Old California Restaurant Row, now called San Marcos Restaurant Row, is a staple for foodies in San Marcos, California. Come for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and happy hour. There's a little bit of everything at this North County dining experience on San Marcos Boulevard. Some of the restaurants in Restaurant Row San Marcos have outdoor seating, while others are indoors. You'll find a range of cuisine options, from seafood to chicken wings to burgers or brunch. The family-friendly environment and food options make it a great spot to eat!

Address: 1020-1080, W San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, CA 92078 

Hours: 8 am - 10 pm

What restaurants are in Old California Restaurant Row in San Marcos? 

55 Yard Line - Sports bar, burgers, outdoor dining, takeout

Buffalo Wild Wings - Sports bar, American food, chicken wings, takeout

Cocina del Charro - Mexican food, Latin American, buffet, delivery, takeout, curbside pickup options

Fish House Vera Cruz - Fish House Vera Cruz has seafood, fish, cocktail bar, outdoor dining

Katsu Sushi and Teppan Grill - Sushi bar, Japanese, outdoor dining, takeout, curbside pickup

King and I of San Marcos - Thai food, takes reservations, vegan options, offers catering, good for groups and kids

Landon's East Meets West - American, Indian, pizza, takeout

Old California Mining Company - American food, seafood, breakfast, brunch, outdoor dining, takeout

Ascend Coffee Roasters (formerly called Old Cal Coffee / Old California Coffee Company or Old California Coffee House and Eatery) - This coffee shop has been a staple for locals for years. Coffee, tea, cafe, outdoor dining, delivery, takeout. Learn about coffee shops in the nearby city of Carlsbad here or Encinitas coffee shops here.

San Marcos Brewery & Grill *this business is permanently closed

Sublime Alehouse - *this business is permanently closed. There are breweries all over North County. Learn about Vista breweries in this post.

IHOP - Breakfast, brunch, burgers, takeout

Nearby Restaurants a

There are other restaurants close if you don't find one at Restaurant Row in San Marcos that suits your fancy. Mama Kat's and Darunee Thai Cuisine are nearby. If you are looking for some ideas on things to Do in North County San Diego, California, read this blog post.

Restaurant Row San Marcos

The Lake San Marcos marina community provides beautiful scenery, restaurant dining, luxe accommodations, and an endless array of waterfront activities. Spend time with friends or members of your family complete with a day on the boat, lunch on the land, and an evening relaxing in your room with a view. How perfect!

Lake San Marcos California 92078 is located in San Marcos, which is part of North County San Diego, California. It is surrounded by nearby cities like Escondido, Oceanside, and Vista. Learn more about Things to Do in North County San Diego such as visiting the Oceanside Pier or checking out one of the Encinitas coffee shops.

In this post, I cover Lake San Marcos restaurants, hotel/resort, marina activities such as boat rentals and fishing, and more. This community offers everything you need to make the day a good one.

Restaurants

Sip on a beverage or savor a delightful meal with an incredible view at one of the dining experiences at Lake San Marcos marina. 

Amalfi Cucina Italiana 

Dine at Amalfi Cucina Italiana for Italian cuisine overlooking Lake San Marcos or opt for Amalfi Marina Bar (Dockside) on the water. The Dockside bar is a phenomenal spot for a drink; they have more than dozen beers on tap, daily drink specials, top-shelf liquor, and fine wines. Learn more on their website. The address for Amalfi Marina Bar (Dockside - Downstairs) is 1035 La Bonita Dr. San Marcos, California 92078.

The Grill at St. Mark Golf Club

From chilaquiles for breakfast or wagyu beef and white bean chili for dinner, stop by for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or Saturday and Sunday brunch from 11 am to 3 pm. Lunch is not served until 3pm on weekends. Find out more here. The address for Grill at St. Mark Golf Club is 1750 San Pablo Dr, San Marcos, CA 92078.

Lake San Marcos Community in North County San Diego

From boat rentals to beverages, Lake San Marcos will be memorable no matter your age. Bring children, teens, family, and friends, or relax with a date. This marina community offers dining options, shopping, entertainment, and more in one area.

Lake San Marcos is a resort-based community by the Lake San Marcos reservoir. As of the 2010 census, the population is 4,437. What's the average age of a Lake San Marcos resident? The median age is around 63; the area attracts a large number of retired and elderly residents but younger families with children are moving in as well. Lake San Marcos Marina is open every day 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Good for kids and dogs. There is street parking and gender-neutral restrooms.

