Guidebook for San Marcos
Parks & Nature
The trailhead is just up the hill from the condo on San Elijo Rd, so you can drive or walk. It's well maintained, with plenty of parking, a drinking fountain, and a restroom. You can take this trail to Double Peak Park at the top of the mountain for a great view of the surrounding areas, or link up with the network of other San Marcos trails to make it as long as you'd like.
Ridgeline Trailhead
1250 South Twin Oaks Valley RoadThe trailhead is just up the hill from the condo on San Elijo Rd, so you can drive or walk. It's well maintained, with plenty of parking, a drinking fountain, and a restroom. You can take this trail to Double Peak Park at the top of the mountain for a great view of the surrounding areas, or link up with the network of other San Marcos trails to make it as long as you'd like.
You can drive to this park within minutes, or hike here via the Ridgeline Trailhead. At the peak, you can catch a really nice view of San Marcos and its surrounding areas.
45 locals recommend
Double Peak Park
900 Double Peak DrYou can drive to this park within minutes, or hike here via the Ridgeline Trailhead. At the peak, you can catch a really nice view of San Marcos and its surrounding areas.
You can rent boats and kayaks for a peaceful cruise around the lake.
14 locals recommend
Lake San Marcos
You can rent boats and kayaks for a peaceful cruise around the lake.
Drinks & Nightlife
Players Sports Grill
328 S Twin Oaks Valley Rd Food and drinks about a 10 minute walk from here.
Rip Current Brewing
1325 Grand AveStone Brewing has a nice restaurant just a few minutes' drive from here.
232 locals recommend
Stone Brewing
1999 Citracado ParkwyStone Brewing has a nice restaurant just a few minutes' drive from here.
Kuracali Sake & Beer Brewery
175 Bosstick BlvdDos Desperados Brewery
1241 Linda Vista DrPort Brewing Company
692 Rancheros DrThe Lost Abbey
155 Mata WayStumblefoot Brewing Company
1784 La Costa Meadows DrGetting Around
If you want to take public transportation, the Sprinter is light rail with 15 stations across Oceanside on the coast, Vista, San Marcos, and Escondido, just east of us.
Cal State San Marcos Station
If you want to take public transportation, the Sprinter is light rail with 15 stations across Oceanside on the coast, Vista, San Marcos, and Escondido, just east of us.
Entertainment & Activities
If you want to catch a movie, Edwards is nearby and has nice stadium seating. They also have a food court across the parking lot to grab a quick bite.
15 locals recommend
Regal Edwards San Marcos
1180 W San Marcos BlvdIf you want to catch a movie, Edwards is nearby and has nice stadium seating. They also have a food court across the parking lot to grab a quick bite.
Food Scene
We have to point out the closest Starbucks, right?! This one is just down the street, in the Ralphs shopping center.
6 locals recommend
Starbucks
1751 University DrWe have to point out the closest Starbucks, right?! This one is just down the street, in the Ralphs shopping center.
The Bellows
803 S Twin Oaks Valley RdThis is a nice gastro pub right across the street from our community.
Primos Mexican Food & Cantina
801 S Twin Oaks Valley RdGreat little taco shop right across the street from our community.
This is a pretty good sushi place. It also has a bar and is just down the street, next door to Starbucks.
It's Tabu Sushi
344 South Twin Oaks Valley RoadThis is a pretty good sushi place. It also has a bar and is just down the street, next door to Starbucks.
Nice little coffee shop right across the street from our community, next to The Bellows.
Perks Coffee House
Nice little coffee shop right across the street from our community, next to The Bellows.
Plenty of restaurants to choose from! This place is near the Edwards movie theatre on San Marcos Blvd.
21 locals recommend
Old California Restaurant Row
1020-1080 W San Marcos BlvdPlenty of restaurants to choose from! This place is near the Edwards movie theatre on San Marcos Blvd.
Coffee, bar, and lounge. This place just opened up in the new North City area across the street from CSUSM.
Halcyon
250 N City DrCoffee, bar, and lounge. This place just opened up in the new North City area across the street from CSUSM.
Italian, pizza, gastropub. This is another place that just opened up in the new North City area across the street from CSUSM.
Stella Public House
250 N City DrItalian, pizza, gastropub. This is another place that just opened up in the new North City area across the street from CSUSM.