My Local Guide

Spring Country Where Hill and Prairie Meet

Hays County, Texas

Hays County connects San Marcos with a landscape that spans the Edwards Plateau and the edge of the Blackland Prairies. San Marcos is the county seat and largest city, while places such as Jacob’s Well Natural Area offer another way to understand the county’s relationship with water. Plan outdoor visits around current conditions and official access information. A familiar swimming photograph or old travel description may not reflect what is permitted today.

Hays County at a Glance

Population304,390 (July 1, 2025 estimate)
County SeatSan Marcos
Largest CitySan Marcos
Established1848
ZIP Codes11
Total Area680 sq mi (1,800 km 2 )
Major RoutesInterstate 35 I-35 BL (Kyle) U.S. Highway 290 State Highway 21 State Highway 80 State Highway 123 State Highway 142 Loop 82
Area Code512 / 737
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Hays County photograph
Discover the County

Hays County

Hays County was established in 1848 from part of Travis County, with San Marcos selected as the county seat. Its name honors John Coffee Hays, a Texas Ranger and military officer. Later boundary changes involved Blanco and Comal counties, so the original jurisdiction differed from the present map. Human history in the region predates those administrative changes by thousands of years. The county’s springs, waterways and contrasting landscapes provide context for understanding both that longer history and its later communities.

Jacob’s Well Natural Area is a place to learn about the county’s natural setting, but visitors should not plan a swimming trip there under current rules. Hays County states that swimming is not permitted because of water conditions. Check the county’s visitor information for available activities and educational arrangements instead. San Marcos and other communities offer separate starting points for a county visit, allowing an itinerary to combine town time with an appropriately planned outdoor stop.

What Shapes Us

San Marcos

The county seat is also its largest city. San Marcos provides a starting point for county information and for exploring the surrounding communities and landscape.

Jacob’s Well

The natural area’s current visitor rules prohibit swimming. Use the county’s own information to plan permitted activities instead of relying on older swimming descriptions.

Two Landscapes

Most of the county lies on the Edwards Plateau, with Blackland Prairie in the southeast. That transition helps explain the variety visible across the county.

