Splendid San Marcos, California

San Marcos is a suburb of San Diego in the North County area of San Diego County, California. The city is best known as the home of California State University, San Marcos. The city is bordered by Escondido to the east, Encinitas to the Southwest, Carlsbad to the west, and Vista to the northwest.

Have you ever seen that lighted cross that stands on a hill that is visible at night? That cross is visible from many parts of the city and has been a community landmark for decades. San Marcos is known for having some of the best restaurants in North County including Old California Restaurant Row featuring a large concentration of restaurants offering a variety of cuisines and very popular chain restaurants throughout the city. San Marcos is also known for the abundance of shopping as well.

History

According to historical legends, the San Luis Rey Mission flocks were robbed by a small band of Indians in the late 18th century. Fleeing the Spanish troops, the Indians escaped to the hills. While pursuing the Indians, the Spaniards came upon a fertile valley in 1797 which was named Los Vallecitos de San Marcos (Little Valleys of Saint Mark) to honor the day of discovery: April 25, “St. Mark’s Day”. German and Dutch immigrants began moving into the area in the early 1880s. Then in 1883 a few miles south of the settlement, John H. Barham founded the first town in the area. The original town of San Marcos was at the intersection of what is now Grand Avenue and Rancho Santa Fe Road. San Marcos became an incorporated city on January 28, 1963. In the 1970s, San Marcos was flourishing as the third fastest-growing city in the state with a population of 17,479 by 1980 and continues to grow. (Courtesy of Wikipedia)

Fun Facts

• San Marcos is one of the leading cities in the percentage change in population from 2000 to 2007, with an increase in 45 percent.
• Land prices are still lower compared to other North San Diego County cities.
• Old California Restaurant Row with 18 restaurants is the only mall of restaurants in California.

Travel Facts

• 38 miles to Downtown San Diego
• 12 miles to the Pacific Ocean
• 94 miles to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• 35 miles to the San Diego International Airport
• 60 miles to Orange County, John Wayne Airport

Things To Do In San Marcos

1. Old California Restaurant Row: The Old California Restaurant Row has become North County’s largest dining and entertainment experience with eighteen restaurants, an Edwards Stadium 18 Cinema, and quaint village boutiques. What started as a fruit and vegetable stand in 1972, Old California Restaurant Row is now a hot spot for the city of San Marcos. Some restaurants include Fish House Vera Cruz, Acapulco, San Marcos Brewery & Grill, Katsu Sushi and Teppan Grill, IHOP, and Cocina del Charro. Enjoy an unforgettable dinner at one of Old California Restaurant Row’s international restaurants and then enjoy a movie at Edwards Cinema right next door! www.oldcalrestaurantrow.com.

2. Shopping: Quality centers like Creekside Marketplace, Nordahl Center, Grand Plaza and Old California Restaurant Row have all become popular shopping and dining destinations, and plans for future developments like the San Marcos Downtown Creek District, Palomar Station and University Village will transform San Marcos as a regional shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Notable shops include Nordstrom Rack, Ulta, Costco, Frys Electronics, Sprouts Market, Sports Chalet, and Harley Davidson.

3. Golfing: With San Marcos’ great weather, golfing here is ideal. The most notable golf course is Lake San Marcos Resort and Country Club. www.lakesanmarcosresort.com. They are offer a south and north course. Also located in San Marcos is the Twin Oaks Golf Course that is 18-holes of Championship Golf.  www.jcgolf.com/courses-twinoaks.php.

4. Trails: San Marcos features 72 miles multi-use trail system. Fifty-six miles of existing trails are great for hiking, biking, running, equestrian use and more! A popular destination is the top of Double Peak Park, which features a panorama of northern San Diego County from the highest coastal peak in the county. On a clear day you can see the San Bernardino Mountains in Los Angeles and the skyscrapers of downtown San Diego. Other trails in San Marcos include Discovery Creek, Discovery Lake, Cima Drive Loop, Twin Oaks Valley, Las Posas/Borden, Town Center, Jack’s Pond and Rancho Dorado.

5. Bowling: AMF Eagle Lanes Bowling Alley is located at 945 West San Marcos Boulevard. This bowling alley offers Xtreme Bowling, daily deals, and is open late! They are open usually until 11pm and until midnight or 12:30am on the weekends! They offer food and beverages, including pitchers of beer for those of you who want to have extra fun! www.amf.com.

Other cities you might enjoy: Classy Carlsbad, Vivacious Vista, and Oceanside!