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?

In the United States, the 21st birthday is a milestone birthday because it's the age when you can legally drink. In other countries, the 21st birthday isn't as exciting because you might have a legal drinking age of 16 or 18, depending on where you're from. The 21st birthday is cause for a birthday celebration in the U.S. You can go to local bars, wineries, breweries, make drinks at home, or purchase your first drink at the liquor store. There are heaps of options. 

* Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

When I turned 21 I took my ID to the bar at midnight and got a drink before they closed at 2 a.m. It's a rite of passage. I didn't party all night since it was a school night and I had class the next morning, but I went out with a close friend and my roommate. They were already 21, so it was good to go out with people who already knew what they were doing. This can be a pickle if your friends aren't 21 yet and you want to go out but they are not able to. 

Whether you want to have a pool party, scavenger hunt, spa day, or take a pole dancing class, I've included a bunch of ideas on this list so that you can have a fun time no matter what age everyone else is.

21st Birthday Ideas

1. Have a pool party with your friends. 
2. Wear a birthday sash! There's a variety of birthday sash options on Amazon.
3. Make a scavenger hunt using your favorite photos, memories, etc.
4. Go on a booze cruise.
5. Host a theme party. It can be a fun theme from a movie, book, genre, or colors, you can really get creative here.
6. Host a casino night party.
7. Get holy shit you're 21st toilet paper! Shop birthday toilet paper.
8. Find something on Yelp, Groupon, referral, etc.
9. Try your best at an escape room.
10. Book yourself a spa day because you deserve pampering.
11. Get 21st birthday party temporary tattoos! These super cute tattoos include Finally 21, RIP Fake ID, HBD, Disco Cowgirl Party, Twenty One Tiara. Shop it on Amazon!
12. Spend some time in a sauna or steam room.
13. Play drinking games with your friends. Beer pong. Kings cup. Flip cup. Then of course there are drinking games like These Cards Will Get You Drunk - Fun Adult Drinking Game for Parties or Last Call.
14. Have a slumber 21st birthday party with your closest friends, bestie, sibling, dog.
15. Host a small gathering with only the people you care about most. Watch movies, order take out, and have fun with the people who love you.
16. Book a hotel room and have a staycation in your city or someplace within a few-hour driving distance.
17. Attend a wine tasting or book a virtual wine tasting.
18. Get a painted 21st birthday wine glass. Find it on Amazon. You can also find shot glasses, beer glasses, etc.
19. Have a boozy brunch with your besties. 
20. Go to a strip club. 
21. Go bar hopping at your local bars. 
22. Play beer pong.
23. Create your own cocktail for your birthday so you have signature drinks to remember each year. 
24. Go on a road trip.
25. Go on a camping trip. 
26. Go on a trip. It can be somewhere close or far. Whatever makes sense for you.
27. Read 21st Birthday (A Women's Murder Club Thriller, 21) by James Patterson. Find it on Amazon.
28. Make a reservation at a fancy restaurant and enjoy every bite. 
29. Take a cooking class and learn how to make a fancy dinner.
30. Book a food tour or create one yourself by going to a few top-rated spots in town for different courses.
31. Spend the day eating delicious food you love. 
32. Take a mixology class.
33. Take yourself out on a date for a fancy dinner treat.
34. Do a DIY spa day.
35. Book a private karaoke room and sing your hearts out.
36. Take photos at a photo booth. Try to find one, they aren't as easy to locate as they once were. 
37. Buy your first wine glasses to celebrate turning 21. There are tons of 21st-birthday wine glasses on Amazon depending on what colors you like.
38. Go to an amusement park or theme park and spend your birthday riding roller coasters.
39. Go to the store to buy your favorite snacks. 
40. Film a music video for your favorite song with your friends.
41. Invite a friend or two over for a slumber party. 
42. Host a house party. You could do a themed party or just keep it casual.
43. Do an outdoor movie night with cozy blankets, pillows, and a projector. This is a nice way to get outside without having to rent an event space. If there are only a couple of people, you can also gather around and use a laptop or a mini projector.
44. Look up the newspaper, hospital, or town that you were born in to learn the local history of the day you were born.
45. Host a sleepover or even a slumber party with a couple friends or family members. Click here if you need some ideas on things to do.

21st Birthday Decorations - (76 pack) Black Gold Party Banner, Pennant, Hanging Swirl, Birthday Balloons, Tablecloths, Cupcake Topper, Crown, Plates, Photo Props, Birthday Sash. Shop it here.

There is so much pressure to have a big 21st birthday party with all your friends but you don't have to do anything at all. It can be a small gathering with your parents, siblings, bestie, roommate, or whatever works.

If you turn 21 this year, don't feel pressured to do anything you don't want to. You don't have to do a huge party. Deciding what to do on your 21st birthday can be an overwhelming task. Pick a few things from this list that call to you and make the most of your happy birthday. If you need even more ideas, check out 100+ things to do on your birthday.

