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San Marcos is a growing city in North County San Diego, set in a valley between rolling hills about 30 miles north of downtown San Diego. The land was part of a Mexican rancho named for Saint Mark, and the town grew as a farming community of grain, poultry and dairy before incorporating as a city in 1963.
Today San Marcos is a lively college town, home to California State University San Marcos and Palomar College, with new neighborhoods in the San Elijo Hills and a busy Restaurant Row along San Marcos Boulevard. The Sprinter rail line links the city with Oceanside and Escondido.
Outdoor space is a highlight. Double Peak Park sits high on a summit with sweeping views from the mountains to the ocean, and dozens of miles of trails wind through the hills and canyons. Lake San Marcos and Discovery Lake offer peaceful waterside walks, while the beaches of Carlsbad lie a short drive west.
A hilltop park in San Elijo Hills with sweeping views of the ocean, the mountains and on clear days Catalina and San Clemente islands. It has a lawn, picnic areas, a playground and an amphitheater. Drive up or hike from the San Elijo Hills town center; sunsets are especially good here.
A small reservoir and residential community with a waterfront resort, restaurants and walking paths. The lake is surrounded by homes, and some areas are private, but public paths and a restaurant terrace offer good views. Visit for a lakeside meal or a quiet walk in the evening.
A small lake and park in central San Marcos with a walking loop, picnic areas, a playground and trails linking to the nearby hills. It is popular with walkers, joggers and families. Trails climb toward the Discovery Hills for views; go early on warm days, as shade is limited.
A large park with a historic walnut grove, sports fields, a dog park, horse arena, playgrounds and picnic areas set among shady trees. It is a busy community hub for events and festivals. Bring a picnic, and check the city events calendar for community celebrations held there.
California State University San Marcos, opened in 1989 on a hillside campus with modern buildings and views of the valley. It hosts public lectures, art exhibitions and performing arts events. Visitors can walk the campus; check the events page and buy a daily parking permit.
A modern planetarium on the Palomar College campus in San Marcos, with a dome theater showing astronomy programs and live sky shows open to the public on certain evenings. Shows are affordable and good for families. Check the schedule, buy tickets early and arrive in time to park.
A stretch of San Marcos Boulevard and nearby streets with many restaurants, from casual chains to local family places serving Mexican, Asian, Italian and American food. It is a practical place to find dinner in North County. Parking is generally easy in the shared lots.
A well-known craft brewery in San Marcos, the home of The Lost Abbey and Port Brewing, famous for Belgian-inspired and barrel-aged beers. Its tasting room is in an industrial area and often has food trucks. Check the taproom hours, and use rideshare if sampling several beers.
A small town square in the San Elijo Hills neighborhood with cafes, restaurants, shops, a park and a farmers market. It hosts summer concerts and community events. It is also the starting point for trails up to Double Peak Park, so it makes a good base for a hike and a meal.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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