Vacation rentals in San Marcos

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Quick stats about vacation rentals in San Marcos

  • Total vacation rentals

    Explore 240 vacation rentals in San Marcos

  • Nightly prices starting at

    San Marcos vacation rentals start at €26 per night before taxes and fees

  • Verified guest reviews

    Over 11,280 verified reviews to help you choose

  • Family-friendly vacation rentals

    120 properties offer extra space & kid-friendly amenities

  • Pet-friendly vacation rentals

    Find 70 rentals that welcome pets

  • Vacation rentals with a pool

    80 properties feature pools

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    150 properties have a dedicated workspace

  • Wi-Fi availability

    230 of San Marcos vacation rentals include wi-fi access

  • Popular amenities for guests

    Guests love Gym, BBQ grill, and Laptop-friendly workspace across San Marcos rentals

  • 4.9 Average rating

    San Marcos stays are highly rated by guests—averaging 4.9 out of 5!

Top-rated vacation rentals in San Marcos

Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

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Top guest favorite
A Spanish-style home is featured with a tiled roof and a central fountain surrounded by landscaped gardens. Outdoor lighting enhances the welcoming facade. Large windows provide views into the open spaces, and palm trees line the property, set against a colorful twilight sky.
Home in San Marcos
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 170 reviews

Private Estate with Hot Tub, 20 Minutes From Beach

Enjoy your own private oasis in the heart of all Southern California has to offer! Centrally located with less than a half hour to the beach, wild animal park, LEGO land, and wineries, this is the perfect home to enjoy time away with loved ones. Enjoy the ocean breeze in a large outdoor space complete with fruit trees, covered patio, expansive yard, a playground, and on clear days an ocean view! Please contact us with details for any parties or events and *read entire listing* PRIOR to booking!

Guest favorite
A tiny house is nestled in a hillside, surrounded by lush greenery and cacti. The wooden structure features a spacious deck with seating, and large windows that invite natural light. Scenic mountain views are present in the background, enhancing the tranquil setting.
Tiny home in Escondido
4.84 out of 5 average rating, 215 reviews

Lakeview Tiny House w/hillside pool

Tucked into the hillside by Lake Hodges, the tiny house is a romantic retreat or a place to unwind surrounded by nature, w/plenty of amenities so you don't have to sacrifice comfort. Lake & mountain views from inside & out-- private, large covered deck, dining patio, outdoor shower (& indoor), beautiful saltwater pool, & fire bowl. Though it feels like you're in a secluded retreat, urban amenities are just a few miles away. SD Zoo Safari Park, wineries, breweries & beaches all w/in easy reach.

Guest favorite
A small wooden bridge crosses over a gently flowing stream surrounded by lush green grass and trees. The natural landscape features scattered rocks and various plants, creating a peaceful and inviting outdoor setting.
Cottage in San Marcos
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 276 reviews

Country cottage 30 mins from San Diego beaches!

Relax in this 10 acre country getaway! Explore “LoveLeeAcres”. Enjoy kid friendly hikes to beautiful views, oak trees, swings, trampoline, hammock, seasonal above ground pool, kids zip line, chickens, a bunny & pig to hold & feed. We’ll send you off to the beach just 30 mins away with sand toys, boogie boards, chairs and umbrella, come home to the hot tub! 19 vineyard & wineries within 10 mls! Only 1 hour to Disneyland, Sea World, Legoland, Universal Studios, six flags, tide pools & much more!

Top guest favorite
The exterior of a stone studio is seen at dusk, featuring an arched entrance framed by natural stone walls. Steps lead to a small patio area, with expansive views of the surrounding landscape, including distant city lights and the twilight sky.
Cave in Lake San Marcos
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 121 reviews

Casa Grotto, Romantic Stone Cottage w/ Ocean Views

Perched 800ft above sea level with panoramic ocean views from La Jolla to Catalina Island, Casa Grotto is a unique stone studio carved into the ocean view hillside of Lake San Marcos . Built in the 80's using stone from the mountain, the space was updated in 2025 with modern touches—featuring a rock shower, full kitchen, AC, and gym. Just 20 minutes from the beach, it’s a dreamy escape for surfers, hikers, and couples looking for a romantic getaway. No pets—our two friendly boxers live on-site

Superhost
A spacious living area features a light grey sectional sofa with various cushions arranged for comfort. Nearby, a side table is positioned with a stack of books. Large glass sliding doors allow natural light to illuminate the space, showcasing the modern flooring.
Home in Vista
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 101 reviews

Welcome to the Vista Pug House!

Spacious home in a quiet neighborhood. Perfect place to come back and unwind after a fun day at the beach, Sea World, Legoland, or out and about in San Diego. We hope you consider the Vista Pug House for your stay. Two very friendly pugs reside in this home in between guest but do not have access to the guest rooms or bathroom. The dogs and I do not stay in the home when guests stay. Please be aware that pugs are not hypoallergenic dogs. However, we make sure to deep clean in between guests.

