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 omitted of the holiday itinerary. However if you happen to take the 20-minute drive inland from the seaside, you’ll discover loads to do on this engaging and really family-friendly city, together with expansive mountain and lake views, a incredible hidden resort, plus quite a few alternatives for {couples}, teams of mates, 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 massive ‘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 virtually 200-acre web site will proceed to be developed over the following few years and embody a lodge and main retail areas.
For now, although, there may be loads to do throughout a go to to San Marcos. Its crown jewel is Lake San Marcos, which is totally hidden from view from the street. You’ll be able to actually drive the primary roads across the lake and don’t know it even exists! However don’t be fooled, this waterfront oasis is certainly price a go to, and particularly a weekend keep on the stunning 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 mountain climbing, lounging by the lake, or hitting up nice vineyards or breweries, you should not have any bother discovering points of interest in and across the city.
As a North County native, I take pleasure in introducing residents and vacationers alike to the hidden gems of the area, and I’ve compiled an inventory of the very best 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 situated in the course of a residential space, this hidden gem is solely hidden from surrounding roads and doubles as a incredible resort vacation spot, due to the gorgeous 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 filled with meandering mountain climbing trails.
Swimming within the lake is prohibited, however you may kayak or paddleboard to your coronary heart’s content material. The marina rental workplace is situated on the lake in entrance of the resort and likewise 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 be able to hire 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 elements, you’ll discover loads of small ponds and wildlife that can delight the children. All in all, Lake San Marcos is a incredible vacation spot for both a day journey or a trip.
The Lakehouse Resort & resort
Tackle: 1025 La Bonita Drive, San Marcos, CA 92078
If you wish to keep in a single day at Lake San Marcos, try The Lakehouse Resort. In actual fact, chances are you’ll go to the lake for the day and never need to go away. It’s that stunning!
This upscale lodge was utterly renovated in 2013 and is now a laid-back however stylish vacation spot for households and teams of mates alike. The 140+ rooms are stylishly adorned with an aquatic theme, and you can even hire little cottages with giant decks with firepits that face onto the lake.
Company get complimentary cruiser bike leases for exploring the lake’s many bike paths, plus a s’mores package upon arrival to be used at one of many resort’s many open firepits. Canines are additionally welcome.
Amalfi Cucina Restaurant
Tackle: 1035 La Bonita Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078
This enormous two-level restaurant overlooking the lake is situated subsequent to (however not owned by) The Lakehouse Resort and is a serious hotspot in San Marcos. It may be exhausting to get a desk at Amalfi even early within the week, so you’ll want to e book prematurely.
It began life as Decoy Restaurant when the Lakehouse Resort first opened and shortly turned common. 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, beautiful tables overlooking the lake, TVs for sports activities, and a fantastic bar. The upstairs restaurant is cavernous however stunningly adorned. Suppose elegant with a heat ambiance. It was dear and extra of a special day spot, however ever for the reason that entire restaurant changed into Amalfi, you may take pleasure in incredible Italian meals upstairs in splendid model at extra cheap costs.
2. The Hyperlinks at Lakehouse (previously St. Mark Golf Membership)
Tackle: 1750 San Pablo Dr, San Marcos, CA 92078
Golf lovers and newbies alike can take pleasure in a scenic time out 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 stage or time restraints, you may 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 likewise includes a driving vary and a Golf Academy providing a spread of personal or group classes. Plus, you may 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 presents brunch and dwell music on the weekends.
3. North Metropolis
Tackle: 250 N Metropolis Dr, San Marcos, CA 92078
As talked about within the intro, North Metropolis is the present enormous growth mission underway in San Marcos. Whereas there’s nonetheless loads to be constructed, North Metropolis has a incredible cluster of eating places simply off Barham Drive and Twin Oaks Valley Highway. These embody the large and really family-friendly brewpub Draft Republic, upscale Italian eatery Buona Forchetta, the often-packed Umami Japanese Restaurant, a classy however fairly dear 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 beautiful to stroll round, and there’s a fantastic farmer’s market each Tuesday from 3–7 p.m., the place you may take pleasure in dwell music on the garden subsequent door. There are additionally rotating dwell music acts right here each Friday and Saturday night.
For those who’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 enormous.
4. Draft Republic
Tackle: 255 Redel Rd., San Marcos, CA 92078
A particular shout-out ought to exit to this nice location for households, due to its fashionable 8-lane bowling alley, Full Swing Golf Simulator, video arcade, and huge outside 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, regardless that it’s to at least one facet of it. Did I point out the 40+ beer faucets, fashionable picket bar, and nice meals? I extremely advocate the Spicy Vegan Cauliflower Tacos or Surf & Turf Quesadilla.
Tackle: 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 middle. 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 presents each day health and yoga lessons and includes a absolutely decked-out health room. Costs begin at simply $31 for a Day Go ($21 for 4–7 yrs), or you may improve to Weekly or Month-to-month passes. Mesa Rim is a good possibility for a enjoyable household time out or a laser-focused problem for knowledgeable climbers.
6. Golden Door Spa
Tackle: 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 custom-made 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 lessons from artwork to health to bounce (together with Drum & Dance and 80’s Dance Celebration!), beautiful farm-to-table meals, and a each day therapeutic massage.
