San Marcos, incorporated in 1963, is a city in North County - San Diego. Escondido is to the east, Encinitas is to the southeast, Carlsbad is to the west, and Vista is to the northwest. Lake San Marcos is an enclave, a county island, within the southwestern part of the city. California State University San Marcos and Palomar College are located within the city.

An illuminated Christian cross on a hill above Lake San Marcos that is visible at night from many parts of the city has been a community landmark for several decades.

Neighborhoods in San Marcos include: Buenavista, Coronado Hills, Creek District, Discovery Hills, Discovery Meadows, Grandon Estates, Lake San Marcos, Old Creek Ranch, Rancho Coronado/Rancho Tesoro, Rancho Dorado, Rancho Santalina, Rancho Tesoro, Richland, Richmar, Rock Springs/Bennett District, Sage Canyon, San Elijo Hills, Santa Fe Hills, Stone Canyon, Twin Oaks Valley, Village O.

 

California State University San Marcos

San Diego State University San Marcos, also known as Cal State San Marcos, was founded in 1989 as a campus of California State University (CSU). Enrollment currently exceeds 14,000 students. CSU offers 43 Bachelor's degree programs, 23 Master's degree programs, and 13 teaching credentials. The 340-acre campus is located in the city of San Marcos which is located in the North County region of San Diego County.

 

Palomar College

Palomar College, founded in 1946, is a public two-year, accredited college. The main campus is in San Marcos in North San Diego County. In addition to the main campus, Palomar College has five learning centers in Escondido, Fallbrook, Rancho Bernardo, Ramona, and Camp Pendleton. More than 20,000'full-time and part-time students are enrolled. Palomar College offers the Associate of Arts degree, the Associate of Science degree and nearly 200 Certificates of Achievement. Earned college credits are transferable to the University of California and all California State University schools.

 

San Marcos Chamber of Commerce and Museum

The San Marcos Chamber of Commerce considers .itself a partner with its 400 plus members. Its goal is to market each member's services through networking, educational, and advertising opportunities. Being included in the chambers online business directory is one of the highly valuable services provided. The chamber serves members from San Marcos, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Escondido and the surrounding area.

 

San Marcos Historical Society

The San Marcos Historical Society is dedicated to the preservation, protection, and presentation of San Marcos heritage for the benefit of current and future generations. Heritage Park which is located within Walnut Grove Park is home to the San Marcos Historical Society and Museum.

 

Ranclio Vallecitos de San Marcos

Rancllo Vallecitos de San Marcos was an 8,975 acre Mexican land grant given in 1840 by Governor Juan Alvarado to Jose Maria Alvarado. The land was located in North County-San Diego between Rancho Rincon del Diablo on the east and Rancho Buena Vista on the west and included present-day San Marcos and Lake San Marcos.