Superhost
Apartment in San Marcos
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 241 reviews

Buena Creek Vista | Main House • Subdivided • Pool

Enjoy this private 1,050 sq ft 2BR/2BA lower-level suite on our secluded 1-acre hillside estate in San Marcos. Features a private patio with beautiful mountain views, renovated bathrooms, a convenient kitchenette, and an in-unit laundry room (no living room). Hosts live upstairs (the home pictured is sub divided entirely with no shared living spaces). The saltwater pool and spa are shared with the detached guest house 100 ft away, which can also be rented separately (inquire with hosts)

Top guest favorite
A spacious living area is equipped with a comfortable sofa and armchair, providing a relaxed seating arrangement. A coffee table is centered on a plush area rug. Natural light filters through the windows, creating a warm ambiance, complemented by a modern television mounted on the wall.
Guesthouse in Lake San Marcos
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 221 reviews

Spacious 1BD Casita - Sleeps 6 - Kitchen - Laundry

Private garden guest house 9 miles from the beach and LegoLand. Take a step inside your own personal oasis. Separate entrance, very private guest house (1,000 Square feet) Very peaceful and quiet family neighborhood- sleeps up to 5/6 guests comfortably. Solar lighting throughout garden and drought resistant landscaping. Located on a quite culde-sac street perfect for easy access parking and safe for families to stay. You own private garden and entrance. Bring the whole family!

Top guest favorite
A private backyard features a circular seating arrangement with four brightly colored chairs surrounding a fire pit. Stone paving provides an inviting area for gathering, with green grass and palm trees enhancing the outdoor space. A fence offers privacy, with mountains visible in the background.
Home in Lake San Marcos
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 128 reviews

Lake San Marcos Gem

Enjoy the best of North County San Diego in this upgraded, dog-friendly 3BR/2BA home in peaceful Lake San Marcos. With a spacious kitchen, bonus bedroom/playroom, and a private fenced yard with a fire pit, this home is designed for comfort and relaxation. Walk to lake activities, golf, and waterfront dining, or take a quick drive to beaches, Legoland, and everything North County offers. Ideal for families, couples, golfers, and anyone seeking a quiet retreat close to it all.

Top guest favorite
The exterior of the guest house is showcased, featuring a distinctive green roof and large windows. A spacious patio area is seen in front, accompanied by a relaxing swimming pool that curves around a stone structure.
Guesthouse in San Marcos
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 111 reviews

Somerset Cottage romantic king bed with spa & pool

You will be staying on a 4 acre property in your own private guest house. Over 1,000 square feet of studio space, a best fit for 2. There is a sofa bed. Private Parking and entrance. 1 Cal King Bed, 1 Sofa Bed, 1 Bath, Kitchenette( No oven or dishwasher), Pool Table, Ping Pong Table. You will have private use of the swimming pool and patio area. Romantic and relaxing. Close to Cal State San Marcos. Surrounded by nature and wild life but minutes to freeway and shopping.

Top guest favorite
Home in Bonsall
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 137 reviews

Modern New Home •Quiet Escape with Panoramic Views

Discover a modern retreat set on Bonsall’s rolling hills, offering sweeping views, glowing city lights, and vivid fall/winter sunsets. This newly built open-concept home features floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious deck ideal for taking in the breeze, sunbathing, or stargazing. Private, peaceful, and thoughtfully designed for families and friends. Secluded in feel yet minutes from freeways, Oceanside beaches, dining, shops, wineries, wedding venues, and Frontwave Arena.

Guest favorite
A lakefront home is framed by lush palm trees and vibrant greenery. Soft hues of sunset illuminate the structure's large windows, reflecting a serene ambiance. Swans glide gracefully on the water, enhancing the tranquil lakeside setting.
Home in Lake San Marcos
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 126 reviews

Lake House 1475 San Diego on the lake

Gorgeous San Diego lake resort, driving distance to the Ocean, 1.5 hours from Disneyland, 40 minutes from Sea World, 20 minutes from Wild Animal Park, 15 minutes from Legoland, 45 minutes from San Diego Zoo If you have a family this a great place to stay If you are a retired couple, this is a great place to stay If you are getting married and looking for an amazing place to have a wedding Lake San Marcos is a gorgeous venue and our house is very close to the resort

Superhost
The pool area features a tranquil swimming pool with a circular hot tub integrated into the design. Surrounding the water are lush green plants and a distant basketball hoop, all set against a vibrant sunset sky that transitions from blue to soft hues of pink.
Home in Escondido
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 93 reviews

Sunset Paradise in Escondido, CA

Come visit your HUGE home-away-from-home (almost 4000 square ft) in sunny Escondido, California! This inviting home is perfect for the entire family from its beautiful sunset/mountainous VIEWS and a serene, picturesque POOL/hot tub setting. It also offers an outdoor BBQ kitchen, an adult lounge to chill or chat, pool-side basketball, an interactive GAME ROOM for all ages , and even a little kid cozy closet. This home truly has something for everyone!

