26 Fun Things to Do in San Marcos CA

👉 Jump to: Best Things to Do | Outdoor Adventures | Food & Drink | Family-Friendly | Animal Spotting

As a North County San Diego local, I can help you find the best things to do in San Marcos. Are you a fan of golf, wine, craft beer, scenic lakes, beautiful parks, or amazing food? Then this is a California destination you don’t want to miss. 

There’s something for everyone in San Marcos. This vibrant city, part of the greater San Diego area, is quickly gaining traction, and it’s easy to see why. Here’s exactly what to do when you visit!

26 Best Things to Do in San Marcos

Double Peak Park

Hike or drive to the top of San Marcos to take in the impressive views.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 744-9000 ext. 3500 | Hours: 7 am – 6 pm daily

Double Peak Park is one of the best hiking trails in the San Diego area. You can explore trails at Double Peak Park that lead to the peak summit while taking in views of the ocean and the rest of the city. Double Peak also has the best view of the fireworks on July 4! 

However, this trail has a ton of incline. So if you get tired, you can always drive up halfway too.

Discovery Lake

Discovery Lake features walking trails and amenities without the crowds of Lake San Marcos.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 744-1050

Don’t miss Discovery Lake if you want a well-maintained park with kid and pet-friendly walking trails!

Discovery Lake is a fantastic local spot for enjoying the great outdoors while staying away from the crowds at Lake San Marcos. I love finding families feeding the ducks as I pass by the dock on my way up the trails.

Lakehouse Resort 

Stay at a gorgeous waterfront hotel on Lake San Marcos.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: 877-526-2671 | Website 

Lakehouse Resort is located on Lake San Marcos and is much more than just a beautiful waterfront getaway. Lakehouse is also a destination for water rentals like boat tours and kayaking, as well as golf, nightlife, food tastings, and summer concerts. 

While I do recommend booking a room and staying overnight at Lakehouse Resort, definitely check it out even if you have other accommodations. Its onsite activities and events are open to the public.

Twin Oaks Golf Club

Get in some tee time at a gorgeous golf course and then enjoy a meal at the onsite restaurant.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 591-4700 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 7 pm daily | Public Tee Time: $38-102

Twin Oaks Golf Club is as stunning as it is challenging. I’d recommend coming here if you’re in the mood for a scenic golf tour. It’s especially great in summer, as beautiful oak trees shade the golf course. 

After an extensive day on the green, you can enjoy some food and drinks at the onsite restaurant overlooking the sweeping views of the Twin Oaks Golf Club. 

Sunshine Mountain Vineyard

Watch the sunset, sip wine, and listen to live music at this hilltop winery.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 798-3741 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 7 pm Thu-Sun, Closed Mon-Wed

Sunshine Mountain Vineyard is perched atop a breathtaking hilltop in San Marcos. This is a very spacious winery with plenty of seating and 360 views!

I recommend visiting Sunshine Mountain during sunset for the best views. You’ll get to enjoy sipping on local grapes and enjoying live music around an outdoor tabletop fireplace. 

🚗 How to Get There: Sunshine Mountain Vineyard is high up on a hill and inaccessible by public transportation, so you’ll want a car to get there. You can book a rental car at Discover Cars.

Draft Republic

Drink a beer, go bowling, play arcade games, and do a golf simulation all in one spot.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 290-3520 | Website | Hours: 4 pm – 9 pm Mon-Thu, 4 pm – 11 pm Fri, 11:30 am – 11 pm Sat,  11:30 am – 9 pm Sun

Head to the Draft Republic for a night of bowling, arcade games, golf simulation, comfort food, and local beers on tap. They serve both their own brews as well as beers from around the world. Spend less at Draft Republic’s happy hour, 4 – 5:30 pm daily.

Draft Republic is in a great location – it’s right near the college, restaurants, bars, and the weekly farmers market.  

