The town of San Marcos in North County San Diego County not often will get the eye it deserves. As a result of neighboring cities Carlsbad and Encinitas are on the coast, San Marcos can typically get neglected of the holiday itinerary. However if you happen to take the 20-minute drive inland from the seashore, you’ll discover a lot to do on this engaging and really family-friendly city, together with expansive mountain and lake views, a unbelievable hidden resort, plus quite a few alternatives for {couples}, teams of buddies, and whole households to be entertained.
There was main enlargement and renovation in San Marcos within the final 5 or so years, and town is quickly rising. The large ‘North Metropolis’ growth, proper off the I-78 and subsequent to Cal State San Marcos College, was designed to rival downtown San Diego, therefore its identify. The just about 200-acre website will proceed to be developed over the following few years and embrace a resort and main retail areas.
For now, although, there’s a lot to do throughout a go to to San Marcos. Its crown jewel is Lake San Marcos, which is totally hidden from view from the highway. You possibly can actually drive the primary roads across the lake and do not know it even exists! However don’t be fooled, this waterfront oasis is unquestionably price a go to, and particularly a weekend keep on the lovely Lakehouse Resort on the lake’s shore.
However the lake and its pure magnificence are simply a part of San Marcos’s attract. And whether or not your concept of the proper day in north San Diego County includes climbing, lounging by the lake, or hitting up nice vineyards or breweries, you shouldn’t have any hassle discovering sights in and across the city.
As a North County native, I get pleasure from introducing residents and vacationers alike to the hidden gems of the area, and I’ve compiled an inventory of the perfect issues to do in San Marcos, CA.
1. Lake San Marcos: Keep, Play & Eat
As talked about above, you must find out about this lake prematurely as you in all probability received’t simply stumble throughout it. Regardless of being positioned in the course of a residential space, this hidden gem is fully hidden from surrounding roads and doubles as a unbelievable resort vacation spot, due to the attractive Lakehouse Resort (see beneath).
The gorgeous lake – which is round 1.3 miles lengthy – is basically surrounded by waterfront homes along with the resort and is flanked to at least one facet by the mountains of San Marcos, that are dotted with mansions and stuffed with meandering climbing trails.
Swimming within the lake is prohibited, however you possibly can kayak or paddleboard to your coronary heart’s content material. The marina rental workplace is positioned on the lake in entrance of the resort and in addition hires out water trikes, paddle boats, and Duffy boats. A current addition to the water actions for these in a romantic temper are gondolas, which you’ll lease from The Black Swan Gondola Firm.
The entire lake has a really tranquil vibe, and if you happen to fastidiously discover the lake’s edge in sure components, you’ll discover loads of small ponds and wildlife that can delight the children. All in all, Lake San Marcos is a unbelievable vacation spot for both a day journey or a trip.
The Lakehouse Resort & resort
Deal with: 1025 La Bonita Drive, San Marcos, CA 92078
If you wish to keep in a single day at Lake San Marcos, take a look at The Lakehouse Resort. In truth, it’s possible you’ll go to the lake for the day and never need to go away. It’s that lovely!
This upscale resort was fully renovated in 2013 and is now a laid-back however stylish vacation spot for households and teams of buddies alike. The 140+ rooms are stylishly adorned with an aquatic theme, and you too can lease little cottages with giant decks with firepits that face onto the lake.
Friends get complimentary cruiser bike leases for exploring the lake’s many bike paths, plus a s’mores equipment upon arrival to be used at one of many resort’s many open firepits. Canine are additionally welcome.
Amalfi Cucina Restaurant
Deal with: 1035 La Bonita Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078
This big two-level restaurant overlooking the lake is positioned subsequent to (however not owned by) The Lakehouse Resort and is a significant hotspot in San Marcos. It may be onerous to get a desk at Amalfi even early within the week, so make sure to e book prematurely.
It began life as Decoy Restaurant when the Lakehouse Resort first opened and rapidly turned widespread. It was taken over and reworked into Amalfi Cucina in 2020, however the refined décor remained largely unchanged.