This list of 21st birthday party ideas should give you a few ways to spend the whole night having fun. It's your 21st birthday! What are you going to do? 

Feel as though you've been transported to Denmark when you visit the city of Solvang, California. There are a handful of places in the United States that look like you've traveled across the globe and Solvang is certainly one of those places. It has its charm and quaintness that makes you feel like you're either in a romance film or about to be in one. Make the trip! Whether you venture to a couple wine tasting rooms or want to learn about Danish culture, there are plenty of things to do in Solvang, California.

* Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

Solvang is a small Danish city in Santa Barbara County, California. It's nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley and often referred to as "The Danish Capital of America" or Little Denmark. Drive or stroll down Copenhagen Drive to get a feel of the Danish village. Solvang has bakeries, wineries, and just about anything you need to feel like you've teleported out of the United States for a few hours. 

When you visit Solvang, CA you might see notable Danish icons and attractions such as the Little Mermaid Statue Fountain, five windmills, the big red clog, as well as the Round Tower. But there are other things to do in Solvang, too.

Did you know that the word "solvang" in Danish translates to "sunny field" in English?

Food 

Food lovers will thoroughly enjoy tasting their way through Solvang, California. Find foods and Danish bakeries in abundance. It feels like you're getting a taste of Denmark with options like Danish pancakes and pastries.

There's a lot of food and Danish delights to munch on. Make sure to try Æbleskiver (Aebleskiver) which are round sphere-shaped pancake balls. The name literally translates into "apple slices." 

Cafe Dolce Belgian Café Big Bopper Drive-In if you're in the mood for a 50s-style drive-in with both indoor and patio seating. Birkholm’s Bakery & Cafe, Cecco Ristorante for rustic Italian cuisine, Copenhagen Sausage Garden, Mortensen’s Danish Bakery, Pho 805 for Vietnamese food, and much more. Learn more about food, restaurants, and eateries on the Solvang website! 

Full List of Restaurants and Eateries in Solvang, CA

Cafe Dolce, Belgian Café, Big Bopper Drive-In, Birkholm’s Bakery & Cafe, Bit O’ Denmark Restaurant, Brekkies, Cailloux, the Solvang Cheese Shop, Cecco Ristorante, Chomp Burgers, Fries and Shakes, Copenhagen Sausage Garden, Danish Mill Bakery, Domino’s Pizza, First & Oak Restaurant at the Mirabelle Inn, Fitzpatrick’s Tavern, Good Seed Coffee Boutique, Mad and Vin at the Landsby, Mortensen’s Bakery, Old Danish Food Farm/Fudge Kitchen, Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery, Osteria Grappolo, Panino for sandwiches, Paula’s Pancake House, peasants FEAST, Pho 805, Ramen Kotori, Red Viking Restaurant, Silk Roads Kitchen - Mediterranean Flavors, The Solvang Bakery, Solvang Brewing Company, Solvang Restaurant, Subway, Succulent Cafe, The Coffee House by Chomp, Toscana Pizzeria, Tower Pizza, Viking Garden Restaurant, California Tacos, Leonardo’s Ristorante & Pizzeria, New Frontier’s Natural Foods & Deli, River Grill Restaurant & Bar, Taco Roco, A J Spurs, Ballard Inn Restaurant, Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Hitching Post II, Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe.

Wine Tasting

Downtown Solvang, California hosts around 20 wine tasting rooms for you to choose from. Santa Ynez Valley offers delicious wines, wine tastings, wine bars, as well as craft beer from Solvang, Buellton, Ballard, Los Alamos, Los Olivos and Santa Ynez. There are more than 120 wineries in the vicinity. Check the events for wine tasting events in the Santa Ynez wine country. You can do a wine tasting tour by walking to a couple places! 

The Oscar-winning film "Sideways," starring Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen, and Sandra Oh, was filmed almost entirely on-location throughout Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley. Get a sample of the local Santa Ynez Valley wineries while you're in the area and head to a wine tasting room.

Solvang CA California Danish Village Novelty Souvenir T-Shirt. Shop it on Amazon.

Boutique Shopping - Things to do in Solvang

Exit through the gift shop! Whether you're on the hunt for a good antique at A Piece of the Past Antique and Vintage Mall or want to check out t-shirts at Copenhagen T’s & Gifts, there are plenty of shops and boutiques in Solvang Village. 

Solvang has a bustling range of businesses ready for you to patronize. Shops include Book Loft, Edelweiss (collectible dolls, jewelry, and other gifts), Mole Hole, Old Danish Food Farm/Fudge Kitchen, Pavlov Art Gallery, Solvang Shoe Store, Inc. and much more. You can find a gift for everyone. Learn more on the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau website.

Museums

As you explore Solvang, CA take some time to dive into a museum or two. Whether you're into rare and vintage motorcycles or want to visit exhibits to understand more about the Danish-American spirit, you'll want to check out these museums and historical spots. You'll find that the Solvang attractions keep you interested with every turn. 