San Marcos Farmers Market

Pick up fresh produce or stay for hot food and music at the weekly farmers market.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 744-1270 | Website | Hours: 4 pm – 8 pm Friday

The San Marcos Farmers Market is held every Tuesday afternoon right in the heart of Cal State University San Marcos. This part of campus also includes a cozy grass area to picnic amid the vendors and listen to some live music, along with Draft Republic and other local eateries. 

Grab some local fruits and veggies to take home, or stay for dinner and enjoy the community! Or try Rafikiz Foodz for unique Kenyan food with an amazing plantain stew.

Outdoor Adventures

Sunset Park

Enjoy a great view of the city at this park with sports, a playground, and a dog park.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 744-9000 | Hours: 7 am – 9 pm daily

Sunset Park off La Mirada Drive in San Marcos is a 19-acre park home to a variety of family-friendly activities. They have a children’s playground, a water splash pad, walking trails, a dog park, a baseball field, swings, and more. 

You can almost see the edge of the beach from the top of the park. For more of an oceanfront view, head to nearby San Diego beaches or take the short drive to South Carlsbad State Beach. 

Trek Bicycle North County

Take out a rental and bike around all of San Marcos.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 599-9735 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 6 pm Mon-Fri, 10 am – 6 pm Sat, 12 pm – 5 pm Sun | Rentals: $75-100

Trek Bicycle North County — more commonly known as Trek Bikes of San Marcos is a convenient spot for renting and buying bikes. They rent out road bikes, mountain bikes, electric bikes, gravel bikes, and more.

Come here if you’re in search of outdoor activities. Rent a bike and hit the trails for a mountain, town, or beachside adventure.

Saint Mark Golf Club

Golf is an accessible course with different yard options.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 744-9092 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 5 pm Mon-Fri, 7 am – 6:30 pm Sat-Sun

Saint Mark Golf Club has been revamped into The Executive Course at Lakehouse (formerly St. Mark Executive) and The Links at Lakehouse (formerly St. Mark Golf Club). If you’re short on time, then I recommend golfing at the Executive Course because it is a few thousand yards smaller than The Links, so you can knock out more pars in less time. 

My brothers would like to tackle this course during their lunch break.  

👉 Pro Tip: If you’re looking for more nearby golf courses to choose from, check out the Arrowood course 15 miles away. It’s one of the best things to do in Oceanside.

Lake Hodges

Sunbathe out on the water, go kayaking, fishing, and hiking.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Sunrise to sunset | Concession and Rentals: 6 am – 7 pm, Wed, Sat, and Sun

Lake Hodges is a 15-minute drive from San Marcos in Escondido. Lake Hodges is unlike San Marcos-based lakes it is situated in a unique neighborhood called Del Dios. The neighborhood is known for quirky architecture, hand-crafted houses, woodworking, and mosaics. 

Snacks and water sports rentals are available on the weekends. Come here to go fishing, boating, kayaking, or paddle boarding. Lake Hodges also has plenty of barbecues and picnic tables for convenience. 

Around Lake Hodges, there are also a bunch of other things you can do. Explore Del Dios, Elfin Forest Nature Preserve, and Harmony Grove.

Food & Drink

Better Buzz

Drive-thru or walk up to a local coffee kiosk to try “the best drink ever.”

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 471-3899 | Website | Hours: 4:30 am – 8 pm daily

Better Buzz has a drink called the best drink ever, and it’s true. This is a top coffee spot that I always recommend in the San Diego area, as it has multiple locations.

The San Marcos shop is the cutest little kiosk, perfect for drive-thru on your way to a San Diego day trip, or when you just want a quick walk-up coffee to go. 

Mama Kat’s Restaurant

Grub on diner food like eggs, biscuits, gravy, and fresh pies at this local favorite.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 591-4558 | Website |  Hours: 7:30 am – 1 pm Mon, Wed, Thu, 7 am – 1 pm Fri-Sun, Closed Tue

Mama Kat’s Restaurant is a staple of this community. Mama Kat’s is cheap, friendly, consistent, and crowded on weekends for good reason. It’s the perfect breakfast or brunch addition to a restaurant tour. 

