I bet you would never associate mermaids with Texas, but right in the heart of Texas hill country is San Marcos, the mermaid capital of Texas! It may be strange that the mermaid capital is nowhere near the ocean, but driving through town it is impossible to miss the gorgeous clear water from the San Marcos River and Spring Lake.
Anyone who ever thinks of San Marcos will think of water, because the town is built around water. The art is about water, the tourism revolves around water, the festivals, the activities, the jobs, and even the hikes all are focused on the beautiful waters of San Marcos. So because this crystal clear water is such a centerpiece to the town it makes sense that mermaids are the mascots.
Throughout town there are several large painted mermaid statues. These mermaids are each uniquely painted to represent something special about San Marcos. Finding the painted mermaids of San Marcos is one of the most mermaid themed activities you can do!
Why Mermaids?
San Marcos has a rich history all surrounding its beautiful natural springs. These springs were considered sacred to the Native Americans that inhabited this land so long ago.
Later it became the hot spot for mermaid-like synchronized swimmers, the Aquamaids and their swimming pig Ralph. Because of their incredible swimming, and breathing hose system they officially created the image of the mermaids for the town.
Since adopting this image for the town of San Marcos, the town has focused its efforts of preservation and distribution of these beautiful springs for the state of Texas. It is one of the sources of water for Texas residents. These springs not only have blessed the lives of those in town, but throughout the state.
Mermaids are the protectors and rulers of the water so it just makes sense that they would be the symbol of this beautiful water.
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Mermaid Trail Guide:
In this guide you will find a map of where each of the painted mermaids of San Marcos are located. You obviously can take whatever route you would like to find each of the mermaids, but I will show you the route that we took and why we took this route. You will also see tips for parking, location of the mermaids, and if you should walk or drive. Here is where you will find the 11 painted mermaids of San Marcos, Texas.
Map:
Aqua Reina
First stop on the painted mermaid expedition is to park between the San Marcos Library and the San Marcos Activity Center. In front of these 2 buildings is this beautiful mermaid painted with the wildlife that surrounds the aquatic habitat.
Address: 501 E. Hopkins St
Before Us
Next drive to San Marcos Plaza Park. There is a parking area right in front of the stage. Right next to the stage and in front of the bridge is the next mermaid. This mermaid is a celebration of the Native American culture. The animals that are painted on this mermaid are guardian spirits.
Address: 401 E Hopkins St
Mermaid Playground
As you drive down E Hutchinson St you will find two mermaids. There is parallel parking along E. Hutchinson St. Find a good spot and get ready to see the 2 mermaids at this location. The first located beside the Lago Vista Film Lab. This mermaid has origins of the mermaids in San Marcos! The Aquamaid synchronized swimmers and their swimming pig!
Address: 380 E Hutchison St
Liquid Metal
Across the street and kitty corner from Mermaid Playground is this pitch black mermaid. Cool fact the closer you get to the mermaid the better you can see your reflection even on the black surface. This mermaid is meant to help you see yourself better.
Address: 315 E. Hutchison St
Oh For A Muse Of Fire
Once you get back in your car drive down to E Hopkins St and turn south at the light on Guadalupe St. There is parking right by that light and this is where I suggest you park to get a closer look at this next mermaid. She is actually a color changing mermaid! Depending on the temperature is what color she will be. If it is cold outside, she will be black. If it is warmer outside, she will change into the colors of the picture above. Cool!
Address: 137 Guadalupe St. at W. Hopkins St
Dianne
Dianne is the next mermaid on the list and she is probably on of the most beautiful and most complicated to see. She is complicated due to the lack of parking around her. It is best to just get a drive by shot of her than to find somewhere to park and walk to see her. She is covered in all sorts of gorgeous flowers and almost blends into the flowers around her, located in front of the Price Center.
Address: 222 W. San Antonio St
Fish Of The San Marcos Waterways
Texas does not have many fish hatcheries, but San Marcos is one of those few locations to have one. So to honor this unique Texas feature, this mermaid was covered in fish. She is located at the corner of the parking lot between Guadalupe St and MLK Dr. We couldn’t resist the urge to grab ourselves a Little Caesar’s Pizza located behind this mermaid, for a picnic at the next stop.
Address: 110 E. MLK Dr. at Guadalupe St
Blooming Brightly
You are definitely gonna want to bring your kids to visit this mermaid. She stands in front of this giant Children’s Park playground. Talk about an adorable playground, with a mermaid castle, volcano, pirate ship, and even some play Glass Bottom Boats! We stopped to have our pizza picnic on the table right in front of her and her unique design made from newspapers. There is a parking lot at this playground, just know it gets pretty busy, so you may have to parallel park on the road.
Address: 205 S CM Allen Pkwy
Mermaid Map
I am just being honest with you, that I think this mermaid is super creepy! Her mosaic design is incredible, but she does remind me of a ghost mermaid. She is right by the bathrooms at Crook Park. If you want you can either stay parked here and walk to the last mermaid or if you need more parking head to the Tourist Information Center for more parking.
Address: 420 Riverside Dr
Ode To Ralph
Whether you decided to walk through the Discovery Center gardens from Crook Park or drive to the Tourist Information Center, you have saved the best mermaid for last. This isn’t just a mermaid, but also her pet mermaid pig, Ralph. He was pretty much the mascot of the swimming Aquamaids from San Marcos’s history.
Address: 617 I 35 N Frontage Rd
Other Fun Things To Do In San Marcos, Texas:
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