San Marcos Hotels

Top reasons to visit San Marcos

• Family-Friendly Attractions: San Marcos boasts a range of activities perfect for families, including amusement parks and outdoor adventures.
• Stunning Natural Beauty: Explore the picturesque beaches and urban parks that offer both relaxation and excitement.
• Charming Local Culture: Discover the unique adobe houses and local shops that reflect the area's rich heritage.
• Varied Accommodation Options: Choose from inviting resorts and hotels that cater to families and business travellers alike.
• Nearby Romantic Excursions: Venture to nearby Wimberley for enchanting getaways and breathtaking views.

Find great hotels near San Marcos

Experience the charm of San Marcos, California, with a variety of lodging options that cater to families, business travellers, and pet owners alike. Choose from inviting resorts and hotels that offer essential services such as accessible parking and rooms. Whether you seek a family-friendly retreat or a convenient base for your business needs, San Marcos provides an array of accommodations to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

• Motel 6 Carlsbad, CA Beach: Situated a mere 14.5km from San Marcos, Motel 6 Carlsbad, CA Beach is an ideal choice for travellers seeking a pet-friendly getaway. This charming motel welcomes your furry companions with open arms, making it a perfect option for those looking to enjoy a leisurely beach vacation without leaving their pets behind. The property offers essential amenities for a comfortable stay, ensuring that both you and your pets can relax and enjoy your time away. With its proximity to the coast, guests can easily access the sandy shores and explore the beautiful California coastline.
• Hyatt Vacation Club at The Welk, San Diego Area: Located only 9.7km from San Marcos, Hyatt Vacation Club at The Welk is a 3.5-star retreat designed for families and business travellers alike. This resort boasts a comprehensive range of amenities, including a full spa, multiple pools, and a water park that promises fun for the little ones. For those on business, the property features accessible meeting rooms and a dedicated business centre. The luxurious treatment rooms and sauna provide a serene environment for relaxation, making it an excellent choice for those looking to unwind after a busy day.
• Days Inn by Wyndham Encinitas Moonlight Beach: Just 16.1km from San Marcos, Days Inn by Wyndham Encinitas Moonlight Beach is a vibrant option for adventurous travellers and those within the LGBTQIA community. With direct beach access, this motel invites guests to indulge in various water sports and outdoor activities, such as surfing and hiking. Its affiliation with LGBTQI travel guides ensures a welcoming atmosphere for all. Enjoy a laid-back beach vacation while taking advantage of the local adventures and the lively surroundings.

Where to stay in and around San Marcos

San Marcos, California, offers an enchanting blend of family-friendly attractions and serene outdoor experiences. Explore charming adobe houses and indulge in aesthetic services while enjoying the welcoming atmosphere. Venture to nearby areas like Wimberley for romantic excursions or take in the breathtaking views at Alpine Pass. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, San Marcos and its surroundings promise memorable moments for every traveller.

• Lake San Marcos: Nestled within the scenic landscape of San Marcos, Lake San Marcos offers a delightful blend of outdoor and family-friendly experiences. This charming village is perfect for those seeking relaxation and recreation, with its picturesque golf courses and luxurious resort facilities. The area is particularly lively during the summer months, where visitors can enjoy activities by the lake or spend a day at the nearby family beach. With its proximity to a theme park and various local landmarks, Lake San Marcos is a wonderful destination for creating lasting memories.
• Country Club: Located approximately 4.8km from San Marcos, the Country Club neighbourhood is an ideal spot for family outings and romantic getaways. This area boasts stunning golf courses and resort-style amenities that attract visitors year-round. The peak seasons, from June to August, see an influx of guests eager to explore the nearby theme park and attend events at the local conference venue. The Country Club's charming atmosphere and symbolic landmarks make it a lovely place to unwind and enjoy quality time with loved ones.
• San Elijo Hills: San Elijo Hills is a beautiful neighbourhood situated around San Marcos, known for its family-friendly vibe and outdoor activities. This area witnesses moderate seasonal traffic, with visitors flocking in the spring and summer months. Guests can indulge in shopping at local centres or enjoy leisurely strolls through parks and beaches. With its enticing blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, San Elijo Hills is a wonderful destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure during their vacation.

