Whether you are a Californian doing a quick weekend away or flying in from much further, San Marcos is a suburban oasis filled with activities set to give you a phenomenal experience. San Marcos might not be at the top of your ‘must travel’ list, it should be! With everything from lush golf courses and wine tasting to hikes and tours, San Marcos is set up for a relaxing weekend filled with nature and the perks of suburbia. Read this article to learn about the best things to do in San Marcos, California.
1. Explore Jack's Pond Nature Center
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Jack’s Pond Nature Center is a huge facility situated in the 23-acre (9.3 ha) Jack’s Pond Park surrounded by lots of picnic areas and a playground. The center offers kids from grade one to grade six a participative education program that will enhance their knowledge and appreciation of the outdoors. They use methods such as a hands-on nature study, field trips, special events, projects, and others. Their science program that is K-5 curriculum-based is a two-hour session that includes a nature walk and exclusive use of the nature center. Due to the pandemic, the center is temporarily closed and would only be open on weekends if the current situation will allow it.
Jack's Pond Nature Center
Address: 986 La Moree Road San Marcos, CA 92069
Website: Jack’s Pond Nature Center
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 1pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
2. Enjoy a meal at Fish House Vera Cruz
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Fish House Vera Cruz started in 1979 as a restaurant and fish market offering a huge selection of fresh fish caught by the Vera Cruz commercial fishing boat. It’s popular for its exceptional fish dishes and admirable dining atmosphere. The restaurant interiors feature ceilings made from Douglas Fir wood beams recovered from Oregon and adobe brick walls with Nautical-inspired accents. It also has an outdoor patio dining area and a gift shop. The menu offers mesquite-grilled fish fillets served with your choice of two sides. The wide selection of fish dishes depends on the season and availability. Visit the Fish House on Old California Restaurant Row where it’s been an icon for over 30 years.
Fish House Vera Cruz
Address: 360 Via Vera Cruz, San Marcos, CA 92078, United States
Website: Fish House Vera Cruz
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 11:30m - 7pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
3. Go bowling at Bowlero San Marcos
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Bowlero San Marcos is one of the several bowling centers of Bowlero Corporation (formerly Bowlmor AMF), the owner and operator of the world’s finest bowling centers. Though its operations are temporarily halted due to the pandemic, it will reopen once the situation is back to normal. When it was still operating, Bowlero was the best place to go for indoor entertainment in San Marcos. It features 40 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, an arcade, billiards, and a sizeable venue where you can eat, drink, and host events, parties, and tournaments. They serve a delicious lane-side menu such as veggies spring rolls, pizza, lamb lollipops, and a wide selection of thirst-quenching beverages.
Bowlero San Marcos
Address: 945 W San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, CA 92069, United States
Website: Bowlero San Marcos
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4. Shop for souvenirs at Antique Village
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Booth 91 $500
Posted by The Antique Village on Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Antique Village is one of the largest thrift stores in the San Marcos area that offers a wide selection of collectibles and furniture. There are more than 60 stalls inside the 10,000-square-foot (929.03-square-meter) property with dealers that sold a variety of items such as pottery, china, antiques, tools, vintage furniture, glassware, clothing, and many more. New merchandise is offered daily to the delight of treasure hunters. Antique Village continues to accept new dealers to rent their booths and cabinets on a weekly and monthly basis. Do some shopping in Antique Village and you might just find the right vintage cabinet to spruce up your home or that unique quirky gift to give your loved ones.
Antique Village
Address: 850 Los Vallecitos Blvd, San Marcos, CA 92069, United States
Website: Antique Village
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
5. Wander around Buena Creek Gardens
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Buena Creek Gardens on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Buena Creek Gardens has been open to the public for over 30 years. It has been a sanctuary both for plants and plant lovers. It features over 5,000 rare plant species and trees in a 4-acre (1.6ha) property that functions both as a nursery and garden. Enjoy a tranquil afternoon walking through its landscaped gardens. Find your inspiration through its lush surroundings that are well visited by birds and butterflies. If you are looking for the best flowers and shrubs to liven up your garden, you’ll surely find them here! They also meet all your gardening needs. Call ahead before visiting as their operating hours change due to the weather and pandemic.
