San Marcos travel guide

San Marcos Tourism | San Marcos Guide

You're Going to Love San Marcos

With a population of 83,781, San Marcos is a must-see destination in California, United States. San Marcos deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

Where to Eat in San Marcos

If you’re looking for affordable options, Decoy Dockside (1035 La Bonita Dr) and Urge Gastropub & Common House (255 Redel Rd) are great picks.

When to visit San Marcos

San Marcos in January
Estimated hotel price
$122
1 night at 3-star hotel
San Marcos in January
Estimated hotel price
$122
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to San Marcos in July, when the average temperature is 75.2 °F, and the highest can go up to 87.8 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 42.8 °F, with an average temperature of 55.4 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in February, when precipitation is around 3.5″. In contrast, July is usually the driest month of the year in San Marcos, with an average rainfall of 0.1″.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to San Marcos

Plane

When flying to San Marcos, you’ll arrive at San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar (CLD), which is located 11 km from the city center. The shortest domestic flight to San Marcos departs from Las Vegas and takes around 1h 16m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to San Marcos. The train journey from San Marcos to Fullerton takes 0h 39m and costs around $14 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Anaheim, expect to pay about $16 for a 0h 44m trip.

Car

Another option to get to San Marcos is to pick up a car rental from Los Angeles, which is about 147 km from San Marcos. You’ll find branches of Ace and Kyte, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to San Marcos, including Bus, Amtrak and FlixBus. From Bakersfield, the bus ride to San Marcos takes 201 km and will cost you around $32. From Paradise, the ticket costs about $70 for a journey of 386 km.

Plane

When flying to San Marcos, you’ll arrive at San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar (CLD), which is located 11 km from the city center. The shortest domestic flight to San Marcos departs from Las Vegas and takes around 1h 16m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to San Marcos. The train journey from San Marcos to Fullerton takes 0h 39m and costs around $14 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Anaheim, expect to pay about $16 for a 0h 44m trip.

Car

Another option to get to San Marcos is to pick up a car rental from Los Angeles, which is about 147 km from San Marcos. You’ll find branches of Ace and Kyte, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to San Marcos, including Bus, Amtrak and FlixBus. From Bakersfield, the bus ride to San Marcos takes 201 km and will cost you around $32. From Paradise, the ticket costs about $70 for a journey of 386 km.

Airlines serving San Marcos

Lufthansa
Good (4,672 reviews)
KLM
Good (857 reviews)
SWISS
Good (930 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,503 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,606 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,300 reviews)
Air France
Good (979 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,563 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (475 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,940 reviews)
Emirates
Good (2,131 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,482 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,809 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (228 reviews)
Finnair
Good (878 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,166 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (832 reviews)
LOT
Good (685 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (917 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (832 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in popular areas of San Marcos

Most booked hotels in San Marcos

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego North/San Marcos
2 stars
Excellent (8.9, 301 reviews)
$155+
LEGOLAND California Resort And Castle Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (9.2, 15 reviews)
$304+
Holiday Inn Carlsbad - San Diego
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 678 reviews)
$154+
Hampton Inn San Marcos, CA
2 stars
Excellent (8.3, 226 reviews)
$142+
Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego North/San Marcos
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 143 reviews)
$186+
Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort and Spa
4 stars
Excellent (8, 457 reviews)
$285+

Renting a car in San Marcos

Renting a car in San Marcos costs $49 per day, on average, or $98 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 5% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $3.94 per gallon in San Marcos (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $47.24 and $62.99. The most frequently booked car type in San Marcos is Intermediate (Kia Sportage or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Hyundai Accent or similar) are, on average, 77% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in San Marcos costs $49 per day, on average, or $98 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 5% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $3.94 per gallon in San Marcos (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $47.24 and $62.99. The most frequently booked car type in San Marcos is Intermediate (Kia Sportage or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Hyundai Accent or similar) are, on average, 77% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Car rental agencies in San Marcos

Hertz

Hertz
Find car rentals in San Marcos