Nestled in 600 acres of nature’s splendor, the spa’s grounds embody Japanese gardens, avocado orchards, citrus orchards, bee hives, and tea gardens. Katie has been there, so you may learn her Golden Door Spa evaluate for extra particulars. Company sometimes e book in for Sunday to Sunday stays, however sometimes, you may e book in Sunday–Wednesday or Wednesday–Sunday.
Golden Door Nation Retailer
The Golden Door Spa is famend for its give attention to vitamin and bio-intensive farming strategies for visitors, however if you happen to choose to feast on their superb produce in your individual dwelling, you may 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 massively common skincare model.
The nation retailer is situated at 314 Deer Springs Highway, San Marcos, and is open Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
7. Jack’s Pond Park and Nature Middle
Tackle: 986 La Moree Highway, San Marcos, CA 92069
The 23-acre park options a fantastic Nature Middle that’s filled with hands-on exploratory actions and nature research for kids, plus there’s a fantastic 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 mountain climbing path, however the water stage could be fairly low. You need to spot geese, although, and loads of wildlife alongside the path. Simply be careful for the Prickly Pear Cactus!
8. Double Peak Park
Tackle: 900 Double Peak Drive, San Marcos, CA 92078
Head to stunning Double Peak Park for breathtaking scenic views. From this superb vantage level of North County’s highest peak you may see downtown San Diego and Tijuana to the south on a transparent day, and to the north you may spot Catalina Island. Plus you may gaze on the sizzling air balloons drifting alongside the shoreline close to Encinitas after they’re up.
You’ll be able to drive proper as much as the park or park beneath and hike up the round street. It’s not for the faint-hearted, although, because it’s a steep climb, however the spectacular views are price it. Double Peak Park presents a number of mountain climbing trails, the place you may see for miles to the ocean — and sometimes, you may even observe the usually snow-capped San Bernardino Mountains from afar.Â
9. Discovery Lake
Tackle: 650 Foxhall Drive, San Marcos, CA 92078
This native lake is a well-liked place to sit down again and calm down as you observe the numerous fowl species that inhabit the world. There may be additionally a flat path across the lake of round half a mile, which is a good possibility for jogging, scooting or only a common stroll.
The lake path can also be a pet-friendly location for leashed canine. It’s a fantastic different to the aforementioned rigors of Double Peak Park. The picket pier can also be a favourite for kids to observe 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 mother and father can chill and watch the little ones play. There’s additionally a enjoyable giant fountain that children are allowed to splash round in simply earlier than the path leads all the way down to the lake.
After circling the lake, you may climb larger into the encircling hills on varied trails if you happen to choose 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
Tackle: It’s on personal property, so the San Marcos handle might 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 undoubtedly some of the 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 lessons, Dr. Bailey’s furry mates roam across the house, soar from participant’s again to again, and supply a delicate therapeutic massage as you ease into – and maintain – poses.
The lessons are all open air and final 75 minutes lengthy to permit for cuddles and photographs after. You’ll be able to hire yoga mats for $3 or carry your individual. The Blissful Goat additionally presents meditation, Neuro-Emotional Method, and life teaching lessons.
11. The Vintage Village
Tackle: 850 Los Vallecitos Blvd, San Marcos, CA 92069
For those who’re an vintage lover and have a while in your arms, head to this distinctive indoor village the place you may rummage round for hours searching for treasure. The Vintage Village is dwelling to over sixty distinctive cubicles, spans over 10,000 sq. ft, and is stocked with new merchandise each day. Favourite objects to attain right here embody furnishings, pottery, instruments, and tremendous 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 may pop subsequent door afterward the place they’ll expend a few of their power.
12. Sunshine Mountain Winery
Tackle: 2286 Sunshine Mountain Rd, San Marcos, CA 92069
Check your data of grapes with an journey on the Sunshine Mountain Winery. Benefit from the elegant tasting room or sit down on the outside patio round a firepit to savor the flavour of varied wines whereas absorbing magnificent mountain views. You can even discover the winery’s three earthen caves, the place their wines are aged to perfection in oak barrels.
A meals menu can also 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
Tackle: 1365 Grand Ave Suite 100, San Marcos, CA 92078
For those who’re on the lookout for a substitute for San Marcos’s many beer or wine choices, try Meadiocrity Mead. Mead is principally alcohol produced from honey. It’s a fermented alcoholic beverage, which is often known 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’ll have heard mead talked about in TV exhibits 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 quite a lot of intriguing growlers and bottles. The outside house is beautiful and you’ll order a flight and experiment with quite a lot of attractive flavors. Â
14. Bowlero
Tackle: 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 sequence, however the San Marcos location is certainly price visiting. It has 40 bowling lanes, plus billiards and pool tables, an arcade filled with state-of-the-art video video games and pinball machines — and even beer pong for the adults.
Bowlero presents Night time Strike and After Celebration choices for individuals who need to bowl late into the night time.Â
Tackle: 1180 W San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, CA 92069
With ongoing schedules of recent releases, this San Marcos theater presents varied selections appropriate for adults, teenagers, and babies. The family-friendly venue has prime flicks displaying throughout the day and night, so you may cease by everytime you’re within the temper for a film. Plush seating will preserve you comfortable, whereas snacks from the concession stand will certainly get your mouth watering. Â
You’ll be able to have a incredible and assorted expertise if you happen to hit up the numerous issues to do in San Marcos, CA that embody the points of interest, leisure locations, leisure venues, and academic websites highlighted above. Begin planning your San Marcos journey at the moment!