California State University San Marcos Tours

Photo by Savana Sandberg


Your travel itinerary should feature a walk through California State University San Marcos. It's a popular educational institution with a vibrant and lively campus.

To explore this modern university, make tracks to San Marcos. There are loads of other worthwhile attractions in this area, such as Twin Oaks Golf Club, Stone Brewing, and California Center For The Arts.

Plan a trip to see California State University San Marcos

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
The Sofia Hotel
Hampton Inn & Suites San Diego Seaworld
La Jolla Cove Suites

Browse tours and tickets to explore California State University San Marcos

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 3 activities

Tours & day trips

See all 3 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 3 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near California State University San Marcos

Days Inn by Wyndham San Marcos

Days Inn by Wyndham San Marcos

2 out of 5
517 W San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, CA
Days Inn by Wyndham San Marcos
Fairfield Inn & Suites San Diego North/San Marcos

Fairfield Inn & Suites San Diego North/San Marcos

2.5 out of 5
227 W San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, CA
Fairfield Inn & Suites San Diego North/San Marcos
Hampton Inn San Marcos, CA

Hampton Inn San Marcos, CA

2.5 out of 5
123 E Carmel St, San Marcos, CA
Hampton Inn San Marcos, CA
Extended Stay America Premier Suites - San Diego - San Marcos

Extended Stay America Premier Suites - San Diego - San Marcos

2.5 out of 5
1480 GRAND AVE, San Marcos, CA
Extended Stay America Premier Suites - San Diego - San Marcos
Lakehouse Resort

Lakehouse Resort

4 out of 5
1025 La Bonita Drive, San Marcos, CA
Lakehouse Resort
Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego North San Marcos

Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego North San Marcos

3 out of 5
1245 Los Vallecitos Blvd, San Marcos, CA
Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego North San Marcos
Ayres Hotel Vista Carlsbad

Ayres Hotel Vista Carlsbad

3.5 out of 5
2100 Radiance Way, Vista, CA
Ayres Hotel Vista Carlsbad
Comfort Inn Escondido San Diego North County

Comfort Inn Escondido San Diego North County

3.5 out of 5
1290 W Valley Pkwy, Escondido, CA
Comfort Inn Escondido San Diego North County
Cal King Bed with Natural Light and Private Patio! 4 minutes from freeway!

Cal King Bed with Natural Light and Private Patio! 4 minutes from freeway!

Escondido
Cal King Bed with Natural Light and Private Patio! 4 minutes from freeway!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near California State University San Marcos

California State University San Marcos is surrounded by exciting activities, including surfing and live music. Visitors can enjoy a round of golf at a local academy, explore the charming city of Carlsbad, and discover the vibrant offerings in San Marcos. With a blend of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful area of Southern California.

Food and drinks

Indulge in craft beers at Stone Brewing, just 2 miles from campus, perfect for a romantic night out. For a taste of local wines, visit Orfila Vineyard and Winery, located 8 miles away, or Bernardo Winery, 9 miles away, both offering a charming atmosphere for entertainment and romance.

Shopping

For shopping near California State University San Marcos, visit Carlsbad Premium Outlets, a family-friendly destination just 9 miles away. If you're up for a drive, check out Bates Nut Farm at 12 miles and the State Street Farmers Market, located 11 miles away, offering local goods and a vibrant atmosphere.

Recreation

At Twin Oaks Golf Club, enjoy a scenic round of golf surrounded by lush greenery, just 2 miles from campus. Experience the outdoor sports vibes at Escondido Country Club, located 3 miles away. For relaxation, visit Double Peak Park, 2 miles away, offering serene views and a peaceful atmosphere.

Adventure

Experience thrilling water sports at Eli Howard Surf School, located 10 miles from California State University San Marcos. For hiking enthusiasts, Hosp Grove Trails and Iron Mountain, located 11 miles and 14 miles away respectively, offer stunning scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities amidst nature's beauty.

Nightlife

For a night out, visit Valley View Casino for thrilling games and a vibrant atmosphere. If you’re in the mood for family fun, Boomers Vista offers arcade excitement. For a touch of culture, catch a show at the Broadway Theatre, perfect for a romantic evening.

Find the best attractions near California State University San Marcos

During your visit to California State University San Marcos, explore beautiful beaches like Tamarack Beach, enjoy the urban parks, and immerse yourself in the vibrant college atmosphere. Nearby attractions include San Pedro and Tahoe Park, offering cultural and outdoor experiences perfect for families. Whether you're seeking relaxation by the shore or engaging activities, there's something for everyone in this inviting area.

  • LEGOLAND® California: Just 9 miles from California State University San Marcos, LEGOLAND® California is a vibrant theme park that offers fun for the whole family. With its imaginative rides, interactive exhibits, and colorful LEGO displays, it’s a perfect spot for both kids and adults to unleash their creativity and enjoy a day of adventure.
  • Palomar College: Located 2 miles away, Palomar College is a modern institution that embodies urban vibes. With beautiful campus grounds and a variety of events, it provides a glimpse into college life in California while offering art exhibitions and performances throughout the year.
  • California Center For The Arts: Just 4 miles from campus, this arts center showcases a rich cultural experience with diverse performances, art exhibitions, and community events. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in the local arts scene and appreciate the creativity of the region.

Best time to go to California State University San Marcos

The best time to visit California State University San Marcos can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around California State University San Marcos falls in August, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around California State University San Marcos falls in December, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
February54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
March56.7°F (13.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
April59.7°F (15.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
May62.1°F (16.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June66.9°F (19.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low
July71.8°F (22.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August73.4°F (23.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September72.5°F (22.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October66.9°F (19.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately LowAverage
November60.3°F (15.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately LowAverage
December54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for California State University San Marcos

To save money on your trip to California State University San Marcos, consider visiting nearby free attractions like Stone Brewing, Carlsbad Premium Outlets, and Moonlight State Beach. June and December to January are the cheapest months for hotel stays, while booking about a month in advance can yield lower rates. Use Expedia to find the best deals, sorting by price and applying filters for eco-friendly options. Additionally, joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and allow you to earn OneKeyCash for future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around California State University San Marcos are June and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around California State University San Marcos is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily sort your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotel options first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking at California State University San Marcos with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.