San Marcos Travel Guide

San Marcos is a coastal Californian city bordered by other great places of interest such as Vistas and Carlsbad. If you're a foodie, San Marcos is the destination for you -- it's said that the city has the best food and restaurants in the whole state of California! There are also plenty of picturesque parks and open spaces to enjoy nature and have a picnic, making San Marcos a wonderful getaway spot for families. With beaches, water sports, golf courses, a wide selection of vacation rentals, and tasty cusine, what more could you need in a holiday?

Things to Do in San Marcos

One of the best things to do in San Marcos is visit Discovery Lake. This lake is great for kids and nature lovers who can explore and make the most of the amenities. Visitors can also go fishing here, have fun on the playground, or tuck into a picnic at the designated areas. If you're eager to get active, you can also explore the trails which start around Discovery Lake.

Traveling with your significant other? Take a romantic gondola ride across the waters and feel like you're in Venice. Most gondolas can fit up to four people and include music sung by the gondoliers. For an equally romantic but more adrenaline-pumping activity, climb aboard a hot air ballon to see the citys from a bird's eye view. The sights are breathtaking and ceate a truly unforgettable experience.

To explore beyond San Marcos, check out Carlsbad, an amazing seaside town with great beaches and plenty of things to do including surfing, swimming, paddle boarding, sailing, snorkeling. Visitors can also join boat rides, fishing tours, and even a biplane ride!

The beautiful white sand beaches in San Marcos are made even more special in migratory season from mid April through to November when killer whales, hunchback whales, dolphins, and blue whales are all visible. Make the most of this season with a whale-watching tour and remember to bring a fully-charged camera!

Best Places to Stay in San Marcos

The best areas to stay are in the Hill Country district and Lake San Marcos where visitors can enjoy nature as well as access to cafes and stores. There are a lot of great vacation rental properties in San Marcos, along with hotels and locally-run spots like the San Marcos River Inn. Most vacation rentals in the city are pet-friendly so you can bring your furry pal with you.

Best Time to Visit San Marcos

In San Marcos the weather is typically warm, clear, and dry, with an average temperature of 67 degrees. However, in the summer months the temperatures sit around 77 degrees. There is a heavy rainfall in February and March so if you're planning outdoor adventures, it's best to avoid this time.

June and July is most popular, as the weather is pleasant and the whale migracion season occurs.