Escape to Escondido

Bountiful landscapes, alluring charm

With its temperate year-round climate, varied terrain and abundance of outdoor activities, Escondido is the perfect launchpad for exploring North Inland’s vast open spaces.

Hotels, Activities, Restaurants, Events & More!

Nestled within the foothills of North Inland San Diego, Escondido is rich in history and culture. One of the oldest cities in San Diego County, it is home to the world-class California Center for the Arts, Niki de Saint Phalle’s vibrant sculpture garden, and a charming downtown lined with restaurants, museums, art galleries and eclectic shops. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a must-see attraction and Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens is serving up the best food to pair with their world-class beers. You also don’t have to venture far to find yourself hiking and mountain biking at Daley Ranch, fishing at Dixon Lake or wine tasting at a local vineyard.

Hotels

Located in nearby Rancho Bernardo, the luxurious, red-roof adobe Rancho Bernardo Inn boasts 287 guestrooms, many with views of the gorgeous gardens, fountains and fairways. Set on 265 acres, the resort also offers an 18-hole championship golf course—host of both PGA and LPGA events—three swimming pools, an award-winning spa and fine dining at Avant.
Also situated in Rancho Bernardo and providing easy access to Escondido attractions and surrounding areas are the Radisson Hotel San Diego - Rancho Bernardo, Hilton Garden Inn San Diego - Rancho Bernardo and Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Rancho Bernardo.

California Center for the Arts Escondido

Activities

Escape to the savannas of Africa at the 1,800-acre San Diego Zoo Safari Park where you’ll witness more than 3,500 rare and exotic animals roaming free within several large habitats. Venture into the enclosures aboard the African Tram to view giraffes, rhinos, antelope and more; come face-to-face with animals from a Caravan, Cart or Behind-the-Scenes Safari; and soar like a California condor over the wildlife with a Flightline Safari.
From Broadway musicals and dance performances to heart-felt theatrical experiences, the California Center for the Arts, Escondido showcases a vibrant and eclectic season of world-class entertainment in its large concert hall and 400-seat theater. The 12-acre campus also boasts a museum featuring painting, sculpture, photography and installations highlighting the art of this century.
Tucked away in Escondido’s Kit Carson Park, Queen Califia’s Magical Circle is the only American sculpture garden created by internationally acclaimed French-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle. The garden is filled with nine monumental sculptures covered by reflective colored tiles and stones that symbolize mythic figures related to California’s history. A maze-like pathway guards the entrance, while playful serpents encircle the garden walls.
Mountain biking and hiking enthusiasts can head to Daley Ranch, a 3,058-acre wilderness preserve with over 20 miles of trails winding through Engelmann oaks, coastal sage scrub, chaparral and grasslands. On the second Saturday every month, take a break for a ranger-led tour of the Ranch House and other period outbuildings.
Whether you’re looking to hook a record-breaking trout or catch something to fry up for dinner, a trio of trout-stocked lakes—Dixon, Hodges and Wohlford—provide the perfect setting for your next fish tale.
Test your luck at one of several nearby casinos, including Harrah's Resort Southern California, Pala Casino and Valley View Casino.
Relive Escondido’s early days at the Escondido History Center, a museum complex comprised of the city’s first library, a Victorian house, the 1888 Santa Fe Railroad Depot, a railroad car with model train and other buildings of historical interest.
Bringing the joy of discovery to little minds, the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum offers unique, hands-on exhibits where children learn through play in an indoor and outdoor setting. Experience-based programs encourage lifelong learning and awareness about cultures, science and nature.
Touch the past at the San Diego Archaeological Center, where you’ll find comparative collections of geological, shell and historical specimens documenting 10,000 years of regional history.

Restaurants, Breweries, and Wineries

Recognized as one of the nation’s best breweries, Stone Brewing produces rich, sophisticated and expertly handcrafted microbrew. Accompanying its signature beers, the Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens offers an innovative, organic menu that leans heavily toward items that are locally fresh and naturally raised, tossed liberally with spices, unique sauces and influences from around the world, all served in a stunning setting that features award-winning architecture and a gorgeous al-fresco patio.
Perched atop a Lexus Dealership, Vintana Wine + Dine serves modern California cuisine along with stunning floor-to-ceiling views of the Escondido Valley. Chef Deborah Scott crafts the up-scale seasonal menu filling it with bold flavors, including her signature Pepita & Sesame Crusted Brie and Skirts on Fire Salad.
Further north in Escondido within the resort founded by the legendary accordionist, bandleader and show host Lawrence Welk is the Welk Resort San Diego Canyon Grille restaurant. While serving up innovative California cuisine seven days a week, plus a first-rate Sunday Brunch, the menu still contains classics like Mrs. Fern Renner Welk’s Chicken and Dumplings and Lawrence Welk’s favorite Club Sandwich.
Set in the rolling hills of the San Pasqual Valley, the 70-acre Orfila Vineyards & Winery is situated within a 10,000-acre agricultural preserve. Tour the winery, taste their award-winning varietals and then picnic while soaking up views of the valley. Escondido's wine region offers over 20 diverse experiences from cool urban wineries with tasting rooms to hilltop terraces and spectacular vineyard views! A must-visit is the new Forgotten Barrel Winery that recently opened in the historic Ferrara Winery property.
A relative newbie to the craft brew scene, Jacked Up Brewery opened in early 2017. With their motto "Brew Drink Relax Repeat” and their family and pet friendly setting, they have quickly become a neighborhood favorite.
Located in the heart of historic downtown Escondido, Plan 9 Alehouse is a nano brewery and pub that rounds out their own brew offerings with guest craft beers from around the county. At the same time, you can satisfy your comfort food cravings with their special take on burgers and mac ‘n cheese.