Marina San Marcos Lakes Hotel | The Lakehouse Hotel & Resort

Spend the night by the water at the Marina San Marcos Lakes Hotel, on property at The Lakehouse Hotel & Resort. You can fish, rent kayaks, stand up paddleboard, and enjoy lake cruises on the sunny shores of Lake San Marcos. The LakeHouse Hotel & Resort has 144 resort accommodations and amenities such as serene pool-view studios, private suites with extra-large balconies, lakefront cottages, and even fun suites for families. Visit The Lakehouse Hotel & Resort website to learn more about availability and rooms.

Activities: Boat Rentals, Kayaks, Fishing

Have fun on the water of Lake San Marcos. Rent Duffy electric boats, pontoon boats, duffy boat, maybe a double kayak. Catch fish or cruise around on the pedal boats, but make sure to bring your own fishing gear. Call ahead to check the current price or ask when you book your reservation. Make your reservation online or via telephone. Waivers are signed before arrival. After some time living it up on the water, head back to land and have a little picnic table lunch, order take-out order at the restaurant on the marina, or eat at a restaurant. Stay for the sunsets. It is marvelous at dusk.

Nature lovers and sports enthusiasts will have a great weekend exploring the marina, finding their favorite place, watching the birds on the water, and spending time outdoors with their kiddos.

Gondola Rides in San Diego

As far as attractions, go on one of the gondola cruises by Black Swan Gondola Company, Lake San Marcos's only Venetian gondola company. Makes for a romantic date or cool tour of Lake San Marcos. Learn more on their website. 

Lake San Marcos Housing Market

Lake San Marcos, California does have real estate and homes for sale. Single-family homes, condos, townhomes, three-bedroom homes, and more might be for sale in the nearby area. In January 2022, the median listing home price is $872.5k, with a median of 48 days on the market. 

You might be able to find a beautiful fully remodeled single-story golf course home in Lake San Marcos with a cul de sac location. Keep a lookout, there is single-story a range of options. Find a local real estate broker if you have an interest in purchasing a home in the region. 

Schools in Lake San Marcos, California

Some schools include San Elijo Elementary School, La Costa Meadows Elementary School, Discovery Elementary School, San Elijo Middle School, Pivot Charter School - San Diego, San Marcos High School.

Lake San Marcos Marina Restaurants, Resort, Boat Rentals, and More

Search no further for an active afternoon day trip. Located in gorgeous North County San Diego, the Lake San Marcos community offers food, drink, water sports and activities, living opportunities, rented hotel stays, and more to explore. Lake San Marcos marina makes for a chill place to cruise with your family and hang out with friends. Let Black Swan Gondola Company cruise you around Lake San Marcos on one of their Venetian-style gondolas. 

Whether you rent a small pontoon boat or you dine near the water, there is a range of cool things to do in the city of San Marcos, no matter what you may be interested in. It's a great location to visit year-round. Step back from the bustle of daily life and experience waterfront views in this buzzing North County town.

Related reading: Carlsbad Coffee Shops: Best Coffee in Carlsbad

Have you visited Lake San Marcos? What's your favorite thing to do?

Located in San Marcos, California, North City has restaurants, a farmers market, live music, apartment living, and retail shopping opportunities. Whether you're looking for urban apartment townhomes or a coffee shop to get some work done, North City is your North County San Diego downtown public community hub.

North City San Marcos is near the Cal State University San Marcos main campus as well as Pima Medical Institute and CSUSM Extended Learning. You'll find a mix of retail and residential leasing opportunities. Learn more on the North City website.

In this post, I share details about North City San Marcos CA, the restaurants, Block C apartments, parking, and businesses in the downtown area. 

Farmers Market

Stop by North City's open-air market every Tuesday. It features local fresh fruits, vegetables, fresh-baked bread, seafood, dairy, nuts, fresh flowers, handcrafted gifts, prepared hot foods, and more. The market is open year-round Tuesdays 3 pm – 7 pm.

North City Restaurants

Buona Forchetta

The Buona Forchetta restaurant chain is known for its award-winning Neapolitan-style pizzas and Northern Italian upscale entrees. The San Marcos location is family-friendly with indoor seating as well as large patio options.