Popular amenities for San Marcos vacation rentals

When is the best time to visit San Marcos?

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Avg. price€118€117€117€107€126€138€136€130€118€116€124€120
Avg. temp14°C14°C15°C16°C18°C20°C23°C24°C24°C21°C17°C14°C

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the best places to stay in San Marcos?

    Stays around Lake San Marcos, Old Creek Ranch, and neighborhoods near local parks are frequently suggested for comfort and access to outdoor spaces. Rental homes in residential areas provide a relaxed atmosphere.

  • What are the best things to do in San Marcos with kids?

    Families with children often enjoy playgrounds at local parks, interactive exhibits at community centers, and easy nature walks around Discovery Lake. Bowling alleys and mini golf are other popular choices.

  • What are some of the best things to do in San Marcos?

    Explore trails at Double Peak Park, relax by Lake San Marcos, or visit local farmers markets for fresh produce. The city also has community art spaces and golf courses for a mix of experiences.

  • How is the weather in San Marcos?

    San Marcos typically experiences mild, sunny weather, with winter temperatures near 47–67°F (8–20°C) and summer afternoons averaging 60–89°F (16–32°C). Rain is rare after spring; summers are mostly dry and bright.

  • When is the best time to visit San Marcos?

    Late spring and early fall are frequently suggested for milder temperatures and minimal rain. Summer draws visitors for outdoor concerts and dry, sunny afternoons.

  • What are the best places to visit in San Marcos?

    Double Peak Park is often recommended for hiking and views, while Lake San Marcos invites water activities and relaxation. Discovery Lake and local art spaces add variety to your visit.

  • What are some hiking trails in San Marcos?

    Hiking enthusiasts can explore Double Peak Park for panoramic views, take the Discovery Lake Trail for a gentle walk, or follow networked paths through San Elijo Hills. These trails are popular for both leisure and exercise.

  • What are some family activities we can do in San Marcos?

    Families often explore local parks, play at community recreation centers, and enjoy hands-on activities at children’s museums. The city also has options for bowling, mini golf, and nature walks.

  • What are some of the best day trip ideas from San Marcos?

    Popular day trips include exploring North County beaches, hiking mountain preserves around the region, or visiting nearby winery areas for tastings. Many guests also enjoy family attractions in coastal cities near San Marcos.

  • Are there any pet friendly accommodations available in San Marcos?

    Many vacation rentals in San Marcos welcome pets, especially in areas near parks and walking trails. Lake San Marcos and Old Creek Ranch neighborhoods are known for easy access to outdoor spaces.

  • What are some local tips for visiting San Marcos?

    Locals often suggest starting your day early to explore outdoor spaces before afternoon sun, bringing layers for cooler evenings, and trying the weekly farmers markets for regional flavors. Public parks are a favorite spot for casual gatherings.

  • What is San Marcos known for?

    San Marcos is known for its scenic parks, including Double Peak Park, educational institutions, and a welcoming community vibe. The area features recreational lakes and a lively local arts presence.

  • What are the best hidden gems to explore in San Marcos?

    Look for quiet trails around Discovery Lake, small public gardens, and community art exhibits tucked in historic neighborhoods. Locals also appreciate the less-traveled picnic spots and nature areas near San Elijo Hills.

  • What are the best foods to try in San Marcos?

    San Marcos has a diverse food scene, with Mexican fare, locally sourced seafood, and farm-to-table options frequently suggested. Fresh salsas, fish tacos, and California-style pizzas are popular with visitors.

  • What should I bring for a trip to San Marcos?

    Pack lightweight clothing for warm days and a sweater or jacket for cooler evenings, especially in winter months. Sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and a reusable water bottle are often suggested for outdoor activities.

  • What is the nightlife in San Marcos like?

    San Marcos nightlife centers on casual bars, local breweries, and laid-back restaurants with outdoor patios. Live music and community events are often featured at venues around downtown and Lake San Marcos.

  • What are the most popular events or festivals in San Marcos?

    San Marcos has a calendar of community events, with outdoor summer concerts and seasonal holiday celebrations often recommended. Craft fairs and food festivals are frequently suggested in spring and fall.

  • Are there family friendly vacation rentals in San Marcos?

    San Marcos has many vacation rentals that welcome families, ranging from homes near parks to accommodations with multiple bedrooms and kitchen amenities. Several neighborhoods are known for quiet streets and access to recreational spaces.