Downstairs, the restaurant juts out barely onto the lake, and the perimeters are open, so it’s nice on heat evenings. It has a really pleasant informal vibe, pretty tables overlooking the lake, TVs for sports activities, and an ideal bar. The upstairs restaurant is cavernous however stunningly adorned. Suppose elegant with a heat ambiance. It was expensive and extra of an important day spot, however ever because the entire restaurant became Amalfi, you possibly can get pleasure from unbelievable Italian meals upstairs in splendid type at extra cheap costs.
2. The Hyperlinks at Lakehouse (previously St. Mark Golf Membership)
Deal with: 1750 San Pablo Dr, San Marcos, CA 92078
Golf lovers and newbies alike can get pleasure from a scenic day trip at The Hyperlinks at Lakehouse, a championship golf course designed by Harry Rainville. A part of the Lakeside Resort, the membership is missed by mountains and set amidst tranquil lake views.
Relying in your degree or time restraints, you possibly can select between two 18-hole golf programs: The Hyperlinks is a state-of-the-art championship golf course spanning 6,400 yards or the Government Course for a par-58 that may be performed underneath 4 hours throughout 2700 yards.
The semi-private membership is open to resort visitors and the general public and in addition contains a driving vary and a Golf Academy providing a variety of personal or group classes. Plus, you possibly can gas up with breakfast at The Grill, the membership’s resident restaurant, earlier than hitting the hyperlinks or wind down afterward for lunch or dinner. The Grill additionally gives brunch and reside music on the weekends.
3. North Metropolis
Deal with: 250 N Metropolis Dr, San Marcos, CA 92078
As talked about within the intro, North Metropolis is the present big growth undertaking underway in San Marcos. Whereas there’s nonetheless a lot to be constructed, North Metropolis has a unbelievable cluster of eating places simply off Barham Drive and Twin Oaks Valley Street. These embrace the massive and really family-friendly brewpub Draft Republic, upscale Italian eatery Buona Forchetta, the often-packed Umami Japanese Restaurant, a classy however fairly expensive espresso store (Copa Vida), and the award-winning and locally-owned Wynston’s Ice Cream Co.
North Metropolis options giant, engaging buildings rented out to college students at California State College San Marcos, which is true throughout the road. The entire space is gorgeous to stroll round, and there’s an ideal farmer’s market each Tuesday from 3–7 p.m., the place you possibly can get pleasure from reside music on the garden subsequent door. There are additionally rotating reside music acts right here each Friday and Saturday night.
In the event you’re a biking fan otherwise you occur to be in San Marcos in late April, North Metropolis performs host to the world-famous Belgian Waffle Experience. Get there early, although, because the crowds get big.
4. Draft Republic
Deal with: 255 Redel Rd., San Marcos, CA 92078
A particular shout-out ought to exit to this nice location for households, due to its trendy 8-lane bowling alley, Full Swing Golf Simulator, video arcade, and enormous out of doors space with youngsters video games plus shuffleboard and corn gap.
Draft Republic actually feels just like the centerpiece of North Metropolis with its whopping 28,000 sq ft house, although it’s to at least one facet of it. Did I point out the 40+ beer faucets, trendy wood bar, and nice meals? I extremely suggest the Spicy Vegan Cauliflower Tacos or Surf & Turf Quesadilla.
Deal with: 285 Industrial St., San Marcos, CA 92078
Proper subsequent door to Draft Republic, and just about towering above it, is that this world-class climbing heart. The large house opens into what seems to be like an enormous tunnel of assorted climbing partitions, together with a pace climbing wall. The spectacular bouldering space upstairs consists of an array of climbing choices, together with a slab wall, a twig wall, a contest wall, and an overhanging wall. There’s even a youngsters climbing wall to get the little ones began.
The Middle additionally gives day by day health and yoga courses and contains a totally decked-out health room. Costs begin at simply $31 for a Day Go ($21 for 4–7 yrs), or you possibly can improve to Weekly or Month-to-month passes. Mesa Rim is a superb possibility for a enjoyable household day trip or a laser-focused problem for knowledgeable climbers.
