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The town of San Marcos in North County San Diego County not often will get the eye it deserves. As a result of neighboring cities Carlsbad and Encinitas are on the coast, San Marcos can typically get neglected of the holiday itinerary. However when you take the 20-minute drive inland from the seashore, you’ll discover loads to do on this engaging and really family-friendly city, together with expansive mountain and lake views, a implausible hidden resort, plus quite a few alternatives for {couples}, teams of mates, and whole households to be entertained.

There was main growth and renovation in San Marcos within the final 5 or so years, and the town is quickly rising. The massive ‘North Metropolis’ improvement, 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 website will proceed to be developed over the subsequent few years and embody a lodge and main retail areas.

For now, although, there may be loads 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 don’t know it even exists! However don’t be fooled, this waterfront oasis is unquestionably value a go to, and particularly a weekend keep on the lovely 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 thought of the right day in north San Diego County entails mountaineering, lounging by the lake, or hitting up nice vineyards or breweries, you should not have any bother discovering sights in and across the city.

As a North County native, I get pleasure from introducing residents and vacationers alike to the hidden gems of the area, and I’ve compiled a listing of one of the best issues to do in San Marcos, CA.

1. Lake San Marcos: Keep, Play & Eat

Boats and water sports activities on the lake.

As talked about above, you should learn about this lake prematurely as you most likely received’t simply stumble throughout it. Regardless of being situated in the midst of a residential space, this hidden gem is totally hidden from surrounding roads and doubles as a implausible resort vacation spot, due to the gorgeous Lakehouse Resort (see beneath).

The gorgeous lake – which is round 1.3 miles lengthy – is essentially surrounded by waterfront homes along with the resort and is flanked to 1 aspect by the mountains of San Marcos, that are dotted with mansions and stuffed with meandering mountaineering trails.

Swimming within the lake is prohibited, however you’ll be able to kayak or paddleboard to your coronary heart’s content material. The marina rental workplace is situated on the lake in entrance of the resort and likewise 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 when you fastidiously discover the lake’s edge in sure elements, you’ll discover loads of small ponds and wildlife that may delight the children. All in all, Lake San Marcos is a implausible vacation spot for both a day journey or a trip.

The Lakehouse Lodge & resort

Handle: 1025 La Bonita Drive, San Marcos, CA 92078

King room with lake views. (Photograph courtesy of The Lakehouse Resort)

If you wish to keep in a single day at Lake San Marcos, try The Lakehouse Resort. The truth is, you could go to the lake for the day and never wish 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 mates alike. The 140+ rooms are stylishly adorned with an aquatic theme, and you can too lease little cottages with giant decks with firepits that face onto the lake.

Company 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. Canine are additionally welcome.

Amalfi Cucina Restaurant

Handle: 1035 La Bonita Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078

This big two-level restaurant overlooking the lake is situated subsequent to (however not owned by) The Lakehouse Resort and is a significant hotspot in San Marcos. It may be exhausting to get a desk at Amalfi even early within the week, so make sure to ebook prematurely.

It began life as Decoy Restaurant when the Lakehouse Resort first opened and shortly turned well-liked. It was taken over and reworked 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 a fantastic bar. The upstairs restaurant is cavernous however stunningly adorned. Assume elegant with a heat ambiance. It was dear and extra of a special day spot, however ever for the reason that complete restaurant changed into Amalfi, you’ll be able to get pleasure from implausible Italian meals upstairs in splendid fashion at extra affordable costs.

2. The Hyperlinks at Lakehouse (previously St. Mark Golf Membership)

Handle: 1750 San Pablo Dr, San Marcos, CA 92078

Golf lovers and newbies alike can get pleasure from 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 ignored by mountains and set amidst tranquil lake views.

Relying in your degree or time restraints, you’ll be able to select between two 18-hole golf programs: The Hyperlinks is a state-of-the-art championship golf course spanning 6,400 yards or the Govt Course for a par-58 that may be performed below 4 hours throughout 2700 yards.