In particular, I love their kombucha on tap and their Mexican-style hot cocoa. I’ll usually sip on one of these while I am waiting for a table!

Tea Amo 

Hang out and sip some great bubble tea at this cute spot.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 290-3189 | Hours: 11:30 am – 9 pm Mon-Thu, 11:30 am – 9:30 pm Fri, 10:30 am – 9:30 pm Sat-Sun 

True, there are some great coffee shops in San Diego, but if you’re into tea, I recommend an afternoon stop at Tea Amo. It’s the best bubble tea shop in San Marco.

From matcha to brown sugar tea, their menu has a wide selection of flavors. Plus, the boba balls are particularly great here.  

Golden Door Country Store

Shop for local produce and specialty goods, or take yoga classes among citrus trees.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 310-7573 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily, Closed Mondays 

Golden Door is a coveted wellness retreat in the hidden hills of San Marcos. The cost to stay here is $10,000+ a week, so I suggest visiting their public country store instead to experience a tiny piece of the retreat.

The store has top-quality organic produce, specialty products you won’t find elsewhere, and its famed spa skincare products at wholesale prices. I love coming here for their weekly Sunday yoga classes, which take place on the outdoor back deck filled with the smell of citrus trees.   

They expanded the store to offer more in 2025, so definitely give it a shot. I recommend getting a loaf of fresh jalapeno bread or an avocado-based moisturizer.

Family-Friendly Fun

Invasion Laser Tag

Tag your friends and glow in the dark at this fun spot for both kids and adults.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 571-9191 | Website | Hours: 3 pm-7 pm Wed-Thurs; 3-11 pm Fri; 12-11 pm Sat; 12-7 pm Sun; Closed Mon-Tues | Entrance: $11-22

Invasion Laser Tag on San Marcos Blvd. is an entertaining way to spend the day for both kids and adults!

Plan ahead because Invasion Laser Tag is known for hosting the best birthday parties in San Marcos. They also have food and arcade games while you wait for your game to start.

Legoland

Unleash your child-like wonder at San Diego’s iconic Lego-themed amusement park.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (888) 690-5346 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Sat-Sun, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm Mon-Tue & Thu, 10 am – 5 pm Fri | Tickets: $89-$150 |👉 Buy a Legoland Ticket

Coming to San Marcos with kids? Take them to Legoland! It’s only a 20-minute drive away and one of the best things to see in Carlsbad.

Although not technically in San Marcos, Legoland is a North County favorite, and it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t include it in this guide. 

Here, you can explore Lego-themed amusement rides and walk through mini-cities and landmark replicas made entirely of Legos. Make sure to check out fun attractions including Miniland, Ferrari, and any special events.

If you want a 2-day experience to see the aquarium too, I recommend booking an overnight stay in one of their themed rooms.  

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Jump sky-high and reach for the stars at Sky Zone Trampoline Park.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (858) 779-2377 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm Sun-Thu, 10 am – 10 pm Fri-Sat | General admission: 90-min at $20, 120-min at $22

Sky Zone Trampoline Park is located in central San Marcos and has 8 main attractions to delight your senses. Sky Zone is equipped with a ninja course, a foam zone, dodgeball, basketball, and other surprises you’ll have to find out on your own!

Sky Zone Trampoline Park is fun and a better workout than you might imagine. Tickets are good for a 1-hour entry. 

Shopping and Entertainment

San Elijo Hills

Explore the hidden town square in the Hills of San Marcos.

📍 Google Maps | Website 

San Elijo Hills is an adorable community in southwest San Marcos. This part of town is centered around a gorgeous fountain square with a beautiful park, restaurants, shops, and housing. 

While the rest of San Marcos doesn’t have a downtown, San Elijo Hills has a town square with a lot of hidden gems. You’ll find everything from yoga nidra and wine tastings to coffee spots and sip and paint nights. Wander around San Elijo for a chill afternoon or a relaxing night out.  