6. Golden Door Spa
Deal with: 777 Deer Springs Rd, San Marcos, CA 92069
This distinctive award-winning vacation spot spa is world-famous for good motive. Based in 1958, and renovated in 1973, the spa has performed host to Hollywood greats from Elizabeth Taylor and Natalie Wooden to current-day luminaries Nicole Kidman and Oprah Winfrey. Specializing in week-long retreats, the Golden Door’s extremely personalized packages promise to rejuvenate your thoughts, physique, and soul.
Per week-long keep prices round $12,000 and consists of as much as 80 rejuvenating courses from artwork to health to bounce (together with Drum & Dance and 80’s Dance Celebration!), beautiful farm-to-table meals, and a day by day therapeutic massage.
Nestled in 600 acres of nature’s splendor, the spa’s grounds embrace Japanese gardens, avocado orchards, citrus orchards, bee hives, and tea gardens. Katie has been there, so you possibly can learn her Golden Door Spa evaluate for extra particulars. Friends usually e book in for Sunday to Sunday stays, however often, you possibly can e book in Sunday–Wednesday or Wednesday–Sunday.
Golden Door Nation Retailer
The Golden Door Spa is famend for its deal with vitamin and bio-intensive farming strategies for visitors, however if you happen to favor to feast on their wonderful produce in your individual house, you possibly can go to their fairly nation retailer in San Marcos to buy seasonal, natural, and nutrient-rich harvests fare. The shop additionally sells the spa’s vastly widespread skincare model.
The nation retailer is positioned at 314 Deer Springs Street, San Marcos, and is open Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
7. Jack’s Pond Park and Nature Middle
Deal with: 986 La Moree Street, San Marcos, CA 92069
The 23-acre park options an ideal Nature Middle that’s stuffed with hands-on exploratory actions and nature examine for youngsters, plus there’s an ideal playground, picnic areas, and restroom services. Tour the park at your individual tempo or join one of many interpretive hikes.Â
The Nature Middle is staffed by volunteers and goals to be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.–1 p.m., however I like to recommend calling forward of your go to to double-check.
You’ll discover the precise Jack’s Pond alongside a fairly climbing path, however the water degree could be fairly low. You must spot geese, although, and loads of natural world alongside the path. Simply be careful for the Prickly Pear Cactus!
8. Double Peak Park
Deal with: 900 Double Peak Drive, San Marcos, CA 92078
Head to lovely Double Peak Park for breathtaking scenic views. From this wonderful vantage level of North County’s highest peak you possibly can see downtown San Diego and Tijuana to the south on a transparent day, and to the north you possibly can spot Catalina Island. Plus you possibly can gaze on the sizzling air balloons drifting alongside the shoreline close to Encinitas after they’re up.
You possibly can drive proper as much as the park or park beneath and hike up the round highway. It’s not for the faint-hearted, although, because it’s a steep climb, however the spectacular views are price it. Double Peak Park gives a number of climbing trails, the place you possibly can see for miles to the ocean — and sometimes, you possibly can even observe the usually snow-capped San Bernardino Mountains from afar.Â
9. Discovery Lake
Deal with: 650 Foxhall Drive, San Marcos, CA 92078
This native lake is a well-liked place to take a seat again and calm down as you observe the various fowl species that inhabit the world. There may be additionally a flat path across the lake of round half a mile, which is a superb possibility for jogging, scooting or only a common stroll.
The lake path can be a pet-friendly location for leashed canines. It’s an ideal various to the aforementioned rigors of Double Peak Park. The wood pier can be a favourite for youngsters to look at the geese – simply keep in mind it’s forbidden to feed them.
There’s a good quantity of park and avenue parking on the entrance of the park, and there’s additionally a playground the place dad and mom can relax and watch the little ones play. There’s additionally a enjoyable giant fountain that youngsters are allowed to splash round in simply earlier than the path leads right down to the lake.
After circling the lake, you possibly can climb increased into the encircling hills on varied trails if you happen to favor extra of a problem. A fantastic possibility is the Discovery Lake to Double Peak path, which is 4.2 miles lengthy. It’s somewhat difficult as a result of hills you’ll climb however the views of the encircling nature are gorgeous. There have been mountain lion and coyote sightings however they’re uncommon.
10. Goat Yoga at The Blissful Goat
Deal with: It’s on non-public property, so the San Marcos handle will likely be emailed to you upon reserving.