Things to do in and around San Marcos

San Marcos offers a delightful blend of family-friendly activities and outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore amusement parks, indulge in antique shopping, or enjoy the thrills of an adventure park. For those seeking relaxation, the local beach club and resort amenities provide a perfect retreat. With golf courses and educational experiences, San Marcos is ideal for a varied and enjoyable holiday.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience in San Marcos, visit Carlsbad Premium Outlets, located 14.5km away, offering a variety of brands. If you're up for a drive, explore Bates Nut Farm and Encinitas Surfboards, both great for unique gifts and souvenirs, located 11 and 16.1km away, respectively.

Recreation

At Twin Oaks Golf Club, enjoy a round of golf amidst beautiful landscapes, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Just two miles away, Escondido Country Club offers a similar outdoor experience. For a more tranquil escape, Double Peak Park provides serene walking trails and stunning views, ideal for relaxation and wellness.

Adventure

Experience splashes of fun at The Wave Waterpark, located 9.7km from San Marcos, offering thrilling water slides and family-friendly attractions. For a thrilling surf lesson, head 17.7km to Eli Howard Surf School, where you can ride the waves. Alternatively, enjoy scenic hikes at Hosp Grove Trails, situated 16.1km away.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in San Marcos with a visit to Moonlight Amphitheatre for a romantic outdoor show, or catch a film at Regal Edwards for an entertaining evening. For an adventurous twist, head to Boomers Vista for an exciting arcade experience just a short drive away.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for San Marcos

San Marcos offers various ways to save money during your visit. Enjoy free attractions like Moonlight State Beach and Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park. To cut transport costs, consider hiring a car, which is a common option. For accommodation, the cheapest months are November to January, with Tuesday being the least expensive day to stay. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels, refine your search for eco-certified options, and consider package deals that combine flights and hotel reservations for additional savings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in San Marcos are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in San Marcos is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in San Marcos is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will highlight sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your San Marcos hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in and around San Marcos

San Marcos is an ideal destination for families seeking outdoor and urban adventures. With its diverse range of attractions, including stunning beaches, urban parks, and thrilling theme parks, visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences that cater to both relaxation and excitement. Whether you're exploring the coastal beauty or engaging in family-friendly activities, San Marcos promises a memorable holiday filled with delightful discoveries.

• LEGOLAND® California: Experience the magic of creativity and imagination at this family-friendly theme park, featuring exhilarating rides, interactive attractions, and impressive LEGO sculptures. It’s a delightful place for both children and adults to explore together.
• California State University San Marcos: Visit this modern college campus, known for its vibrant atmosphere and beautiful architecture. Engage with the local student community and enjoy the cultural events that reflect the dynamic spirit of San Marcos.
• Moonlight State Beach: Relax at this stunning beach, where you can soak up the sun or take a leisurely stroll along the shore. The picturesque scenery and soothing ocean waves create a perfect getaway for beach lovers.

Best time to go to San Marcos

The best time to visit San Marcos is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	54.9°F (12.7°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	54.7°F (12.6°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
March	56.7°F (13.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
April	59.7°F (15.4°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
May	62.1°F (16.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
June	66.9°F (19.4°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	71.8°F (22.1°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	73.4°F (23.0°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	72.5°F (22.5°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
October	66.9°F (19.4°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
November	60.3°F (15.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
December	54.5°F (12.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to San Marcos

For your visit to San Marcos, California, you have several airport options. San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the closest, situated 45.1km away, with top-notch hotels like Pendry San Diego and The US Grant, both a short distance from the airport. Orange County's John Wayne Airport (SNA) is 88.5km from San Marcos, offering luxury stays at The Resort at Pelican Hill and The Viv Hotel, Anaheim. Another option is Tijuana International Airport (TIJ), located 69.2km away, with nearby hotels such as Quartz Hotel & SPA and Real Inn Tijuana. Each airport provides accessible transport options to these hotels.