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

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Check availability on Lake San Marcos Cheap Hotels

This weekend
Oct 30 - Nov 1
Next weekend
Nov 6 - Nov 8

Our top choices for Lake San Marcos cheap hotels

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1. Days Inn by Wyndham Encinitas Moonlight Beach

Days Inn by Wyndham Encinitas Moonlight Beach
2.0 star property
Downtown Encinitas
7.0 out of 10, Good, (1,378 reviews)
"Very clean, and the staff very kind."
United States
Jeanette
The price is NT$3,198
NT$3,534 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 29 - Oct 30
Days Inn by Wyndham Encinitas Moonlight Beach
A hotel with a swimming pool, outdoor seating, and a parking lot.

2. Continental Inn San Diego Hotel Escondido

Continental Inn San Diego Hotel Escondido
3.5 star property
Escondido
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,002 reviews)
"Loved the last minute availability, close proximity to Safari Park, snacks, & morning buffet, free parking & friendly staff."
United States
Monica
The price is NT$4,384
NT$4,823 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 10 - Nov 11
Continental Inn San Diego Hotel Escondido
A pool area with a view of palm trees and a sunset.

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

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Carlsbad - Legoland Area
3.0 star property
South Beach
7.6 out of 10, Good, (1,787 reviews)
"Clean room and breakfast was great!"
United States
Christine
The price is NT$3,433
NT$3,852 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 28 - Oct 29
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Carlsbad - Legoland Area
A hotel room with two beds, a desk, and a chair.

4. Motel 6 Carlsbad East, CA - Near Legoland

Motel 6 Carlsbad East, CA - Near Legoland
2.0 star property
City Center
7.6 out of 10, Good, (1,956 reviews)
"Nice location rooms were nice"
United States
Shane
The price is NT$2,118
NT$2,372 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Motel 6 Carlsbad East, 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.

5. Motel Mediteran Escondido

Motel Mediteran Escondido
2.5 star property
Kit Carson
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,071 reviews)
"Wonderful staff and great location"
United States
Bob
The price is NT$2,412
NT$2,654 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 28 - Oct 29
Motel Mediteran Escondido
An outdoor seating area with a stone wall, two chairs, and a central fire feature.

6. Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms

Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms
3.0 star property
Townsite
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,422 reviews)
"It was a great place to stay"
United States
Joseph
The price is NT$3,436
NT$3,872 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 2 - Nov 3
Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms
Two wicker lounge chairs with striped cushions, a blue umbrella, and a small table with a decorative fountain between them.

7. Leucadia Beach Inn

Leucadia Beach Inn
2.5 star property
Leucadia
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,005 reviews)
"Great stay!"
United States
margaret
The price is NT$3,389
NT$3,728 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 16 - Nov 17
Leucadia Beach Inn
A hotel with a swimming pool, outdoor seating, and palm trees.

8. Best Western Oceanside Inn

Best Western Oceanside Inn
2.5 star property
Townsite
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (1,003 reviews)
"It was not a fancy stay but sometimes all you need is a clean and well priced hotel. The location was great and the staff was nice."
United States
Tyler
The price is NT$3,490
NT$3,927 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 4 - Nov 5
Best Western Oceanside Inn
A bedroom with a bed, a chair, and a window with a view of a parking lot and buildings.

9. Brisa Pacific Hotel Encinitas

Brisa Pacific Hotel Encinitas
2.0 star property
Downtown Encinitas
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,003 reviews)
"It was a very lovely stay at Brisa Pacific!! Highly recommend"
United States
Hannah
The price is NT$3,519
NT$3,871 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 15 - Nov 16
Brisa Pacific Hotel Encinitas
A corridor with hexagonal tiles leading to a beach view.

10. La Jolla Shores Hotel

La Jolla Shores Hotel
3.0 star property
La Jolla Shores
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,337 reviews)
"Food was excellent and location is the best!"
United States
Cindy
The price is NT$8,476
NT$11,809 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 10 - Nov 11
La Jolla Shores Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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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

Hyatt Vacation Club at The Welk, San Diego Area

Hyatt Vacation Club at The Welk, San Diego Area

10/10 Excellent
"Liked everything. Wish I could purchase a gift card to give to others to enjoy the property. Was told the property does not have gift cards."
Jim 3-night trip
Posted 1 hour ago
Hyatt Vacation Club at The Welk, San Diego Area

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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