Rancho Bernardo, a relatively new community in Southern California, was developed as a planned community in the early 60's. Now with a population of 40,000, it is noted for its high quality lodging, dining, boutique shopping, golf courses and one of the best school districts in the state. While attractive to visitors with the multiple dining options at historic Old California Restaurant Row, and shopping at the San Diego North County Factory Outlet Center, San Marcos has recently become a very viable educational and commercial center with one of the newest state universities, California State University, San Marcos. The community also boasts the area's only lakeside resort, Lake San Marcos Resort, and has a relaxed resort climate that is loved by visitors and residents alike. The closest apartments and residential areas are a ten to fifteen minute walk to campus.
Limited shopping is accessible by foot or bicycle.
North County Transit District provides hourly service to campus on weekdays and Saturdays. There are bicycle stands, storage lockers on campus for students who ride to school. Sports - The City of San Marcos sponsors adult softball, soccer, and indoor soccer leagues. A city gymnasium opened in April 1995 for basketball and volleyball leagues and open play. Various local parks - Provide playground equipment, picnic facilities, hiking, biking and equestrian trails, swimming pools, a water slide and a lake.