Dynamic, progressive, sophisticated, trendy, beautiful — there are many ways to describe this city in San Diego’s desirable North County. Situated 35 miles away from downtown San Diego, this pristine city’s terrific school district and a slew of outdoor recreational activities render it a leading choice for families with children and cultured professionals.
Excellent restaurants and bars, which run the gamut from upscale to casual, line its downtown district, while sweeping views of the verdant, untouched countryside extend in multiple directions. Sprawling estates, complete with high-end touches, also have epic vistas of the mountains, valleys, and lakes. The fabulous weather seen in this pocket of Southern California amplifies San Marcos’s appeal and explains precisely why it’s one of the most coveted regions in the state.
San Marcos’s liveliness holds major appeal to individuals and their families who thrive in a spirited setting. Professionals, students, retirees, artists, and entrepreneurs are all thrilled to call this slice of paradise home. You’ll often find your neighbors savoring time at one of the community’s lush and lovely parks, perusing its boutiques, or enjoying the sunshine in its downtown square.
From lakeside gems to laidback cafes, San Marcos has a panoply of outstanding restaurants. Amalfi Cucina Italiana is a leading local favorite. With two levels of dining space situated directly on the water, this buzzy hotspot features authentic Italian fare that’s at once familiar and inventive. Polpette, calamari fritti, and shrimp pasta are just a few of the items on their menu.
Dining al fresco is taken to new heights at Fish House Vera Cruz, where you can dip into a handful of sumptuous seafood dishes. Oyster shooters, Canadian scallops, ahi tuna, and North Pacific halibut — the very range of options here amaze even the pickiest of palates. The Old Spaghetti Factory is perfect for children and birthday celebrations, while date nights are best enjoyed at Aria Restaurant, a sleek venue specializing in Persian and Mediterranean fare.
What would a San Diego County city be without authentic Mexican food and delicious margaritas? This is precisely what you will find at Cocina Del Charro. Kick off your meal with ceviche tostadas, dive into a plate of Mexico City’s trademark dish, enchiladas suiza, and conclude it all with a slice of classic flan with dulce de leche.
An enormous part of San Marcos’s charm is its abundance of parks, trails, and natural attractions. Lake San Marcos functions as the crown jewel of the city. Beyond its beauty, it supplies residents and visitors with a boatload of ways to relish a sunny day, from paddleboarding to kayaking. Discover Lake is just as bewitching with its stunning views of the mountains. There’s a terrific loop trail here that’s perfect for the whole family. The nature preserve at Jack’s Pond, one of San Marco’s secret gems, is the go-to spot for those searching for serenity. Rarely crowded, this outdoor oasis offers profound peace and quiet.
Walnut Grove Park is yet another popular San Marcos attraction with its playing fields and equestrian facilities, while the enchanting and historic Williams’ Barn is often used for terrific public events.
The San Marcos Unified School District is one of the best in the state. A few of the top-performing schools in the city include:
94,313 people live in San Marcos, where the median age is 35.6 and the average individual income is $39,122. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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San Marcos has 30,304 households, with an average household size of 3.08. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in San Marcos do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 94,313 people call San Marcos home. The population density is 3,839.38 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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