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North AmericaUnited StatesCalifornia

San Marcos

California, United States · North America

About San Marcos

San Marcos is worth a stop: 10 minutes from Lake San Marcos, 14km from LEGOLAND California.

San Marcos is a town located in California, United States. With a population of 92,931, it is an important destination in North America.

On a road trip, San Marcos sits in United States, where you drive on the right. It's in the America/Los Angeles time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add San Marcos to your route.

About San Marcos

San Marcos ( SAN MAR-kohs; Spanish for "St. Mark") is a city in the North County region of San Diego County, California, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city's population was 94,833. It is the site of California State University San Marcos and Palomar College. The city is bordered by Escondido to the east,

Read more Encinitas to the southwest, Carlsbad to the west, and Vista to the northwest. Lake San Marcos is an enclave, or county island, within the southwestern part of the city and its sphere of influence but is an unincorporated community.

Read more on Wikipedia

Where to Stay in San Marcos

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in San Marcos?

San Marcos offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.

How do I plan a road trip to San Marcos?

Plan your road trip to San Marcos with Plan Your Road Trips! Add San Marcos as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.

Where is San Marcos located?

San Marcos is located in California, United States, North America. The coordinates are 33.1434 latitude, -117.1661 longitude.

What is the population of San Marcos?

San Marcos has a population of approximately 92,931 people, making it a town in United States.

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Quick Information

Population
92,931
Continent
North America
Country
United States
Region
California
Timezone
America/Los_Angeles
Coordinates
33.1434, -117.1661

Emergency & Services

Essential numbers in United States

Police
911
Ambulance
911
Fire
911
Driving side
right

AAA roadside assistance: 1-800-222-4357. Right turn on red is legal in most states unless signed otherwise.

Full driving guide for United States

Tags

North AmericaUnited StatesCaliforniaTown

Worth the detour from San Marcos

4 notable places within an hour's drive.

landmark

LEGOLAND California

Carlsbad theme park designed for families with children aged 2–12, featuring over 60 LEGO-themed rides and attractions.

14 km · about 25 min drive

landmark

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Expansive wildlife sanctuary in Escondido where animals roam in vast open-range enclosures mimicking their native habitats.

17 km · about 20 min drive

landmark

SeaWorld San Diego

Southern California's marine life park offering animal experiences, aquarium exhibits, and amusement rides.

43 km · about 50 min drive

landmark

San Diego Zoo

World-renowned zoo in Balboa Park home to over 12,000 animals of more than 650 species in naturalistic habitats.

45 km · about 50 min drive

Nearby Destinations

Other places to explore near San Marcos.

Lake San Marcos

🇺🇸 United States

4 km awayPop. 4,437

Escondido

🇺🇸 United States

8 km awayPop. 151,038

Vista

🇺🇸 United States

10 km awayPop. 100,890

Hidden Meadows

🇺🇸 United States

10 km awayPop. 3,485

Rancho Santa Fe

🇺🇸 United States

14 km awayPop. 3,117

Valley Center

🇺🇸 United States

15 km awayPop. 9,277

Encinitas

🇺🇸 United States

17 km awayPop. 62,930

Fairbanks Ranch

🇺🇸 United States

17 km awayPop. 3,148

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Data sources:GeoNames (CC BY 4.0)•Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)•Mapbox•Photography: George Lawrence