In the late 1800s, the railroad came to the area, and the population began to grow. Since then, San Marcos has had growth nearly every decade. The area is known for having excellent dining opportunities, particularly at Old California Restaurant Row. When you're traveling to San Marcos, you'll find plenty of hotels that offer all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay.
When should you visit San Marcos, CA?
When you're trying to decide the best time to visit San Marcos, it helps to know what you'd like to see and do. Since the area experiences warm summers, this is the most popular time to visit. From June to August, San Marcos sees average high temperatures in the mid- to upper 80s Fahrenheit. You'll find plenty of sunshine to enjoy all the outdoor activities and festivals, but you'll also find some of the highest hotel prices of the year.
If you can hold off your visit until fall, you'll start finding some good hotel deals. Although summer crowds tend to stick around in September since the average highs are still in the upper 80s, by October and November they've gone home. However, you'll still enjoy temperatures in the lower 80s and upper 70s.
Snow is practically unheard of in San Marcos, with average highs from December to February in the upper 60s. Even so, this is the off-season, so you can find some great deals on hotel rooms. However, this is also the wettest season of the year. Therefore, you'll want to pack a raincoat if you plan to visit during these months.
Spring is another great time to visit San Marcos. From March to May, average highs hover in the 70s. Summer visitors haven't arrived yet, so you won't have to deal with crowds at the popular attractions, and hotels typically don't start raising rates until late May.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in San Marcos, CA:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs displaying average nightly cost patterns by star rating class in San Marcos, CA. Analyze these charts to calculate the most cost effective seasons to book in San Marcos for your upcoming travels.
What are the luxury hotel options in San Marcos, CA?
4 Star Average Prices: $169.47
The luxury hotel options near San Marcos give you top-of-the-line amenities and service for an unforgettable stay. Perched on the shores of Lake San Marcos, a stay at Lakehouse Hotel and Resort puts you less than a mile from St. Mark Executive Golf Course. The resort offers modern rooms, suites, and cottages that feature private balconies or patios and come with free wireless internet access and flat-screen televisions with premium cable channels. You'll find plenty of activities to enjoy around the resort. There are two heated outdoor pools, tennis courts, fire pits, and a marina.
A stay at La Costa Resort & Spa puts you 8 miles from San Marcos and just 5 miles from Moonlight State Beach. The stunning rooms come with luxurious bedding, flat-screen televisions with cable channels, plush robes, coffee makers with premium coffees, and minifridges. Your resort fee also covers high-speed internet access. If you're looking to unwind, the on-site spa offers services that include facials, massages, and body treatments. There are eight distinct pools, including some with water slides designed for kids and toddlers. You'll also find 17 tennis courts, five restaurants, and two 18-hole golf courses.
What are the affordable hotel options in San Marcos, CA?
3 Star Average Prices: $136.70
When you're in search of a budget-friendly room for your stay in San Marcos, you'll find several affordable hotel options in the area. A stay at Motel 6 Vista Ca puts you 5 miles from the heart of San Marcos and 11 miles from South Carlsbad State Beach. Here you'll find comfortable rooms that come with wood-look floors, granite countertops in the bathrooms, 32-inch LCD televisions with expanded cable channels, and free wireless internet access. The hotel also offers complimentary coffee in the morning, an outdoor pool, and laundry facilities.
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Escondido Downtown is located 5 miles east of downtown San Marcos and less than a mile from the San Diego Children's Discovery Museum. Relax inside a room that has free wireless internet access plus a flat-screen television, desk, minifridge, and microwave. If you need more space, upgrade to a suite to get a separate living area. Start your morning right with the complimentary continental breakfast before relaxing by the outdoor pool or hopping on Interstate 15 to explore the area.
Comfort Inn Escondido San Diego North County is a modern hotel that's 5 miles from the heart of San Marcos and 17 miles from LEGOLAND California Resort. You'll enjoy a great night's rest in a room that comes with premium bedding, a flat-screen television, free wireless internet access, a coffee maker, a microwave, and a minifridge. Get your day started with a stop at the complimentary hot breakfast buffet. If you need to get some work done, the hotel offers a business center. You can get in your daily workout at the fitness center or simply relax by the heated outdoor pool.