The town of San Marcos in North County San Diego County hardly ever 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 seashore, you’ll discover a lot to do on this enticing 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 full 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 title. The just about 200-acre web site will proceed to be developed over the following few years and embrace a lodge and main retail areas.
For now, although, there may be 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’ll be able to actually drive the primary roads across the lake and do not 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 entails climbing, lounging by the lake, or hitting up nice vineyards or breweries, you shouldn’t have any bother discovering sights 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 perfect issues to do in San Marcos, CA.
1. Lake San Marcos: Keep, Play & Eat
As talked about above, it’s good to find out about this lake upfront as you most likely gained’t simply stumble throughout it. Regardless of being positioned in the midst of a residential space, this hidden gem is completely hidden from surrounding roads and doubles as a unbelievable resort vacation spot, because of the gorgeous Lakehouse Resort (see beneath).
The beautiful lake – which is round 1.3 miles lengthy – is basically surrounded by waterfront homes along with the resort and is flanked to 1 facet by the mountains of San Marcos, that are dotted with mansions and filled with meandering 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 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 elements, you’ll discover loads of small ponds and wildlife that can delight the youngsters. All in all, Lake San Marcos is a unbelievable vacation spot for both a day journey or a trip.
The Lakehouse Lodge & resort
Deal with: 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, you could go to the lake for the day and never need to go away. It’s that stunning!
This upscale lodge 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 can even lease little cottages with massive decks with firepits that face onto the lake.
Visitors 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
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 laborious to get a desk at Amalfi even early within the week, so make sure to e book upfront.
It began life as Decoy Restaurant when the Lakehouse Resort first opened and rapidly turned standard. It was taken over and remodeled into Amalfi Cucina in 2020, however the subtle décor remained largely unchanged.
Downstairs, the restaurant juts out barely onto the lake, and the edges 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 an important bar. The upstairs restaurant is cavernous however stunningly adorned. Suppose elegant with a heat ambiance. It was expensive and extra of a special day spot, however ever for the reason that entire restaurant changed into Amalfi, you may take pleasure in unbelievable Italian meals upstairs in splendid type at extra affordable 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 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 neglected 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 below 4 hours throughout 2700 yards.
The semi-private membership is open to resort friends and the general public and in addition incorporates 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 affords brunch and dwell 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 venture 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 Highway. These embrace the large and really family-friendly brewpub Draft Republic, upscale Italian eatery Buona Forchetta, the often-packed Umami Japanese Restaurant, a trendy however reasonably expensive espresso store (Copa Vida), and the award-winning and locally-owned Wynston’s Ice Cream Co.
North Metropolis options massive, enticing 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 important 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 Journey. 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, because of its trendy 8-lane bowling alley, Full Swing Golf Simulator, video arcade, and huge out of doors space with children 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 area, despite the fact that it’s to 1 facet of it. Did I point out the 40+ beer faucets, trendy picket bar, and nice meals? I extremely advocate 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 middle. The large area opens into what seems like an enormous tunnel of assorted climbing partitions, together with a pace climbing wall. The spectacular bouldering space upstairs contains an array of climbing choices, together with a slab wall, a sprig wall, a contest wall, and an overhanging wall. There’s even a children climbing wall to get the little ones began.
The Heart additionally affords every day health and yoga lessons and incorporates a totally decked-out health room. Costs begin at simply $31 for a Day Move ($21 for 4–7 yrs), or you may improve to Weekly or Month-to-month passes. Mesa Rim is a superb choice for a enjoyable household time out 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 purpose. 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.
Every week-long keep prices round $12,000 and contains as much as 80 rejuvenating lessons from artwork to health to bop (together with Drum & Dance and 80’s Dance Social gathering!), beautiful farm-to-table meals, and a every 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 may learn her Golden Door Spa overview for extra particulars. Visitors usually e book in for Sunday to Sunday stays, however often, you may 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 friends, however if you happen to favor to feast on their superb produce in your personal residence, 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 vastly standard skincare model.
