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Do512 Explains is our editorial series in which we spell out what the deal is with certain longtime Austin traditions. Whether you're a newbie who moved here last week or a longtime resident who just never got around to experiencing whatever thing we're talking about, Do512 Explains will make things clear to you in a tidy summary.
Contributed by Will Conant
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FLOATING THE RIVER
Photo via ATXcursions
While we already have a piece on Barton Springs Pool, located right here in Austin - that’s not the only easy access that locals enjoy to cool, clear spring-fed water. Head south down I-35 and in under an hour you’ll hit San Marcos, home to the famous San Marcos River. For those looking to get out of town, into the sun and onto a tube, we decided to break down what all you need to know to successfully float the San Marcos River.
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Photo via ATXcursions
Like Barton Springs Pool, the San Marcos River is fed by Edwards Aquifer. Specifically, the river is fed by hundreds of spring openings at the bottom of Spring Lake in the heart of San Marcos. With archeological findings indicating the area around the springs to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in North America, we can speculate that people have been enjoying this beautiful blue-green water for some 12,000 years. The river itself is home to around 8 endangered species, including the Texas Blind Salamander, the San Marcos Gambusia, and the Texas Wild Rice. The river is also home to thousands who journey there annually to go tubing, snorkeling and swimming.
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Photo via City of San Marcos
The spring-fed water stays at a crisp 72 degrees year-round, making it a popular destination to cool off during the hot summer months for people all over Texas. Those looking to float the river head down to San Marcos City Park, where there are multiple easily accessible spots to get into the river and float down to Rio Vista Park over the course of an hour or so (depending where exactly you put in). If you are coming from Austin, we suggest ATXcursions for a hassle-free experience, while other patrons can rent tubes at one of the many rental places on-site, like Texas State Tubes. Even if you’re bringing your own tube, make sure to check out the rental places for offers on shuttle rides back to where you started. Make sure to bring a cooler, which you can rent a separate tube for, tie it up to yours, and you and your friends are ready to float!
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Photo via ATXcursions
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Alcoholic drinks are allowed in the parks, but they can only be opened if you are actively floating the river. NO glass and NO styrofoam allowed. Coolers must have a secure closing mechanism.
- Bring LOTS of sunscreen and LOTS of water.
- While you’re at it, bring a few snacks and plan out where you want to get food after.
- Bring waterproof shoes for the rocky river bed.
- If you don’t want it to get wet, don’t bring it (everything will get wet).
- If you must bring your phone or wallet, put it in a waterproof case and have a secure place to keep it.
- The river does NOT go in a circle, make a clear plan of how to safely get home (Uber, shuttles, designated driver, etc).
- Floating the San Marcos River is a family-friendly activity.
- Reapply sunscreen!
- Rent a locker for anything you might bring that you don't want to get wet.
- CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF! Litter is a big problem in the San Marcos River. If you're going to have drinks or snacks, bring a trash bag with you and carry out all of your trash.
The San Marcos River isn't the only option for spending a day floating the river. Check out the nearby Comal River and Guadalupe River for even more lazy days spent on a tube!
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