A coastal town with a lake, surrounded by mountains and greenery.

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Check availability on Lake San Marcos Cheap Hotels

Tonight
Oct 8 - Oct 9
Tomorrow
Oct 9 - Oct 10
This weekend
Oct 9 - Oct 11
Next weekend
Oct 16 - Oct 18

Our top choices for Lake San Marcos cheap hotels

Lobby
A hotel room with a sofa, a wooden table, a mirror, a lamp, and a framed picture on the wall.
A rocky beach with waves crashing onto the shore and a cliff in the background.
A modern hotel lobby with multiple seating areas, a coffee bar, and large windows.

1. Days Inn by Wyndham Encinitas Moonlight Beach

Days Inn by Wyndham Encinitas Moonlight Beach
Downtown Encinitas
United States
Helli
NT$2,841
NT$3,139 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 11 - Oct 12
Days Inn by Wyndham Encinitas Moonlight Beach
A buffet setup with coffee dispensers, coffee mugs, and food containers.
A hotel with a sign reading 'Continental Inn,' a parking lot, a swimming pool, and a mountain in the background.
A reception area with a counter, blue sofas, a round table, and a wall-mounted mirror.
A pool area with lounge chairs and umbrellas.

2. Continental Inn San Diego Hotel Escondido

Continental Inn San Diego Hotel Escondido
Escondido
United States
David
NT$4,003
NT$4,403 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 18 - Oct 19
Continental Inn San Diego Hotel Escondido
A pool area with a view of palm trees and a sunset.
A hotel with a prominent sign, palm trees, and a clear blue sky.
A gym with treadmills, weight machines, and free weights.
A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a television, a bathroom with a sink and mirror, and a patterned carpet.

3. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Carlsbad - Legoland Area

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Carlsbad - Legoland Area
South Beach
United States
Christine
NT$3,283
NT$3,683 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 14 - Oct 15
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Carlsbad - Legoland Area
An outdoor seating area with a stone wall, two chairs, and a central fire feature.
A hotel lobby with teal armchairs, a wooden reception desk, a large mirror, and a blue curtain.
A Best Western Plus hotel with a stone facade, palm trees, and a well-lit entrance.
A hotel lobby with a reception desk, a seating area with a sofa, and a television screen.

4. Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms

Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms
Townsite
United States
Joseph
NT$3,361
NT$3,787 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 19 - Oct 20
Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms
A hotel room with two beds, a desk, and a chair.
A pool area with a blue pool, white chairs, and a blue umbrella.
A reception area with a counter, a bulletin board, and a clock on the wall.
A 6 Motel with a 'Welcome' sign, a 'Tow Away' sign, and a number '6117' on the building.

5. Motel 6 Carlsbad, CA - Near Legoland

Motel 6 Carlsbad, CA - Near Legoland
City Center
United States
Roberto
NT$2,073
NT$2,321 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Motel 6 Carlsbad, CA - Near Legoland
A modern bedroom with a large bed, a nightstand, a painting of a coastal scene, and a bathroom visible through an open door.
A building with a covered patio, palm trees, and a fountain.
A motel with a swimming pool, multiple parking spaces, and a fenced construction area.
A spacious kitchen with wooden cabinets, a built-in TV, and a large window offering a view of the outside.

6. Motel Mediteran Escondido

Motel Mediteran Escondido
Kit Carson
United States
Bob
NT$2,551
NT$2,806 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 11 - Oct 12
Motel Mediteran Escondido
Two wicker lounge chairs with striped cushions, a blue umbrella, and a small table with a decorative fountain between them.
A sign for Leucadia Beach Inn with a palm tree logo, indicating a beach resort.
A hotel room with two beds, each with a white headboard, green and white floral bedding, and a bedside table with a lamp.
A dining area with a table set for two, a television mounted on the wall, and a painting above the table.

7. Leucadia Beach Inn

Leucadia Beach Inn
Leucadia
United States
margaret
NT$2,652
NT$2,917 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 3 - Nov 4
Leucadia Beach Inn
A hotel with a swimming pool, outdoor seating, and palm trees.
A modern hotel lobby with seating, a dining area, and a refrigerator stocked with beverages.
A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a TV, and a large window with curtains.
A spacious living room with a sofa, armchairs, a coffee table, and a dining area with a table and chairs. Large windows provide ample natural light.

