Things to do
Things to do in San Marcos
Cal State San Marcos, Restaurant Row, and the fastest residential growth in North County inland.
Things to do
Double Peak ParkTrail
A hilltop park above San Elijo Hills with panoramic views to the ocean on clear days, reachable by car or a climb on the city's trail network.
California State University San MarcosLandmark
The hillside CSU campus of about 14,000 students hosts public lectures, arts events and Division II athletics.
Palomar CollegeLandmark
The community college of about 30,000 students has a giant hillside P visible for miles and hosts a planetarium and performing arts programs.
Lake San MarcosPark
The lake community, surrounded by the city, has lakeside walking paths and a waterfront Italian restaurant; an illuminated cross stands on the hill above.
Walnut Grove ParkPark
A city park with equestrian facilities, trails and the historic Williams Barn event venue.
Discovery LakePark
A small lake park with a loop trail that connects into the city's larger trail system toward Double Peak.
San Elijo Hills Town CenterShopping
The master-planned community's small town square with restaurants, a park and community events.
Restaurant Row (San Marcos Boulevard and Via Vera Cruz)Shopping
A long commercial corridor of sit-down restaurants, pubs and shops that has long been the city's dining center.
Eat & drink
Cocina Del CharroMexican
Operating since 1978, it is a long-standing North County Mexican restaurant with weekend brunch.
Churchill's Pub & GrilleBritish pub
A beer-focused pub with darts, pool and fire pits that has been a North County craft beer landmark.
Eugenio Italian RistoranteItalian
A chef-owned special-occasion spot on Rancho Santa Fe Road.
Amalfi Cucina ItalianaItalian
Lakefront dining on Lake San Marcos.
One More Bite Dumpling HouseShanghainese
A dumpling specialist near the Twin Oaks Valley corridor popular with the university crowd.
Aria RestaurantPersian
Generous kabob plates on Descanso Avenue.
Annual events
Cal State San Marcos commencementMay
Graduation week brings one of the city's largest annual gatherings to the hillside campus.
San Marcos community festivalsSpring and fall
The city and local business groups hold seasonal street fairs and community events; check the city calendar for current dates.