Museums and things to see in Solvang:

• Bethania Lutheran Church
• Elverhoj Museum of History & Art (Elverhøj Museum of History Art)
• Hans Christian Andersen Museum
• Old Mission Santa Ines
• Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum
• Wildling Museum of Art and Nature
• Mendenhall Museum
• Solvang Amber Museum - The Copenhagen House (Temporarily closed)
• Santa Ynez Valley Historical Society Museum & Parks Janeway Carriage House

Events

Depending on when you visit, there might be some fun events and things to do in Solvang, CA. There are events like Solvang Julefest, Solvang Grape Stomp, and Solvang Danish Days depending on the time of year you visit. 

Dowdle Jigsaw Puzzle - Solvang Danish Village - 1000 Piece. Find it on Amazon.

Solvang Festival Theater

Support local arts at the Solvang Festival Theater, where you can see all kinds of shows, plays, musicals, and more. From June to September, Solvang Festival Theater is home to the professional theater company, PCPA. The rest of the year, it's a venue for a range of events and concerts such as the haunted house in October and the Julefest Nativity Pageant in December. 

Outdoor Activities

As you traipse your way through Solvang, CA, soak in the wonderful California temperature with some outdoor activities. 

Hans Christian Andersen Park

Drive through the castle arch as you enter Hans Christian Andersen Park. It feels a bit majestic filled with oak trees. Find a rock climbing wall, a little skate park, slides, a playground, and more.

When you come to Solvang, the immediate thought is that it's a cute little Danish town in California and that it is. But it also has so much history and intrigue to discover, whether it's at the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum, Solvang Festival Theater, or as you sip your way through delicious wine or pastries.

Stop by for a Danish from one of the local bakeries and walk about the town. You'll feel like you took a journey into Europe. Learn about Danish art and history at the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, or as you visit Old Mission Santa Ines. 

There are so many things to do in Solvang to stay full and entertained as you take in Danish architecture. You can do it in a day or afternoon if you'd like; it doesn't have to be a long trip. What are your favorite things to do in Solvang? You should definitely visit the California Dutch town if you can.

Some of the best products and services come from small businesses. Our purchases help support them, so consider giving these gift ideas to the loved ones on your list. It can be difficult to find the perfect gift for certain people. Friends, relatives, colleagues, it can be hard to shop for people. Sometimes it helps to get them something practical, something they can use. Consider supporting them by buying some of these small business options for your loved ones.

* Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

Liquor Whaaat?!

These delicious Belgian chocolate beavers are filled with creamy liquor! Liquor Whaaat?! contains six Belgian chocolate beavers: three dark chocolate ones with rum truffle filling and three milk chocolate with champagne cream filling. These make for a fun holiday gift, but many reviewers said they just like eating them for themselves. They are creamy, decadent, and cute to boot. Browse the Box of Creamed Beavers on their website.

Fungies®

These lion's mane gummies are tangy, tart, and perfectly chewy. Fungies® gummy contains 500mg of dual extracted lion's mane mushroom. Founder, Rob Kaufman, wanted to create a tastier lion's mane option that didn't involve capsules, powders, or tinctures. Check out this WebMD article and their sources for information on lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus). Check out the Lion's Mane Mushroom Gummies (60 Count) on their website.

Jøyus

Jøyus is a non-alcoholic wine brand that creates alcohol-removed wines like Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine, Sparkling Rosé, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Rosé (non-sparkling). If you are sober or enjoy non-alcoholic beverages, these are perfect to have on hand or to give as a gift. The Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Rosé has notes of blackberry, strawberry, and citrus blossoms. Check them on their website.

Maui Vera 

It's no secret that the harsh sun can damage your skin and cause serious health issues if you're overexposed to the UV rays. Meet Maui Vera, a collection of spa-quality natural sunscreen products designed to soothe and protect your skin and our planet. There's the flagship product, Sunburn & After Sun Gel, as well as their new Reef-Friendly SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen formulated with a clear zinc oxide. You can purchase both on Amazon: Sunburn & After Sun Gel and Maui Vera Mineral Sunscreen. They use organic ingredients formulated without Parabens, EDTA, artificial colors, or synthetic fragrances.

NOPE

Boring mocktails are a thing of the past. You can have delicious alcohol-free drinks that come in an array of flavors and possibilities. NOPE shows off its fruit and herbal flair with drinks like Rosemary Vanilla Lemonade, Strawberry Basil Smash, Mango Margarita with Jalapeño, and Raspberry Lime Ginger Beer. The flavors pack a fun punch with each sip. NOPE is gluten-free and vegan as well.

Support Your Favorite Small Businesses

So many brands are trying to hustle, so you're guaranteed to find an item, theme, or thought that resonates with you.

What gifts are you looking for? Do you have any favorite small businesses you want to support?