The San Marcos center point is about the area of Old Adobe Fine Art and 5 miles east of Carlsbad McClellan Palomar Airport.
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.
When you want to save a little money during your stay in San Marcos, you'll find plenty of hotels that offer good discounts. At Days Inn San Marcos, seniors who are 60 years or older can take advantage of special savings off the best available rates. Additionally, auto club members will want to use their membership to get 10 percent or more off their stay at the hotel. Finally, AARP members can enjoy savings of 10 percent off the best available rate when staying at Days Inn.
There are also several ways to save when you stay at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego North/San Marcos. If you have an AAA or CAA membership, you can save on room rates, spa treatments, and more. Seniors who are 62 years or older will enjoy savings of at least 15 percent on their room rate. Fairfield Inn also likes to thank military personnel for their service by offering them special rates and offers, and qualified government employees can save money during their stay by taking advantage of rates and promotions just for them.
The value option hotels in San Marcos give you great amenities that make your stay feel like home. Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego North/San Marcos puts you just a few miles from top area attractions that include LEGOLAND California Resort. You'll find airy rooms that range from studios to two-bedroom suites and feature fully equipped kitchens as well as flat-screen televisions with premium cable channels and free wireless internet access. Enjoy the complimentary hot breakfast offered every morning and the evening reception offered on select weekdays. Other amenities at the hotel include a 24-hour fitness center, outdoor pool, and 24-hour business center.
Hampton Inn San Marcos is situated less than a mile from the heart of San Marcos and 12 miles from LEGOLAND California Resort. If you're here to get some work done, you'll appreciate that the modern rooms come with full-size desks as well as lap desks if you want to work on the bed. You'll also enjoy a coffee maker, a minifridge, a microwave, a flat-screen television with high-definition channels, and free wireless internet access. If you're in a hurry in the morning, make sure you get one of the complimentary to-go breakfast bags. Otherwise, take your time to appreciate the free hot breakfast.
A stay at La Quinta Inn San Diego Vista puts you 3 miles from San Marcos and 11 miles from hiking and biking at Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve. The rooms feature pillow-top mattresses and flat-screen televisions with premium high-definition channels, as well as coffee makers and free wireless internet access. Prepare for your big day with a stop at the complimentary continental breakfast, which includes waffles, bagels, cereal, pastries, fresh fruit, and more. The hotel also offers free parking and an outdoor pool.
No matter where you plan to stay in San Marcos, you'll find plenty of enjoyable attractions. When you're looking for some of the best places to eat in the area, head to Old California Restaurant Row. This unique dining and entertainment destination started with a fruit stand and now has 15 restaurants with options that include San Marcos Brewery and Grill, Landon's Gourmet Kitchen, Fish House Vera Cruz, and Old California Mining Company. The restaurants are also within walking distance of Edwards San Marcos Stadium 18 cinema complex, so you can experience a movie with your dinner.
If you want to get outside and enjoy the area, consider taking a trip to Double Peak Park. This rugged 200-acre park has hiking trails that lead to a summit of the highest peak in North County and offer spectacular views of the city, mountains, and, on clear days, even the ocean. You'll also find a playground, basketball courts, and picnic areas.
Whether you're looking for budget-friendly rooms or luxurious suites, you'll find the accommodations you need to make your stay in San Marcos complete.
Below are reviews of the city of San Marcos, CA from an actual visitor's perspective.
I went to great shopping centers and a couple restaurants off Los Posas. A great brewery and taco restaurant combo very close by too!
The city is very clean and it is a nice area.
San Marcos is a beautiful city. Home of Cal State Univ San Marcos and a plethora of shops, restaurants, breweries and sports oriented activities such as bowling, ax throwing, mountain biking, hiking, and water sports. Close to the ocean, San Clemente and San Diego, CA.
The city is very nice with a great location and lots of restaurants.
It was a good experience.
It was central to restaurants.
Clean!
Comfortable and relaxed environment. More space and better humane pace to major cities.
Nice views, good restaurants!
San Marcos seemed to be a much nicer (and maybe safer) area than Escondido, which was closer to the attraction we were going to during our stay.
San Marcos is awesome! Easy to get around and a nice beachy town feel. You're a quick jaunt from a lot of popular areas.
Nice views and good restaurants!
Safe area and the beach at Carlsbad is about 15 minutes away. Great!
Lots of good restaurants close to the hotel.
Lots of good restaurants close to the hotel.
I enjoyed the scenery in San Marcos! Lots of lush green hills
Many eateries and quick access to travel routes for San Diego and shore points.
Many eateries and quick access to travel routes for San Diego and shore points.
San Marcos is fine. Has everything you need nearby.
San Marcos is just fine. Your hotel is close to everything.
Hiking trails in the hills nearby! Everywhere ;-)
Nice town had a little bit of everything around us.