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 25 - Oct 26
Tomorrow
Oct 26 - Oct 27
Next weekend
Oct 30 - Nov 1
In two weeks
Nov 6 - Nov 8

Our top choices for Lake San Marcos cheap hotels

A hotel with a swimming pool, outdoor seating, and a parking lot.
A pool area with lounge chairs, palm trees, and a building labeled 'Continental Inn'.
A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a television, a bathroom with a large mirror and red-tiled sink.
A balcony with a metal table and two white chairs, surrounded by greenery and a palm tree.

1. Continental Inn San Diego Hotel Escondido

Continental Inn San Diego Hotel Escondido
Escondido
United States
Monica
NT$4,386
NT$4,825 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 26 - Oct 27
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.
A modern hotel room with two beds, a desk, a TV, and a cityscape view.

2. Days Inn by Wyndham Encinitas Moonlight Beach

Days Inn by Wyndham Encinitas Moonlight Beach
Downtown Encinitas
United States
Jeanette
NT$3,198
NT$3,534 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 26 - Oct 27
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 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$3,433
NT$3,852 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 26 - Oct 27
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Carlsbad - Legoland Area
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 building with a covered patio, palm trees, and a fountain.
A swimming pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas, surrounded by a building with balconies and a fence.

4. Motel Mediteran Escondido

Motel Mediteran Escondido
Kit Carson
United States
Bob
NT$2,021
NT$2,223 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 26 - Oct 27
Motel Mediteran Escondido
A hotel room with two beds, a desk, and a chair.
A laundry room with stacked washers and dryers, a bulletin board with informational posters, and a wall-mounted thermostat.
A vending machine with snacks and a Coca-Cola cooler.
A reception area with a counter, a bulletin board, and a clock on the wall.

5. Motel 6 Carlsbad East, CA - Near Legoland

Motel 6 Carlsbad East, CA - Near Legoland
City Center
United States
Shane
NT$2,119
NT$2,373 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Motel 6 Carlsbad East, CA - Near Legoland
An outdoor seating area with a stone wall, two chairs, and a central fire feature.
A Best Western Plus hotel with a stone facade, palm trees, and a well-lit entrance.
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 hotel lobby with teal armchairs, a wooden reception desk, a large mirror, and a blue curtain.

6. Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms

Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms
Townsite
United States
Joseph
NT$3,436
NT$3,872 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 1 - Nov 2
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.
A sign for Leucadia Beach Inn with a palm tree logo, indicating a beach resort.
A dining area with a table set for two, a television mounted on the wall, and a painting above the table.
A building with a hanging flower basket, outdoor seating, and potted plants.

7. Leucadia Beach Inn

Leucadia Beach Inn
Leucadia
United States
margaret
NT$3,198
NT$3,518 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 9 - Nov 10
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
Gregory
NT$3,785
NT$4,258 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 1 - Nov 2
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$4,129
NT$4,674 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 kitchen with wooden cabinets, a dining table, and chairs. There is a window with a view of the outside.
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
Hannah
NT$3,521
NT$3,873 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 27 - Oct 28
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

San Diego Marriott La Jolla

San Diego Marriott La Jolla

10/10 Excellent
"Good location"
Cathy KaLee 1-night trip
Posted less than an hour ago
San Diego Marriott La Jolla
La Jolla Shores Hotel

La Jolla Shores Hotel

8/10 Good
"Beach view was amazing and loved watching the sunset!"
Hallie 3-night trip
Posted 1 hour ago
La Jolla Shores Hotel
Motel 6 Oceanside, CA

Motel 6 Oceanside, CA

10/10 Excellent
"The staff was great!"
Diana 25-night trip
Posted 2 hours ago
Motel 6 Oceanside, CA
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Carlsbad - Legoland Area

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Carlsbad - Legoland Area

10/10 Excellent
"The staff was very helpful."
Elliana 3-night trip
Posted 3 hours ago
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Carlsbad - Legoland Area
Sonesta ES Suites San Diego - Sorrento Mesa

Sonesta ES Suites San Diego - Sorrento Mesa

10/10 Excellent
"Good clean property"
Sharang 3-night trip
Posted 1 day ago
Sonesta ES Suites San Diego - Sorrento Mesa

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