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 17 - Oct 18
Tomorrow
Oct 18 - Oct 19
Next weekend
Oct 23 - Oct 25
In two weeks
Oct 30 - Nov 1

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 gym with a treadmill, mirrored wall, and a mural of a running figure.

1. Days Inn by Wyndham Encinitas Moonlight Beach

Days Inn by Wyndham Encinitas Moonlight Beach
Downtown Encinitas
United States
Jeanette
NT$2,887
NT$3,190 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 18 - Oct 19
Days Inn by Wyndham Encinitas Moonlight Beach
A hotel with a swimming pool, outdoor seating, and a parking lot.
A hotel room with a large bed, a desk with a flat-screen TV, a chair, and a bedside table with a lamp.
A swimming pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas, surrounded by palm trees and a building with 'Continental Inn' signage.
A buffet setup with coffee dispensers, coffee mugs, and food containers.

2. Continental Inn San Diego Hotel Escondido

Continental Inn San Diego Hotel Escondido
Escondido
United States
Amanda
NT$4,068
NT$4,474 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 26 - Oct 27
Continental Inn San Diego Hotel Escondido
A pool area with a view of palm trees and a sunset.
A gym with treadmills, weight machines, and free weights.
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.

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$3,336
NT$3,743 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 26 - Oct 27
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 a reception desk, a seating area with a sofa, and a television screen.
A Best Western Plus hotel with a stone facade, palm trees, and a well-lit entrance.
A hotel lobby with teal armchairs, a wooden reception desk, a large mirror, and a blue curtain.

4. Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms

Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms
Townsite
United States
Joseph
NT$3,415
NT$3,849 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 25 - Oct 26
Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms
A modern bedroom with a large bed, a nightstand, a painting of a coastal scene, and a bathroom visible through an open door.
A swimming pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas, surrounded by a building with balconies and a fence.
A spacious kitchen with wooden cabinets, a built-in TV, and a large window offering a view of the outside.
A building with a covered patio, palm trees, and a fountain.

5. Motel Mediteran Escondido

Motel Mediteran Escondido
Kit Carson
United States
Bob
NT$2,106
NT$2,317 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 18 - Oct 19
Motel Mediteran Escondido
Two wicker lounge chairs with striped cushions, a blue umbrella, and a small table with a decorative fountain between them.
A hotel room with two beds, each with a white headboard, green and white floral bedding, and a bedside table with a lamp.
A building with a hanging flower basket, outdoor seating, and potted plants.
A dining area with a table set for two, a television mounted on the wall, and a painting above the table.

6. Leucadia Beach Inn

Leucadia Beach Inn
Leucadia
United States
margaret
NT$2,887
NT$3,176 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 3 - Nov 4
Leucadia Beach Inn
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 laundry room with stacked washers and dryers, a bulletin board with informational posters, and a wall-mounted thermostat.
A 6 Motel with a 'Welcome' sign, a 'Tow Away' sign, and a number '6117' on the building.

7. Motel 6 Carlsbad, CA - Near Legoland

Motel 6 Carlsbad, CA - Near Legoland
City Center
United States
Shane
NT$2,106
NT$2,359 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Motel 6 Carlsbad, CA - Near Legoland
A two-story building with a brown tiled roof, a stone chimney, and a flag.
Lobby
An outdoor patio area with seating arrangements, umbrellas, and a stone wall with a fire feature.
Exterior

8. Best Western Premier Hotel Del Mar

Best Western Premier Hotel Del Mar
Del Mar
United States
Thomas
NT$4,104
NT$4,645 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Best Western Premier Hotel Del Mar
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 hotel lobby with beige sofas, a dining area, and a reception desk.

9. Best Western Oceanside Inn

Best Western Oceanside Inn
Townsite
United States
Gregory
NT$3,762
NT$4,232 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 25 - Oct 26
Best Western Oceanside Inn
A pier extending into the ocean with a sunset in the background.
A pool area with lounge chairs, a small pool, and a marina with boats in the background.
A marina with numerous boats docked, surrounded by palm trees and a building with multiple balconies.
A hotel lobby with a reception desk, a seating area with a table, a counter with a menu, and a view of the outside through a door.

10. Days Inn by Wyndham Oceanside

Days Inn by Wyndham Oceanside
Camp Pendleton South
United States
Hanouska
NT$3,208
NT$3,609 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 18 - Oct 19
Days Inn by Wyndham Oceanside
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

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham San Diego - Miramar

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham San Diego - Miramar

8/10 Good
"Good fridge."
Leo 1-night trip
Posted less than an hour ago
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham San Diego - Miramar
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla

10/10 Excellent
"I loved how welcoming the staff were. The front looks updated and clean. The rooms are updated and clean! Very sizable rooms too! Great price. Got free cocktail hour drinks! Breakfast was included!!! My husband and two young kids enjoyed the stay here. Would definitely come back when we come back to San Diego ❤️"
Elizabet 2-night trip
Posted less than an hour ago
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla
Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines

Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines

10/10 Excellent
"Clean room. Excellent views. Kind staff."
Mandeep 1-night trip
Posted 14 hours ago
Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
Sonesta ES Suites San Diego - Sorrento Mesa

Sonesta ES Suites San Diego - Sorrento Mesa

8/10 Good
"The kitchen is too small, everyone is crammed together, and the flow of movement is blocked. The dining room is very large; it would be great if part of it could be allocated to expand the dining area."
Yen-Kuang 2-night trip
Posted 19 hours ago
Sonesta ES Suites San Diego - Sorrento Mesa
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Diego North, CA

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Diego North, CA

10/10 Excellent
"Front desk staff was very helpful as I got in quite late due to flight delays."
Kevin 2-night trip
Posted 1 day ago
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Diego North, CA
Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego-Del Mar

Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego-Del Mar

10/10 Excellent
"Super friendly staff! Room was clean, a little worn out. Pool and hot tub were working and heated!"
Randi 2-night trip
Posted 3 days ago
Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego-Del Mar

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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