The Goat Yoga craze first made information again in 2016, nevertheless it’s alive and kicking (hopefully not actually) – and positively probably the most distinctive issues to do – in San Marcos.
The Blissful Goat is run by chiropractor and life coach Dr. Star Bailey, who first introduced goats to her San Marcos farm for the well being advantages of their milk over ten years in the past. She developed the thought right into a goat yoga follow when the craze took off, and it’s been a success ever since.
Whereas yoga could also be awash with animal poses (downward canine, cat pose, frog, and so on.) no animal fairly will get in on the act like goats. Throughout courses, Dr. Bailey’s furry buddies roam across the house, bounce from participant’s again to again, and supply a delicate therapeutic massage as you ease into – and maintain – poses.
The courses are all outside and final 75 minutes lengthy to permit for cuddles and images after. You possibly can lease yoga mats for $3 or convey your individual. The Blissful Goat additionally gives meditation, Neuro-Emotional Approach, and life teaching courses.
11. The Vintage Village
Deal with: 850 Los Vallecitos Blvd, San Marcos, CA 92069
In the event you’re an vintage lover and have a while in your fingers, head to this distinctive indoor village the place you possibly can rummage round for hours searching for treasure. The Vintage Village is house to over sixty distinctive cubicles, spans over 10,000 sq. toes, and is stocked with new merchandise day by day. Favourite gadgets to attain right here embrace furnishings, pottery, instruments, and high-quality china. Â
The Village is true subsequent door to the Sky Zone trampoline park, so if you happen to’re with youngsters who’re becoming bored of knick knack looking, you possibly can pop subsequent door afterward the place they’ll dissipate a few of their power.
12. Sunshine Mountain Winery
Deal with: 2286 Sunshine Mountain Rd, San Marcos, CA 92069
Take a look at your information of grapes with an journey on the Sunshine Mountain Winery. Benefit from the elegant tasting room or sit on the out of doors patio round a firepit to savor the flavour of varied wines whereas absorbing magnificent mountain views. You may also discover the winery’s three earthen caves, the place their wines are aged to perfection in oak barrels.
A meals menu can be obtainable with assorted appetizers, entrees, attractive cheese platters, pizza, and desserts. This San Marcos winery is open to the general public from Thursday to Sunday from midday to 7 p.m.Â
Deal with: 1365 Grand Ave Suite 100, San Marcos, CA 92078
In the event you’re searching for a substitute for San Marcos’s many beer or wine choices, take a look at Meadiocrity Mead. Mead is mainly alcohol made out of honey. It’s a fermented alcoholic beverage, which is also referred to as ‘honey wine,’ and is made primarily from honey, water, and yeast. It has fairly the historical past and was a favourite alcoholic beverage eons earlier than beer and wine. You might have heard mead talked about in TV reveals like Recreation of Thrones or The Lord of the Rings.
Take a step again in time at Meadiocrity Mead’s tasting room in San Marcos, the place you’ll discover a wide range of intriguing growlers and bottles. The out of doors house is gorgeous and you may order a flight and experiment with a wide range of attractive flavors. Â
14. Bowlero
Deal with: 945 W. San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, CA 92078
For a enjoyable night time out, hit up Bowlero with the household. This can be a part of a series, however the San Marcos location is unquestionably price visiting. It has 40 bowling lanes, plus billiards and pool tables, an arcade stuffed with state-of-the-art video video games and pinball machines — and even beer pong for the adults.
Bowlero gives Evening Strike and After Celebration choices for individuals who need to bowl late into the night time.Â
Deal with: 1180 W San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, CA 92069
With ongoing schedules of latest releases, this San Marcos theater gives varied selections appropriate for adults, teenagers, and young children. The family-friendly venue has prime flicks displaying in the course of the day and night, so you possibly can cease by everytime you’re within the temper for a film. Plush seating will preserve you cozy, whereas snacks from the concession stand will certainly get your mouth watering. Â
You possibly can have a unbelievable and assorted expertise if you happen to hit up the various issues to do in San Marcos, CA that embrace the sights, leisure locations, leisure venues, and academic websites highlighted above. Begin planning your San Marcos journey right this moment!
