Wow, San Marcos. That's farther than Oceanside in drive time
You could have stay at the Oceanside Motel6 right at the end of hwy 76. The venue is only 20 minutes or so from there. Though, San Marcos probably has the better night life.
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"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return." - Leonardo daVinci