games, live music, and a rotating selection of craft beers on tap. Visitors enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, dog-friendly policy, and the thoughtful preservation of vintage elements from the building's service station past.
15. Dick's Classic Garage Car Museum
VINTAGE AUTOMOBILE COLLECTION
Dick's Classic Garage Car Museum showcases an impressive collection of immaculately preserved vintage automobiles near Martindale. The museum features rare and historically significant vehicles from the 1930s through the 1950s, displayed in a well-organized, climate-controlled setting. Car enthusiasts particularly appreciate the detailed information provided about each vehicle and the opportunity to see automotive history presented in such pristine condition.