Spring landscapes and growing communities share a changing home.
My Local Guide

Hays County

Our County. Our Stories.
The Hays County Courthouse in San Marcos, Texas, United States. The courthouse was built in 1909 using the eclectic style of architecture and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 23, 1980. 102 N. Lyndon B. Johnson Dr, San Marcos, Texas, United States is a contributing building to the Hays County Courthouse Historic District. I took photo with Canon camera in San Marcos, TX. 1936 Texas Centennial marker for the site of the first town of San Marcos, Texas, United States. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Buda in Buda, Texas, United States was opened in 2019. The Bottle House in Pioneer Town in Wimberley, Texas , United States is built of thousands of bottles. City Hall of Niederwald, Texas , United States. The City Hall and Public Library of Buda, Texas , United States opened in 2018. Doc’s Drive-In Theatre in Hays County, Texas, United States. First Baptist Church of Buda, Texas, United States original building. Water tower in Goforth, Texas The Blanco River in Hays County , Texas The Blanco River, Hays County, Texas Lehman High School in Hays County, Texas, United States is a high school in the Hays Consolidated Independent School District. Blue Rock Estate, Dripping Springs, United States Ike Wood House at 227 Mitchell Street in San Marcos, Texas. A contributing property of the Belvin Street Historic District in San Marcos. This is an image of a place or building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States of America . Its reference number is 83003792 ( Wikidata ). The Augusta Hofheinz House in San Marcos, Texas, United States. Mead & Eastwood Lumber Co. constructed this house in 1908 for Augusta Hofheinz, widow of Daniel Hofheinz. The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 26, 1983 and designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1992. Downtown Buda Historic District The chapel at Camp Ben McCulloch in Hays County, Texas. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is an image of a place or building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States of America . Its reference number is 04001151 ( Wikidata ). The Cape House in San Marcos, Texas, United States. The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 26, 1983 and designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1985. Cemetery Chapel in the San Marcos Cemetery in San Marcos, Texas, United States. The structure was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1973 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 1, 1983. Cen-Tex Wool Mill Historic District Building 1 in San Marcos, Texas, United States. Claiborne Kyle Log House, outside Kyle, Texas. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. This is an image of a place or building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States of America . Its reference number is 81000630 ( Wikidata ). The Charles S. Cock House in San Marcos, Texas, United States was built in 1867. The house was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1968 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places on April 2, 1973. The Cora Jackman Donalson House in Kyle, Texas, United States. The building was added to The National Register of Historic Places on October 28, 2010. The old Episcopalian Rectory in San Marcos, Texas, United States was built in 1889. The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 26, 1983. The Farmers Union Gin Company former cotton gin in San Marcos, Texas, United States. The building has been converted to a restaurant. The building was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1981 and listed on The National Register of Historic Places on August 26, 1983. The old fire station and city hall building in San Marcos, Texas, United States. The building was listed on The National Register of Historic Places on August 26, 1983. Former Fort Street Presbyterian Church in San Marcos, Texas, United States. The building has been converted to businesses. The building was listed on The National Register of Historic Places on March 23, 1984 and designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 2001. The Goforth-Harris House in San Marcos, Texas, United States was built in 1905. The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 26, 1983 and designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 2008. The Green and Faris Buildings on the 100 block of East San Antonio Street in San Marcos, Texas , United States were built in 1879 and circa 1885 respectively. The buildings were listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 26, 1983. They were also listed as contributing properties to the Hays County Courthouse Historic District on September 10, 1992. The Hardy-Williams Building in the 100 block of East Hopkins Street in San Marcos, Texas, United States was built prior to 1886. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 26, 1983. It was also listed as a contributing property to the Hays County Courthouse Historic District on September 10, 1992. The Hays County Courthouse in San Marcos, Texas. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 100 block of East Hopkins Street are contributing properties to the Hays County Courthouse Historic District in San Marcos, Texas , United States. The district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on September 10, 1992. The Heard House located in San Marcos, Texas, United States. The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 26, 1983 and designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1986. The Bunton Branch Bridge located in Hays County, Texas, United States. The property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on February 19, 2002 and designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 2012. The former Kyle City Hall in Kyle, Texas, United States. The building was listed on The National Register of Historic Places on May 22, 2002. The Hutchison House in San Marcos, Texas, United States was built in 1896. The house was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1968 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 26, 1983. Front view of the "creamery" building at the Isham Jones Good homestead in northern Hays County, Texas. Building dates from the 1850's. It likely served as the first dwelling on the property. Good was a soldier in the 1836 Texas revolution, later the first sheriff of Caldwell County, settled in this area in 1851. More info at https://atlas.thc.texas.gov/NR/pdfs/04000896/04000896.pdf . The Johnson House in San Marcos, Texas, United States. The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 26, 1983. The Kone-Cliett House in San Marcos, Texas, United States was built in 1890. The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 1, 1983 and designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1986. Main Building, Southwest Texas Normal School in San Marcos, Texas The McKie-Bass Building in the 100 block of North Guadalupe Street in San Marcos, Texas, United States. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 1, 1983. It is also a contributing building to the Hays County Courthouse Historic District in San Marcos, Texas, United States. The district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 26, 1983. The Moore Grocery Company in San Marcos, Texas, United States. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 26, 1983. The former Hays County Jail in San Marcos, Texas, United States. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 26, 1983. The J.L. Patterson Building in Dripping Springs, Texas, United States. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 17, 2013 as a contributing property to the Dripping Springs Downtown Historic District . First United Methodist Church San Marcos, Texas The Walter Hofheinz House in San Marcos, Texas, United States was built in 1909. The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 1, 1983.
County Wire

Hays County Wire

Local StoriesPhoto credits
KXAN — Hays County

Buda firefighter passes away after long battle with cancer

Jason Eckstrom, a Buda firefighter, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 4, after his lengthy battle with cancer, the…

Read the Story Oct 6, 2026 • 2 min read
Rooftech Solutions — Banner

News & resources for Hays County

Local reporting when available, plus statewide Texas news and official resources.

Buda firefighter passes away after long battle with cancer

Jason Eckstrom, a Buda firefighter, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 4, after his lengthy battle with cancer, the…

KXAN — Hays County • Oct 6, 2026 • 2 min read

After a decade of support, Hays County cuts funding for San Marcos Price Center

After more than a decade of providing grant funding to the San Marcos Price Center, the Hays County…

KXAN — Hays County • Oct 6, 2026 • 2 min read

Kyle City Council accepts councilmember's resignation over harassment claims

Kyle City Council voted to accept the resignation of one of its members Monday night after she said…

KXAN — Hays County • Oct 6, 2026 • 2 min read

San Marcos community on edge after multiple fox attacks, confirmed rabies case

Some San Marcos residents say they are on edge after multiple attacks from foxes in the Willow Creek…

KXAN — Hays County • Oct 6, 2026 • 2 min read

Kyle councilmember Claudia Zapata resigns, citing 'harassment and dehumanization'

Claudia Zapata, the District 3 at-large representative, was elected and sworn in last November.