Buena Creek Gardens
Address: 418 Buena Creek Rd, San Marcos, CA 92069, United States
Website: Buena Creek Gardens
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 11am - 4pm; Sun: 11am - 3pm (closed on Mon & Thu)
6. Have fun at Locked Adventures - Escape Room Games
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Locked Adventures offers a unique indoor game that’s proven safe to play even with the pandemic situation going around. The facility has several “escape rooms” with different themes. A group of 2 to 10 persons can play privately after undergoing a strict safety and sanitation procedure in compliance with the pandemic health protocols. The games can last from 45 to 90 minutes depending on how fast you can figure out the clues and escape from the room. You can also book a party room for a minimum of two hours. You may bring your own food and refreshments and host the party in a bigger room with a 1,000-square-foot (92.9 sqm) space.
Locked Adventures - Escape Room Games
Address: 844 W San Marcos Blvd #103, San Marcos, CA 92078, United States
Website: Locked Adventures - Escape Room Games
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 5:30am - 8:30pm; Fri: 3pm - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 8:30pm
Price: From 25 USD
7. Take knit or crochet lessons at Yarning for You
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Yarning for You is a local business owned by Lynn and Lacey Koch, a mother, and daughter team. They have opened their shop in 2016, built on their common love and favorite hobby – knitting. They welcome their shop fiber art lovers, knitters, and crocheters so they can all share their time, talents, and tips in a cozy and friendly atmosphere. They love to discover and promote local and independent dyers whose products they sell in their store. They sell yarn by brand, fiber, weight, and in kits as well as needles, finished products, and other accessories. They also offer knitting and crochet lessons to those interested in learning this craft.
Yarning for You
Address: 1001 W San Marcos Blvd, Ste 180 San Marcos, CA 92078
Website: Yarning for You
8. Enjoy yourself at Invasion Laser Tag
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Invasion Laser Tag closed temporarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic but will reopen once the situation goes back to normal. Once they reopen they will implement the latest safety and cleaning procedures along with the quality indoor entertainment that they provide. Their state-of-the-art facility is the perfect venue for exciting laser tag games. Players are provided the protective gear and laser equipment needed for commencing the game. You can book the games for birthday parties, fundraising, corporate events, and camps. There are also arcade games being offered in the facility if you want a break from the laser tag games.
Invasion Laser Tag
Address: 1290 W San Marcos Blvd #101, San Marcos, CA 92078, United States
Website: Invasion Laser Tag
Opening hours: Sat: 12pm -12am; Sun: 12pm - 7pm; Wed - Thu: 3pm - 7pm; Fri: 3pm - 12am (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 5 USD
9. Hike through Double Peak Park
Known for its stunning views, excellent hikes and moderate temperatures, San Marcos is the perfect place to hike, especially at through the well-known Double Peak Park! Pack a picnic for the day and make your way up to the viewpoint where you will have panoramic views of San Diego County. As the highest peak in the county, this hike is well worth the trek and is ideal for hikers of all fitness levels. With an adventure playground, a telescope and an amphitheater as well as endless trails, this park is suited for a full day of adventure with the whole family.
Double Peak Park
Address: 900 Double Peak Drive, San Marcos, CA 92078
Website: Double Peak Park
10. Go wine tasting at Sunshine Mountain Vineyard
In San Marcos lies an amazing hilltop vineyard complete with a tasting room and views of the Pacific Ocean. With 10 acres of land and 30 years of experience, this vineyard produces fantastic, delicious wines. Pick up a bottle of wine at your tasting or order them online and get them delivered to your house once you get back home. These red, rose, and white wines are sure to peak your fancy. Cabernet, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are just a few of the wines available at their tastings, where you can taste 8 wines for just $15! Open Friday to Sunday from 12:00 to 6:30, Sunshine Mountain Vineyard is ideal for an afternoon excursion.
