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

Find Cheap Hotels in Lake San Marcos, CA

  • Change your mind

    Book hotels with free cancellation

  • Treat yourself

    Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
    Sign in

  • Be picky

    Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check availability on Lake San Marcos Cheap Hotels

Tonight
Oct 22 - Oct 23
Tomorrow
Oct 23 - Oct 24
This weekend
Oct 23 - Oct 25
Next weekend
Oct 30 - Nov 1

Our top choices for Lake San Marcos cheap hotels

A hotel with a swimming pool, outdoor seating, and a parking lot.
A gym with cardio machines, a weight machine, and a TV on the wall.
A hotel room with a bed, desk, chair, television, and a microwave.
A swimming pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas, surrounded by palm trees and a building with 'Continental Inn' signage.

1. Continental Inn San Diego Hotel Escondido

Continental Inn San Diego Hotel Escondido
Escondido
United States
Monica
NT$4,071
NT$4,478 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 15 - Nov 16
Continental Inn San Diego Hotel Escondido
Lobby
A hotel room with a sofa, a wooden table, a mirror, a lamp, and a framed picture on the wall.
A modern hotel lobby with multiple seating areas, a coffee bar, and large windows.
Room

2. Days Inn by Wyndham Encinitas Moonlight Beach

Days Inn by Wyndham Encinitas Moonlight Beach
Downtown Encinitas
United States
Jeanette
NT$3,181
NT$3,515 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 4 - Nov 5
Days Inn by Wyndham Encinitas Moonlight Beach
A pool area with a view of palm trees and a sunset.
A breakfast bar with coffee machines, a waffle maker, and a fruit display.
A hotel with a prominent sign, palm trees, and a clear blue sky.
A gym with treadmills, weight machines, and free weights.

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$3,339
NT$3,746 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 28 - Oct 29
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 compact kitchen with dark cabinets, a black refrigerator, a microwave, and a coffee maker. There is a dining area with a table and chairs.
A Best Western Plus hotel with a stone facade, palm trees, and a well-lit entrance.

4. Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms

Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms
Townsite
United States
Joseph
NT$3,418
NT$3,852 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 29 - Oct 30
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 laundry room with stacked washers and dryers, a bulletin board with informational posters, and a wall-mounted thermostat.

5. Motel 6 Carlsbad, CA - Near Legoland

Motel 6 Carlsbad, CA - Near Legoland
City Center
United States
Shane
NT$2,108
NT$2,361 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 2 - Nov 3
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 motel with a swimming pool, multiple parking spaces, and a fenced construction area.
A swimming pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas, surrounded by a building with balconies and a fence.
A building with a covered patio, palm trees, and a fountain.

6. Motel Mediteran Escondido

Motel Mediteran Escondido
Kit Carson
United States
Bob
NT$2,350
NT$2,585 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 25 - Oct 26
Motel Mediteran Escondido
Two wicker lounge chairs with striped cushions, a blue umbrella, and a small table with a decorative fountain between them.
A building with a hanging flower basket, outdoor seating, and potted plants.
A hotel room with two beds, each with a white headboard, green and white floral bedding, and a bedside table with a lamp.
A sign for Leucadia Beach Inn with a palm tree logo, indicating a beach resort.

7. Leucadia Beach Inn

Leucadia Beach Inn
Leucadia
United States
margaret
NT$2,908
NT$3,199 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 3 - Nov 4
Leucadia Beach Inn
A hotel with a swimming pool, outdoor seating, and palm trees.
A hotel lobby with beige sofas, a dining area, and a reception desk.
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.

8. Best Western Oceanside Inn

Best Western Oceanside Inn
Townsite
United States
Gregory
NT$3,765
NT$4,236 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 28 - Oct 29
Best Western Oceanside Inn
A bedroom with a bed, a chair, and a window with a view of a parking lot and buildings.
An aerial view of a parking lot with a swimming pool, surrounded by greenery and shaded by umbrellas.
A kitchen with wooden cabinets, a dining table, and chairs. There is a window with a view of the outside.
A hotel with a swimming pool, solar panels, and a parking lot.

9. Brisa Pacific Hotel Encinitas

Brisa Pacific Hotel Encinitas
Downtown Encinitas
United States
Steven
NT$3,502
NT$3,852 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 10 - Nov 11
Brisa Pacific Hotel Encinitas
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.
Exterior
An outdoor patio area with seating arrangements, umbrellas, and a stone wall with a fire feature.

10. Best Western Premier Hotel Del Mar

Best Western Premier Hotel Del Mar
Del Mar
United States
Thomas
NT$4,107
NT$4,649 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 2 - Nov 3
Best Western Premier Hotel Del Mar
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

10/10 Excellent
"Spacious rooms with a very very comfortable bed. On site parking available is important."
Amberly 1-night trip
Posted 11 hours ago
Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
Sheraton La Jolla Hotel

Sheraton La Jolla Hotel

8/10 Good
"The room was very clean. I did not like that there really was no place to hang clothing in the in the bathroom and the hook for the bath towel was difficult to reach from the shower. The room decor was pleasant. However, there was a lot of traffic noise. The pool and garden area was lovely. The restaurant was very good, although I felt the breakfast prices were a little high. The staff there was great. I do not feel you should be charging $30 a day for parking. There were a lot of empty spaces in that lot. Convenient location to the La Jolla beaches. I like that you’re not located in a congested high-rise area. Your front desk staff was very friendly, and one woman knew a lot about the area however, several others were unfamiliar with local attractions, when questioned about directions on sites to see. I would stay at this site again."
Deborah 4-night trip
Posted 11 hours ago
Sheraton La Jolla Hotel
La Jolla Shores Hotel

La Jolla Shores Hotel

8/10 Good
"The shuttle service could have been better"
Cindy 4-night trip
Posted 12 hours ago
La Jolla Shores Hotel
Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego-Del Mar

Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego-Del Mar

10/10 Excellent
"The breakfast was awesome. Staff was very helpful."
SHEENA ROBERTS 4-night trip
Posted 1 day ago
Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego-Del Mar
Best Western San Diego/Miramar Hotel

Best Western San Diego/Miramar Hotel

10/10 Excellent
"Great hot breakfast friendly staff"
Keiona 3-night trip
Posted 1 day ago
Best Western San Diego/Miramar Hotel

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.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia