'''San Marcos''' is a city in San Diego County in Southern California.
Get in
San Marcos is located on Highway 78 between Oceanside and Escondido. It is roughly 35 miles north of San Diego via I-5 or I-15 to Highway 78. The nearest major airport is San Diego. The nearest minor airport is Palomar Airport in Carlsbad.
The '''SPRINTER''' [http://www.gonctd.com/sprinter_intro.htm], a new light rail which runs between Oceanside and Escondido, stops in San Marcos.
Get around
[http://www.gonctd.com/breeze_intro.htm Breeze] - Bus
See
Do
'''Discovery Creek Trail'''. Excellent views for hikers and cyclists. Cyclists will have to put in some work, though, to reach the views, as there is an 0.8-mile paved road uphill -- but most agree that it_fs worth the climb. The trail totals 1.1 miles with an equestrian path running just south of it. The trail begins at La Noche Drive, runs along Discovery Creek and ends at Lakeview Park.
Buy
'''Fry's Electronics''', theme "Jules Verne" with several large fishtanks.
Eat
'''Mr. Hogg's Blues City Barbeque''' 760-761-0708 623 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd. Great beef ribs, good sauces, and how can you not love the blues?
'''Restaurant Row''' offers a selection of different restaurants, including Indian, Thai, Mexican, Greek, Seafood, Brewpub, Steak, Pizza, as well as several chains.
*'''Katsu Seafood & Steak House''' 1020 W San Marcos Blvd # 150, 760-744-7156 sushi and Benihana-style Japanese stir-fry. The sushi bar is popular; there's usually a wait.
*'''King & I Thai''' Try the duck pineapple curry.
*'''Fish House Veracruz''' Good food. Small portions.
*'''Alfresco Italian Buffet''' - This is on Nordhal Road exit on I-78.
'''Rossi's Pizza''', 156 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd. Consistently good pizza. A San Marcos Tradition since for over 30 years!
'''Sushi Huku''', 727 W San Marcos Blvd. Probably the best sushi in North County. Korean-run. Great service.
Drink
'''Churchills Pub and Grille''', 887 West San Marcos Blvd, 760-471-8773. English Pub, hosts dart leagues. Very involved in the craft beer community and boasts a selection of over 200 beers. Known for its Fish n Chips and curries. Patio with firepits. Pool table, dart boards, golf game, Big Buckhunter. Kid Friendly. Was a much warmer and more colorful venue when it used to be the expat haven called Camelot. The food was better as well.
'''Penny Lane Pub & Grill''', 1001 W. San Marcos Blvd. Even if you don't love the Beatles, the pints are tasty, the staff is friendly, and the British-style dinner specials are a bargain (try the Chicken Pie!).
Sleep
There is a pretty limited selection of lodging in San Marcos. More options can be found in neighboring Carlsbad.
'''Hampton Inn San Marcos''', ''+1 760'' 736-9249, [http://www.hamptoninn.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=SANSMHX http://www.hamptoninn.com].
'''Lake San Marcos Resort and Country Club''', ''+1 760'' 744-0120, [http://www.lakesanmarcosresort.com].
'''Ramada Limited San Marcos''', ''+1 760'' 471-2800, [http://www.ramada.com/Ramada/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=10454&brandInfo=RA&cid=%EAid!].
Get out