Regal Edwards Theater

Catch a new flick at the best theater in San Marcos.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (844) 462-7342 | Website |  Tickets: $16.99 adult, $14.49 child, $15.49 senior

Regal Edwards Theater San Marcos is located right on San Marcos Blvd and Old California Restaurant Row. It’s a great way to conveniently catch dinner and a movie. 

This historic theater has been there for years. It has a ton of movie showtimes and comfy seats to relax in.

Antique Village

Go rummaging for sweet deals and vintage finds.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 744-8718 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Mon-Sat, 11 am – 5 pm Sun

The Antique Village is a huge store filled with antiques galore. If you’re looking for a gift or some home decor, you never know what gems you might find inside!

For more unique goods, go on the first Sunday of every month. This is when they have an outdoor market offering traveling collector merchandise for sale. 

The Prism and Pendulum

Attend a class, sound bath, or buy crystals and cards at a Metaphysical shop.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (442) 220-1233 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 8 pm daily

The Prism and Pendulum is 12 minutes away from San Marcos in Escondido. I highly recommend visiting for all your metaphysical desires. They have unique Tarot, oracle, protection sprays, classes, events, and more. 

I have taken a lot of free classes here. I’ve also gotten some readings done and attended full moon ceremonies. I can’t wait to go on one of their local digging excursions for crystals at Pala Gem Mines. This is a must for anyone interested in the above!

Animal Spotting

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Go on a safari and discover rare sightings of wildlife.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (619) 231-1515 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $78 adults, $68 ages 3-11 |👉 Book a San Diego Zoo and Safari Park Combo Pass

Most visitors know about the San Diego Zoo, but have you heard about its sister park in Escondido? The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is only 20 minutes from San Marcos! 

This wildlife sanctuary is home to over 300 species of animals. You’ll see a wide variety of Asian and African animals here. Still wanting to venture further afoot? You can always book a combo pass to see the best of both the San Diego Zoo in downtown San Diego and the Safari Park in Escondido.

👉 Pro Tip: Spring travelers will love the yearly butterfly jungle exhibit with thousands of monarch butterflies! 

Blissful Goat Yoga

Experience a one-of-a-kind yoga class with lively baby goats.

📍 Google Maps (1 mile from the Twin Oaks Valley Golf Course, exact location will be in the email confirmation) | Phone: (760) 518-1139 | Website | Classes: $44/person | Saturdays and Sundays 11 am – 12:15 pm

For a custom adventure and lots of fun, try a goat yoga class!. Blissful Goat Yoga is on private property and very close to Sunshine Mountain Winery. 

Star Bailey, the owner of this experience, will guide you through a gentle yoga class while the baby goats interact with you. Plus, there is plenty of time at the end of class to take some goat selfies. 

👉 Pro Tip: After the class, turn onto Buena Creek Road for the best farm stand with incredible fresh produce.

Jack’s Pond Nature Center

Roam around a 23-acre park with trails, a pond, and outdoor education classes for the kiddos.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 1 pm Sundays | Free Admission 

Jack’s Pond Nature Center is a great place for kids to be entertained. It’s not far from Double Peak Park and has trails, a playground, picnic areas, and a pond filled with unique fish. There are also educational nature sessions at their big red barn. 

While Jack’s Pond Park is open every day to the public, the Nature Center is only open on Sunday mornings. Jack’s Pond Park is great year-round for walking and discovering the local wildlife, flora, and fauna. 

Nurtured By Nature

Get the once-in-a-lifetime chance to swim in a pool with baby sea otters.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 638-0880 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 1 pm, Sat and Sun | Entrance: $689/pp group guided 3-4 hours

Are you ready for a once-in-a-lifetime type of activity? Then head over to swim with baby sea otters in Valley Center, 40 minutes north of San Marcos.

Yes, this is an expensive activity at $689 a person. But you’re up close and personal, swimming with the otters in a way you normally can’t experience. 

If you’re not on a budget and are ready to try something new, then I recommend booking months in advance at Nurtured By Nature.

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That’s it for my list of awesome things to do in San Marcos! Visiting San Diego as well? Up next, check out our guide to the best things to do in San Diego.