The semi-private membership is open to resort visitors and the general public and likewise encompasses a driving vary and a Golf Academy providing a spread of personal or group classes. Plus, you’ll be able to gasoline 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 provides brunch and reside music on the weekends.

3. North Metropolis

Handle: 250 N Metropolis Dr, San Marcos, CA 92078

As talked about within the intro, North Metropolis is the present big improvement undertaking underway in San Marcos. Whereas there’s nonetheless loads to be constructed, North Metropolis has a implausible cluster of eating places simply off Barham Drive and Twin Oaks Valley Street. These embody the massive and really family-friendly brewpub Draft Republic, upscale Italian eatery Buona Forchetta, the often-packed Umami Japanese Restaurant, a trendy however somewhat dear espresso store (Copa Vida), and the award-winning and locally-owned Wynston’s Ice Cream Co.

North Metropolis options giant, engaging 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 a fantastic farmer’s market each Tuesday from 3–7 p.m., the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from reside music on the garden subsequent door. There are additionally rotating reside music acts right here each Friday and Saturday night.

When you’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 Trip. Get there early, although, because the crowds get big.

4. Draft Republic

Handle: 255 Redel Rd., San Marcos, CA 92078

A particular shout-out ought to exit to this nice location for households, due to its trendy 8-lane bowling alley, Full Swing Golf Simulator, video arcade, and enormous out of doors space with youngsters 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 aspect of it. Did I point out the 40+ beer faucets, trendy picket bar, and nice meals? I extremely suggest the Spicy Vegan Cauliflower Tacos or Surf & Turf Quesadilla.

Handle: 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 heart. The big area opens into what seems to be like an enormous tunnel of varied climbing partitions, together with a velocity climbing wall. The spectacular bouldering space upstairs consists of an array of climbing choices, together with a slab wall, a sprig wall, a contest wall, and an overhanging wall. There’s even a youngsters climbing wall to get the little ones began.

The Middle additionally provides every day health and yoga lessons and encompasses a totally decked-out health room. Costs begin at simply $31 for a Day Go ($21 for 4–7 yrs), or you’ll be able to 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 skilled climbers.

6. Golden Door Spa

Handle: 777 Deer Springs Rd, San Marcos, CA 92069

Sure, there may be really a golden door.

This distinctive award-winning vacation spot spa is world-famous for good cause. 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 personalized packages promise to rejuvenate your thoughts, physique, and soul.

Per week-long keep prices round $12,000 and consists of as much as 80 rejuvenating lessons from artwork to health to bop (together with Drum & Dance and 80’s Dance Get together!), beautiful farm-to-table meals, and a every day therapeutic massage.

Nestled in 600 acres of nature’s splendor, the spa’s grounds embody Japanese gardens, avocado orchards, citrus orchards, bee hives, and tea gardens. Katie has been there, so you’ll be able to learn her Golden Door Spa evaluation for extra particulars. Company sometimes ebook in for Sunday to Sunday stays, however sometimes, you’ll be able to ebook 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 visitors, however when you want to feast on their superb produce in your personal residence, you’ll be able to 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 well-liked skincare model.

The nation retailer is situated at 314 Deer Springs Street, San Marcos, and is open Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

7. Jack’s Pond Park and Nature Middle

Handle: 986 La Moree Street, 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 Middle is filled with hands-on exploratory actions and nature examine for youngsters, plus there’s a fantastic playground, picnic areas, and restroom services. Tour the park at your personal tempo or join one of many interpretive hikes. 

The Nature Middle 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 fairly mountaineering path, however the water degree will be fairly low. You need to spot geese, although, and loads of natural world alongside the path. Simply be careful for the Prickly Pear Cactus!

8. Double Peak Park

Handle: 900 Double Peak Drive, San Marcos, CA 92078

There’s a telescope on the summit of the Double Peak Park in San Marcos.

Head to the breathtakingly lovely 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’ll be able to 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 value it. Double Peak Park provides a number of mountaineering trails, the place you’ll be able to see for miles to the ocean — and infrequently, you’ll be able to even observe the customarily snow-capped San Bernardino Mountains from afar. 