KXAN — Hays County • Oct 3, 2026 • 2 min read
LOCAL WEATHER

Hays County

Forecast near Wimberley

National Weather Service →

Tonight

63°F

Clear

Wind 0 to 5 mph NNE

Wednesday

86°F

Sunny

Wind 5 mph N

Wednesday Night

64°F

Mostly Clear

Wind 0 to 5 mph NNE

Thursday

86°F

Sunny

Wind 5 mph NNE

Thursday Night

67°F

Mostly Clear

Wind 0 to 5 mph NNE

Friday

85°F

Sunny

Wind 5 mph NE
Updated Oct 6, 7:42 pm CDT · Conditions vary across the county.
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County Resources

Useful connections for everyday life

Find public information and services through the county and relevant service providers.

Government

County & local resources

Elections

Official voter, election and polling-place information.

Official Website

County Judge

County judge’s office and county administration information.

Official Website

Commissioners Court Live Stream

Commissioners court information, meetings and county business.

Official Website

Food, housing & family support

Central Texas Food Bank — food assistance

Regional food-bank network serving Hays County. Find a nearby pantry or distribution and confirm its schedule before visiting.

Central Texas Food Bank — food assistance — details and contacts

2-1-1 Texas — local assistance

Search community assistance by location and type of need, including food, housing and family support.

2-1-1 Texas — local assistance — details and contacts

Texas HHS — local family support

Search family-support programs and local services for parents and caregivers.

Texas HHS — local family support — details and contacts

A little local knowledge goes a long way

Find practical information before you visit or make a move.

Helpful Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Start with the essentials, then follow the source links for more detail.

San Marcos is the county seat of Hays County, Texas.

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My Local Guide

Find Something Fun

Make time for a local discovery

Plan your day around places and experiences in the county.

Kids’ Fun

  1. Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park — Explore the cave and family attractions in San Marcos. Check ticket packages and accessibility; cave tours involve uneven terrain.
  2. Meadows Center glass-bottom boat tours — Take a ticketed guided tour of Spring Lake. Check current departures. The separate wetlands boardwalk is closed for repairs until further notice.
  3. Children’s Park — An inclusive San Marcos playscape with ramps, swings and varied play equipment. Follow posted park rules.

Restaurants

  1. Blue Dahlia Bistro — European-inspired dining with a garden setting in San Marcos.
  2. Root Cellar Cafe — From-scratch dishes in downtown San Marcos.
  3. Cafe on the Square — Traditional American dishes on the downtown San Marcos square.

Shopping & Retail

  1. Sundance Records — Browse vinyl records and music memorabilia in San Marcos.
  2. The San Market — Shop local gifts, crafts, art and souvenirs on the downtown square.
  3. San Marcos Art Center — Explore locally made art in downtown San Marcos.

Clothing & Boutiques

  1. Barefoot San Marcos — A San Marcos boutique listed by the local tourism office.
  2. Creeds & Crests — An apparel-shopping stop in downtown San Marcos.
  3. Pitaya — Browse clothing at this downtown San Marcos boutique.

Outdoor Fun

  1. Purgatory Creek Natural Area — Explore natural-surface trails and varied terrain. Check trail maps and current conditions before setting out.
  2. Spring Lake Natural Area — Walk trails through the natural area near San Marcos. This is separate from the Meadows Center wetlands boardwalk, which is closed for repairs.
  3. Stokes Park — Enjoy open space and walking beside the San Marcos River. Check current river and park conditions before visiting.

Free Things To Do

  1. San Marcos mural walk — Take a self-guided walk to view downtown murals, including small artworks tucked along side streets.
  2. Purgatory Creek trail walk — Choose a self-guided nature walk from the local free outdoor activities. Consult the natural-area map and current trail notices.
  3. Spring Lake Natural Area trails — Explore the natural-area trails on foot. Paid glass-bottom boat tours and the closed wetlands boardwalk are separate attractions.
Every place has a story.Find Your Next Favorite.
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