Visit Escondido

Enjoy world-renowned attractions, an inspired arts and culinary scene, and popular community events in Escondido, just 30 miles northeast of downtown San Diego.

At the city’s eastern gateway, the world-famous San Diego Zoo Safari Park provides a home to giraffes, big cats, rhinos and other animals in a vast reserve. Spread over 1,800 acres, the wildlife sanctuary’s roughly 3,000 animals and 400 different species roam massive, free-range enclosures that re-create various habitats from around the world. The park is visited by 2 million people annually.

A few miles west, giant recreation complex Kit Carson Park contains Queen Califia’s Magical Circle, a famous large-scale sculpture garden by French/American artist Niki de Saint Phalle. Art lovers and especially kids enjoy exploring the whimsical attraction, with its bright mosaics,  a circular “snake wall” and maze entryway.

The city also features one of the few remaining authentic downtown historic districts, as well as the regional California Center for the Arts, Escondido. The Center plays host to renowned artists and local recitals, stages Broadway musicals, and produces dozens of free community events.

Just a few blocks away is Grand Avenue, the downtown’s main thoroughfare. The picturesque avenue and its surrounding streets are dotted with eclectic shops, appealing restaurants, art galleries and The Historic Ritz Theater, fully restored. Strolling about, visitors will love interactive, kid-focused museums, glass-blowing experiences, tea service in a Victorian-era setting, and eateries serving up inventive, diverse fare.

In addition to rich culinary experiences, the city plays host to urban tap rooms and picturesque wineries. One of the largest craft breweries in the country, Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, welcomes visitors from around the globe to its dynamic space and menu of craft and specialty beers as well as organic fare. Downtown, locals’ favorite Jacked Up Brewery produces stouts, porters, ales, IPAs and hard seltzers made with local ingredients. In San Pasqual Valley, Orfila Vineyards offers exceptional estate wines paired with panoramic views.

The city also is also home to a rural playground, offering hikers, horseback riders, fishermen, boaters, and other outdoor lovers tons of fun. Escondido has three major lakes (Dixon Lake, Lake Hodges, and Lake Wohlford) and more than 20 miles of trails at Daley Ranch, a stunning nature preserve.

Main Escondido events include the Certified Farmers Market on Tuesdays; Cruisin’ Grand, a gathering of vintage cars on Friday nights through September; a February Chocolate Festival; the Escondido Street Festival, held in May; the California Center’s Independence Day Concerts & Fireworks; the annual Grape Day Festival, heralding the city’s agricultural heritage, in September; a Tamale Festival and Small Business Saturday, both in November; and the Winter Wonderland Festival in December.

Visitors to downtown Escondido may drive or take the SPRINTER light rail — connecting Escondido and Oceanside along the Highway 78 corridor — or take a Breeze bus,  with stops at the Escondido Transit Center, located about a half mile from the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.

For more information, check out VisitEscondido.com.