9. Discovery Lake

Handle: 650 Foxhall Drive, San Marcos, CA 92078

A ruddy duck in Discovery Lake in San Marcos.

This native lake is a well-liked place to take a seat again and chill out as you observe the various fowl species that inhabit the world. 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 be a pet-friendly location for leashed canines. It’s a fantastic different to the aforementioned rigors of Double Peak Park. The picket pier can be a favourite for youngsters to observe the geese – simply don’t feed them bread.

There’s an honest quantity of park and avenue parking on the entrance of the park, and there’s additionally a playground the place mother and father can chill and watch the little ones play. There’s additionally a enjoyable giant fountain that children are allowed to splash round in simply earlier than the path leads all the way down to the lake.

After circling the lake, you’ll be able to climb greater into the encompassing hills on numerous trails when you want extra of a problem. An excellent choice is the Discovery Lake to Double Peak path, which is 4.2 miles lengthy. It’s a bit difficult as a result of hills you’ll climb however the views of the encompassing nature are gorgeous. There have been mountain lion and coyote sightings however they’re uncommon.

10. Goat Yoga at The Blissful Goat

Handle: It’s on non-public property, so the San Marcos handle shall 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), undoubtedly probably the most 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 concept 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 mates roam across the area, bounce from participant’s again to again, and supply a delicate therapeutic massage as you ease into – and maintain – poses.

The lessons are all open air and final 75 minutes lengthy to permit for cuddles and images after. You’ll be able to lease yoga mats for $3 or carry your personal. The Blissful Goat additionally provides meditation, Neuro-Emotional Approach, and life teaching lessons.

11. The Vintage Village

Handle: 850 Los Vallecitos Blvd, San Marcos, CA 92069

When you’re an vintage lover and have a while in your fingers, head to this distinctive indoor village the place you’ll be able to rummage round for hours in quest of treasure. The Vintage Village is residence to over sixty distinctive cubicles, spans over 10,000 sq. toes, and is stocked with new merchandise every day. Favourite objects to attain right here embody furnishings, pottery, instruments, and superb china.  

The Village is true subsequent door to the Sky Zone trampoline park, so when you’re with youngsters who’re becoming bored of knick knack looking, you’ll be able to pop subsequent door afterward the place they’ll burn up a few of their power.

12. Sunshine Mountain Winery

Handle: 2286 Sunshine Mountain Rd, San Marcos, CA 92069

Take a look at 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 varied wines whereas absorbing magnificent mountain views. You can too discover the winery’s three earthen caves, the place their wines are aged to perfection in oak barrels.

A meals menu can 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. 

Handle: 1365 Grand Ave Suite 100, San Marcos, CA 92078

When you’re on the lookout for an alternative choice to San Marcos’s many beer or wine choices, try Meadiocrity Mead. Mead is principally alcohol produced from honey, so it’s a fermented alcoholic beverage, which is also referred to 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’ll have heard mead talked about in TV exhibits like Recreation 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’ll order a flight and experiment with a wide range of engaging flavors.  

14. Bowlero

Handle: 945 W. San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, CA 92078

For a enjoyable night time out, hit up Bowlero with the household. This can be a part of a sequence, however the San Marcos location is unquestionably value visiting. It has 40 bowling lanes, plus billiards and pool tables, an arcade stuffed with state-of-the-art video video games and pinball machines — and even beer pong for the adults.

Bowlero provides Evening Strike and After Get together choices for individuals who wish to bowl late into the night time. 

Handle: 1180 W San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, CA 92069

With ongoing schedules of latest releases, this San Marcos theater provides numerous decisions appropriate for adults, teenagers, and young children. The family-friendly venue has prime flicks displaying through the day and night, so you’ll be able to cease by everytime you’re within the temper for a film. Plush seating will preserve you comfortable, whereas snacks from the concession stand will certainly get your mouth watering.  

You’ll be able to have a implausible and assorted expertise when you hit up the various issues to do in San Marcos, CA that embody the sights, leisure locations, leisure venues, and academic websites highlighted above. Begin planning your San Marcos journey at this time!