Sunshine Mountain Vineyard
Address: 2286 Sunshine Mountain Rd, San Marcos, CA 92069
Website: Sunshine Mountain Vinyard
11. Spend a day on the green with a lesson at Twin Oaks Golf Course
Make the most of the phenomenal San Marcos weather all year-round with a day on the green at Twin Oaks Golf Course This beautiful course will provide an excellent way to unwind and relax while spending a day doing outdoor activities. If you are new to golf, are spending an extended period of time in San Marcos, and are close to one of the four golf courses run by Twin Oaks Golf Club, try the Intro2Golf Package for just $99, which provides everything you need for a fantastic day learning something new! This package includes five one-hour group golf clinics, three additional buckets of range balls for practice, 2 additional rounds of evening golf, and you can do it on any of their courses! If you already have enough skill and confidence to play your own game, sign up for tee-time or hit a few balls at the driving range - a great afternoon is guaranteed!
Twin Oaks Golf Course
Address: 1425 N. Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos, CA 92069
Website: Twin Oaks Golf Course
12. Take a tour at The California Spirits Company
Combine your interest in science and cocktails with a tour at the California Spirits Company. Located in central San Marcos, you can learn about the production of various spirits, including vodka, gin, whiskey, and rum. If you want a bit more than a basic tour, the distillery offers specialty all-day courses including distilling, starting a distillery and more! Your tasting tour will include a variety of drinks. With drinks such as the Coffeetini, Cinnamon Apple Pie, and California Mojito, this distillery will keep you engaged all tour long!
The California Spirits Company
Address: 382 Enterprise St, Suite 104, San Marcos, CA 92078
Website: California Spirits Company
13. Go for a stroll around Discovery Lake
If you are not interested in a long day-hike or even an uphill trek, the Discovery Lake Loop is an excellent option. You will not be missing any views on this beautiful 0.8-mile long nature loop. Paved trails, natural indigenous greenery, small wildlife, and fantastic lake views make this loop the perfect way to spend a sunny day in San Marcos. This easy trail suits the entire family and provides an excellent running path for your regular morning jog.
Discovery Lake Loop
Address: 650 Foxhall Drive, San Marcos, California
Website: Discovery Lake Loop
14. Your taste buds will go into overdrive at Rip Current Brewing
Flavorful craft brewing is how Rup Current Brewery describes itself. This small micro-brewery in San Marcos provides a variety of delicious and unique beers on tap in the local tasting room. With everything from Boysenberry Tart to an Orange Honey Cream Ale and a Bodysurfing Belgian-style Blonde, it does not matter what type of beer you enjoy, you’ll find something for you! Your taste buds will be in overdrive by the time you leave this brewery, making it a must-see location in San Marcos.
Rip Current Brewing
Address: 1325 Grand Ave, Suite 100, San Marcos, CA 92078
Website: Rip Current Brewing
15. Listen to amateurs and professionals at the Northern Spirits Jazz Club
Editor’s Note: Establishment is permanently closed.
Where else will you find fantastic local live jazz music while you are eating delicious Thai cuisine? Nowhere but San Marcos’ Northern Jazz Club. This mix works so well that you will want to keep coming back for more. A welcoming atmosphere with plenty of space and mood lighting, Northern Spirits is the perfect place to spend an evening after a day of adventuring around San Marcos. It does not matter which day of the week you head to Northern Spirits, there is a daily promise of great live music from amateurs and professionals alike, and even better food.
Northern Spirits Jazz Club
Address: 727 W San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, California
Facebook: Norther Spirits Jazz Club
Suburban Oasis
San Marcos in California is a gem waiting to be uncovered. This suburban oasis has everything you need for a relaxing and enjoyable weekend away. Discover the perks of suburban living with plenty of nature and activities to choose from.
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