The nation retailer is positioned 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 Heart
Deal with: 986 La Moree Highway, San Marcos, CA 92069
The 23-acre park ought to spark your curiosity in all issues science and nature with its out of doors actions. The Nature Heart is stuffed with hands-on exploratory actions and nature examine for youngsters, plus there’s an important playground, picnic areas, and restroom amenities. Tour the park at your personal tempo or join one of many interpretive hikes.Â
The Nature Heart 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 reasonably climbing path, however the water stage may 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 the breathtakingly stunning Double Peak Park for scenic views from the superb vantage level of North County’s highest peak. You’ll be able to see downtown San Diego so far as Tijuana within the south and north throughout Southern California to Catalina Island on a transparent day. Plus you may gaze on the sizzling air balloons drifting alongside the shoreline close to Encinitas once they’re up.
You’ll be able to 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 affords a number of climbing trails, the place you may see for miles to the ocean — and infrequently, you may 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 chill out as you observe the various chook species that inhabit the realm. There may be additionally a flat path across the lake of round half a mile, which is a superb choice for jogging, scooting or only a common stroll.
The lake path can also be a pet-friendly location for leashed canine. It’s an important various to the aforementioned rigors of Double Peak Park. The picket pier can also be a favourite for youngsters to observe the geese – simply don’t feed them bread.
There’s an honest quantity of park and road parking on the entrance of the park, and there’s additionally a playground the place dad and mom can sit back and watch the little ones play. There’s additionally a enjoyable massive fountain that youngsters 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 greater into the encompassing hills on numerous trails if you happen to favor extra of a problem. An incredible choice 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 encompassing nature are beautiful. 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, but it surely’s alive and kicking (hopefully not actually), positively 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 advanced the thought right into a goat yoga follow when the craze took off, and it’s been successful ever since.
Whereas yoga could also be awash with animal poses (downward canine, cat pose, frog, and many others.) no animal fairly will get in on the act like goats. Throughout lessons, Dr. Bailey’s furry buddies roam across the area, leap from participant’s again to again, and supply a delicate therapeutic massage as you ease into – and maintain – poses.
The lessons are all outdoor and final 75 minutes lengthy to permit for cuddles and pictures after. You’ll be able to lease yoga mats for $3 or convey your personal. The Blissful Goat additionally affords meditation, Neuro-Emotional Method, and life teaching lessons.
11. The Vintage Village
Deal with: 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 residence to over sixty distinctive cubicles, spans over 10,000 sq. ft, and is stocked with new merchandise every day. Favourite objects to attain right here embrace furnishings, pottery, instruments, and positive china. Â
The Village is true subsequent door to the Sky Zone trampoline park, so if you happen to’re with children who’re becoming bored of knick knack looking, you may pop subsequent door afterward the place they will deplete a few of their vitality.
12. Sunshine Mountain Winery
Deal with: 2286 Sunshine Mountain Rd, San Marcos, CA 92069
Check your information of grapes with an journey on the Sunshine Mountain Winery. Benefit from the elegant tasting room or sit down on the out of doors patio round a firepit to savor the flavour of various 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, engaging 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
For those who’re on the lookout for an alternative choice to San Marcos’s many beer or wine choices, try Meadiocrity Mead. Mead is principally alcohol constructed from honey, so 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 will have heard mead talked about in TV exhibits like Sport of Thrones or The Lord of the Rings.
So 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 area is gorgeous, and you may order a flight and experiment with a wide range of engaging flavors. Â
14. Bowlero
Deal with: 945 W. San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, CA 92078
For a enjoyable evening out, hit up Bowlero with the household. This can be a part of a series, 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 affords Evening Strike and After Social gathering choices for individuals who need to bowl late into the evening.Â
Deal with: 1180 W San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, CA 92069
With ongoing schedules of recent releases, this San Marcos theater affords numerous selections appropriate for adults, teenagers, and young children. The family-friendly venue has high flicks displaying in the course of the day and night, so you may cease by everytime you’re within the temper for a film. Plush seating will maintain you comfortable, whereas snacks from the concession stand will certainly get your mouth watering. Â
You’ll be able to have a unbelievable and diverse 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 at this time!