8. Best Western Oceanside Inn

Best Western Oceanside Inn
Townsite
United States
Jordan Sumner
NT$3,415
NT$3,842 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 14 - Oct 15
Best Western Oceanside Inn
A two-story building with a brown tiled roof, a stone chimney, and a flag.
A spacious living area with a kitchen counter, a sofa, and a coffee table.
Lobby
Exterior

9. Best Western Premier Hotel Del Mar

Best Western Premier Hotel Del Mar
Del Mar
United States
Thomas
NT$4,038
NT$4,571 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Best Western Premier Hotel Del Mar
A bedroom with a bed, a chair, and a window with a view of a parking lot and buildings.
A modern hotel lobby with a large window, a reception desk, a sofa, and a small table.
An aerial view of a parking lot with a swimming pool, surrounded by greenery and shaded by umbrellas.
A hotel with a swimming pool, solar panels, and a parking lot.

10. Brisa Pacific Hotel Encinitas

Brisa Pacific Hotel Encinitas
Downtown Encinitas
United States
Steven
NT$3,673
NT$4,040 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 2 - Nov 3
Brisa Pacific Hotel Encinitas
View all properties

Find out more about Lake San Marcos

Discover cheap things to do in Lake San Marcos

Lake San Marcos, California, is a hidden gem for budget-conscious travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation without breaking the bank. Start your exploration at the scenic Lake San Marcos itself, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll or rent a kayak for a small fee, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding hills. For those interested in history, the nearby San Marcos Historical Society offers free tours that dive into the rich past of the area, providing an engaging experience for families. Nature lovers can hike the nearby Double Peak Park, which boasts breathtaking vistas and is completely free to explore. If you’re looking to savor local flavors, check out the San Marcos Farmers Market, held every Saturday, where you can sample fresh produce and affordable artisan treats. When it comes to accommodations, consider staying near the lakefront area, where several budget-friendly hotels offer comfortable amenities and are just a short walk from both the lake and the market. This location allows families to easily navigate to various attractions while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the area, ensuring you feel both pampered and taken care of during your stay.

Top Lake San Marcos Hotel Reviews

Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines

Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines

8/10 Good
"Not a very smooth check in, they couldn’t find our reservation linked from Expedia. Felt like we were treated poorly because we booked through Expedia. We are in La Jolla for business quite a bit and have stayed in a few of the nicer hotels, all booked through Expedia, but this was the first Hilton stay, and it was a lot less seamless than some of our other stays near by."
Stephen D 3-night trip
Posted 2 hours ago
Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
La Jolla Shores Hotel

La Jolla Shores Hotel

10/10 Excellent
"Food was excellent and location is the best!"
Cindy 3-night trip
Posted 1 day ago
La Jolla Shores Hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla

8/10 Good
"The sofa bed’s arm rest in really bad condition. And the blanket was smelling so bad. Bathroom and floor needs an upgrade."
Harman 4-night trip
Posted 2 days ago
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla
Lakehouse Resort

Lakehouse Resort

8/10 Good
"Parking was great. The staff at was accommodating. There was a leak in the room above us. They fixed it and knocked off the resort fee."
Adrian 2-night trip
Posted 2 days ago
Lakehouse Resort

Frequently asked questions

What is Lake San Marcos like for travelers on a budget?
Discover discount places to stay in Lake San Marcos on Expedia.com and book a vacation that stays within your budget. Lake San Marcos is a destination that travelers visit for its fantastic dining options and lakeside setting. You can browse a wide selection of hotels and other types of accommodation with Member Prices to find the best deal for you. Guided by our site's helpful page filters, you can limit results by price per night, or by amenities that customers often look for like free parking and free WiFi. The location filters are a great way to see affordable options near specific attractions, such as The Links at Lakehouse. While you browse, click the heart button to save your favorites so that it's easy to find them when you're ready to decide. Interested in a flight or a rental car too? Choose from the Bundle and Save travel packages and discover big savings when you reserve your transportation at the same time.
When is the best time for a budget trip to Lake San Marcos?
Weather will likely play an important role when you plan your trip to Lake San Marcos, and keep in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually August and September with an average temp of 71°F, while the coldest months are February and January with an average of 55°F. Average annual precipitation for Lake San Marcos is 14 inches.
What is there to see and do in Lake San Marcos?
Lake San Marcos attracts visitors with its fantastic dining options and lakeside setting, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the top local attractions on your list, such as LEGOLAND® California and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and then make time for other wallet-friendly activities. Check out the area's cultural spots like California Center For The Arts and Mission San Luis Rey Church, or get outdoors at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park.
How can I get to Lake San Marcos and get around on a budget?
Scoping out the transportation options in Lake San Marcos is a smart way to keep your trip affordable. The nearest airport is 3.9 mi (6.3 km) from the center in Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar). However, if that doesn't suit your budget, you can look into flights to San Diego, CA (MYF-Montgomery Field), which is 22.1 mi (35.6 km) away. Lake San Marcos might not have many public transportation choices so renting a car could be an economical alternative to see more of the area.

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