San Marcos

San Marcos is a city in San Diego County in Southern California.

Get in

San Marcos is located on Highway 78 between Oceanside and Escondido. It is roughly 35 miles north of San Diego via Interstate 5 or Interstate 15 to Highway 78. The nearest major airport is San Diego. The nearest minor airport is Palomar Airport in Carlsbad.

The Sprinter, a light rail which runs between Oceanside and Escondido has two stops within the city limits, at 1 San Marcos Civic Center and 2 Palomar College.

Get around

Breeze is the local bus system, with the Sprinter Oceanside-Escondido light rail line stopping in San Marcos as well. You can also dial 511 in the San Diego area for regional traffic, transit, and commute info.

See

• 1 Boehm Gallery @ Palomar College, 1140 West Mission Rd., ☏ +1 760 744-1150 ext 2304. The Boehm Gallery of Palomar College was dedicated as a not-for-profit art space in 1966. The Gallery is named after a former Palomar College Dean of Humanities, Dwight Boehm. The gallery has steadily gained in stature locally, nationally and internationally. It has been featured in such prestigious publications as Art Forum, Artweek, Art in America & Ceramics Monthly. 

Do

• Discovery Creek Trail. Excellent views for hikers and cyclists. Cyclists will have to put in some work, though, to reach the views, as there is an 0.8-mile paved road uphill- but most agree that it’s worth the climb. The trail totals 1.1 miles with an equestrian path running just south of it. The trail begins at La Noche Drive, runs along Discovery Creek and ends at Lakeview Park. 
• 1 Sky Zone San Marcos, 860 Los Vallecitos Blvd, ☏ +1 858-779-2377, jump.sanmarcos@skyzone.com. 

Eat

• Restaurant Row offers a selection of different restaurants, including Indian, Thai, Mexican, Greek, Seafood, Brewpub, Steak, Pizza, as well as several chains.
  • 1 Katsu Seafood & Steak House, 1020 W San Marcos Blvd # 150, ☏ +1 760-744-7156. Sushi and Benihana-style Japanese stir-fry. The sushi bar is popular; there's usually a wait. 
  • 2 King & I Thai, 1020 W San Marcos Blvd #164, ☏ +1 760 744-1008. Try the duck pineapple curry. 
  • 3 Fish House Vera Cruz, 360 Via Vera Cruz, ☏ +1 760 744-8000. Good food. Small portions. 
• Sushi Huku, 727 W San Marcos Blvd, ☏ +1 760 591-0353. Probably the best sushi in North County. Korean-run. Great service. 

Drink

• Churchills Pub and Grille, 887 West San Marcos Blvd, ☏ +1 760-471-8773. English Pub, hosts dart leagues. Very involved in the craft beer community and boasts a selection of over 200 beers. Known for its Fish n Chips and curries. Patio with firepits. Pool table, dart boards, golf game, Big Buckhunter. Kid Friendly. Was a much warmer and more colorful venue when it used to be the expat haven called Camelot. The food was better as well. 

Sleep

There is a pretty limited selection of lodging in San Marcos. More options can be found in neighboring Carlsbad.

• 1 Hampton Inn San Marcos, 123 E. Carmel Street, ☏ +1 760 736-9249. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. 

Go next

• Vista
• Escondido
• Carlsbad

Routes through San Marcos

Oceanside ← Vista ←

W  E

→ Escondido → Brawley