Everyone seems to have a favorite season, but I will be honest and tell you that my answer to that changes all the time – I love warm beach days, fall foliage, cold rainy days, and spring flowers…almost equally. In Southern California, we don’t really get the well-defined, evenly-spaced, dramatic four seasons that a lot of other states do (I promise I’m not complaining!) Summers are long, warm, and usually dry, and in some areas seem to last all year. Fall colors come, but not everywhere. Some winters are stormy, while others are dry and interspersed with hot days. And spring flowers, while spectacular in some areas and in some years, may not stay as long as we would like. But there is one city where you can usually enjoy incredible lilac blooms until early summer and this easy spring flower hike in San Marcos, CA, is a delightful way to see them.

South Lake Park is actually a retired reservoir that finally reopened as a 10-acre public park after 20 years.
Erik R/Google Reviews
There is a parking facility at South Lake Park, and this is a lesser-visited site than some other nearby lakes, so it is an easy and lovely way to get away without having to go too far.
The tucked-out-of-the-way lake is a scenic spot to visit any time, but in spring, it is especially magical. It starts with almost-neon greens that start to decorate the area along the lake's edge... but, wait, it gets better.
Paula Fabor/Google Reviews
From March until early June, the lake transforms into something that looks like it was ripped right out of a painting as purple lilacs start to bloom.
Cherilyn Jones/Google Reviews

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Before long, the lilacs become more brilliant and nearly cover the hillsides.
City of San Marcos - Government/Facebook
The city identifies this lake as a "functioning natural habitat" where you will find a wide range of plants and vegetation in addition to the stunning purple lilacs.
Fabio Gava/Google Reviews
There are also fishing spots where you can cast your line for a freshwater catch while taking in the impressive views.
There is a one-mile graded trail that winds its way along the side of the hills that surround the lake, offering non-stop views and a path straight through the flowers which are as fragrant as they are pretty.
J Tan/Google Reviews
Rumor has it that to see the most brilliant, perfect purple hues, you should come to the lake about 30 minutes after sunrise or 30 minutes before sunset when the sun is just over the hills and the colors really pop.
City of San Marcos - Government/Facebook
Of course, the lilacs don't just show up at this one spot - you can spend the day chasing purple all over San Marcos! Head over to nearby Discovery Lake or go for a bit more of an adventure on the awesome Nighthawk Trail Loop in the Black Mountain Open Space. (By the way, if you're an avid hiker, we highly recommend checking out AllTrailsPlus!)

Have you ever seen the California lilacs in San Marcos? Where is your favorite place for a spring flower hike in San Marcos, CA? Share with us in the comments – we’d love to hear from you! If you can’t get enough of the great outdoors, check out more of our favorite nature activities and adventures all year long.

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