Address: 250 North City Drive Suite 3, San Marcos, CA

Copa Vida

Copa Vida has multiple locations throughout San Diego County. Drinks are tasty and ingredient-forward. The shop is pretty big, with bright open windows, plenty of chargers for your laptop. Over the years, this spot in North City used to be Halcyon, then GRIT, now it's Copa Vida.

Address: 250 North City Dr. Suite 1, San Marcos, CA 92078

Draft Republic - Not Open Yet

Draft Republic boasts 36 craft beers on tap, an on-site brewery, comfort food, full cocktail bar, 8 lane bowling alley, video wall, retro arcade, live music, private party rooms, outdoor patios, and more.

Fresh Healthy Cafe

Get your health-forward smoothies, fresh-squeezed juice, wraps, salads, or crunchy, warm, and melty paninis at Fresh Healthy Cafe. They also offer catering for your next event.

Address: 250 N City Dr Suite 5, San Marcos, CA 92078

Mason Ale Works - Temporarily Closed

Address: 255 Redel Rd, San Marcos, CA 92078

Tapioca Express

Parched? Searching for teas, boba, and maybe a snack? Tapioca Express offers milk tea, mangonada, juice, hot teas, and loads of beverage options to whet your appetite. Snacks include chicken wings, fried tofu, French fries, fried dumpling, among other items.

Address: 200 E Barham Dr Suite 104, San Marcos, CA 92078

Urge Gastropub & Common House - Permanently Closed

Address: 255 Redel Rd, San Marcos, CA 92078

Umami Japanese

Umami Japanese serves rich, delicious cuisine in North City. They have a pet-friendly patio, perfect for bringing the whole family. The extensive menu boasts draft beer, Japanese beer, hot sake, wine, appetizers, salads, lunch specials, dinner bento, and so much more.

Address: 251 N City Dr Suite 122, San Marcos, CA 92078

Wynston's Ice Cream Co.

The flavors at Wynston's Ice Cream (formerly called Wynn's Ice Cream) will leave your mouth watering for more options. They have classic, nostalgic favorites always on the menu such as cookies in cream, mint chocolate chunk, peanut butter chocolate as well as rotating fun seasonal flavors. They also have vegan/dairy-free options.

Address: 251 N City Dr Suite 128E, San Marcos, CA 92078

Block C Apartments

Live in North City at the Block C Apartments - now leasing built-to-suit or spec units. You'll find modern, pet-friendly lofts and townhome apartments with state-of-the-art neighborhood amenities. It's walkable and you're right next to a bunch of restaurants, dining options, the university, and more. Perfect for campus-affiliated housing.

Other Businesses

North City has offices and commercial spaces to boot. If you're a local business, perhaps you're seeking retail, commercial office, or medical office spaces. These are available at North City as well. Join the party. Make sure to check online or call ahead to learn each business's current hours.

Mesa Rim

There's climbing, yoga, and fitness right in the heart of North City. Mesa Rim is an indoor rock climbing gym and fitness center. Bring friends, kids, family, and have fun.

Address: 285 Industrial Street San Marcos

Union Cowork

Get your cowork on at Union Cowork. They have flexible desks, dedicated desks, private offices, virtual offices, conference rooms, podcast rooms, and more.

Address: Address: 251 N City Dr #128F, San Marcos

Related reading: Things to Do in North County San Diego, California

CSUSM Extended Learning

Address: 288 Campus Way, San Marcos

Pima Medical Institute 

Address: 111 Campus Way, San Marcos

Parking

Structure 1 – 201 Campus Way 

7 days a week – Retail Parking Rules

Level 1. 90 min from 5 am - 2 am. 

Level 2-5. No limit, just don’t park in Reserved Residential. 

Structure 2 – 295 June Way 

Mon – Fri – Retail Parking Rules 

Level 1-2. 90 min from 5 am to 6 pm, then no time limit until 2 am. 

Level 2-6. No Parking (CSUSM only) from 5am to 6pm, then no time limit until 2 am. 

Sat & Sun – Retail Parking Rules 

Level 1-2. 90 min from 5 am to 6 pm, then no time limit until 2 am. 

Level 2-6. No time limit from 5 am to 2 am.

Located in San Marcos, North City's restaurant, retail, and residential options make it a thriving community development and neighborhood in  North County San Diego. San Marcos is close to Escondido, Rancho Santa Fe,  Solana Beach, Carlsbad, Vista, and Oceanside.

Related reading: 

Coffee Shops in Carlsbad, California

Oceanside Pier: Restaurants, Fishing, Parking, Everything You Need to Know!