Events

Every Friday night from April through September, hundreds of restored classics, hot rods, muscle cars and lowriders fill the streets of historic downtown Escondido at Cruisin’ Grand Escondido. The event is so popular that it now has special theme nights, featured car clubs, awards and live entertainment.
Savor the diverse culinary flavors of Escondido each January during Dine Out Escondido! Restaurant Week. Enjoy scrumptious specials from over 30 of their highly-acclaimed chefs, restaurateurs, and eateries.
Whatever your favorite tamale – gourmet, sweet or traditional – you can find it at the Escondido Tamale Festival in Grape Day Park in November. Music, stage performances, and a Chihuahua Costume Contest and Fashion Show are also part of this celebration of the Tamale and other Latin foods that have become iconic staples of California’s culture.
Celebrating Escondido’s role as a primary location for the birthplace of California wine-making, the Grape Day Festival, originally begun in 1908, takes place at the aptly-named Grape Day Park. A grape stomp, pie eating contest, chili cook-off between the fire and police departments, entertainment, and craft beer and wine garden are only part of the modern day fun.
Each December at the San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park, hundreds of living history devotees reenact the brief but bloody 1846 San Pasqual Battle, part of the army’s war to win California from Mexico. The park also features a Visitor Center overlooking the battle site, the American soldiers’ campsite, a ½ mile historic trail and picnic areas.

ESCONDIDO VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER

The Escondido Visitor Information Center is open Tuesday-Friday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and offers visitors guides, brochures, maps and event information.

ESCONDIDO TRANSIT CENTER

The Escondido Transit Center provides multiple connections within San Diego County.

The SPRINTER light rail train system connects Escondido and Oceanside along the Highway 78 corridor, with 15 stations on the 22-mile line.
Express bus service runs to downtown San Diego and local bus service provides access throughout North Inland San Diego.

Discover other ways to explore the outdoors in North Inland San Diego and make your plans to visit today!

Find a place to stay

Book online or call 1-800-350-6205 to speak with a local expert

Book Now

Deals just for you

Whale Watching

$13 Whale Watching Cruise Special During Migration (Save $23)

Davey's Locker Whale Watching & Sportsfishing

Valid: Jan 28 - ongoing

Enjoy 2.5 hour whale watching cruises with multiple times daily to choose from. Departing from Newport Beach view gray whales on their migration along with finback whales, minke whales, humpback...

View this Deal

Accommodation

Point Loma Summer

Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina

Valid: May 16 - ongoing

Experience summer at the Best Western PLUS Island Palms & Marina and take advantage of low rates from $159 on select dates through August 31st, 2019!

View this Deal

Accommodation

Stay and save up to 20% in Mission Bay this summer

Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina

Valid: May 16 - ongoing

Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina represents what Southern California is all about. Located right along the waterfront, guests will enjoy 360° views of the Pacific, Mission Beach and the...

View this Deal

View More Deals

Events to check out

Event

Big Bay Boom!

Jul 4, 2019

The Big Bay Boom July 4th Fireworks Show is back, promising another spectacular display over San Diego Bay. Fireworks will be discharged simultaneously from barges placed strategically around the Bay...

View this Event

Event

2019 Annual Over The Line Tourney

Jul 13 - Jul 14, 2019

San Diego's beach softball Over the Line Tournament is played by men and women into their 80's and is one of the last pure Southern California traditions.

View this Event

Event

Comic-Con International: San Diego

Jul 18 - Jul 21, 2019

Comic-Con International is the largest comics and pop culture event in the United States, attracting thousands of artists, celebrities and fans of comic books, movie memorabilia and all things related...

View this Event

View More Events

Stay in touch

Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.

Sign Up

Visitor planning guide

For the ultimate guide to planning your San Diego vacation, view and download the San Diego Visitor Planning Guide, packed with useful information that will help you plan the perfect San Diego getaway.

Escape to Escondido

Bountiful landscapes, alluring charm

Hotels, Activities, Restaurants, Events & More!

Hotels

Activities

Restaurants, Breweries, and Wineries

Events

ESCONDIDO VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER

ESCONDIDO TRANSIT CENTER

Find a place to stay

Related Articles and Features

Deals just for you

$13 Whale Watching Cruise Special During Migration (Save $23)

Point Loma Summer

Stay and save up to 20% in Mission Bay this summer

Events to check out

Big Bay Boom!

2019 Annual Over The Line Tourney

Comic-Con International: San Diego

Stay in touch

Visitor planning guide

Partners

Explore

Plan

Stay

Language:

Select your country or region

Or use Google Translate

Escape to Escondido

Bountiful landscapes, alluring charm

Hotels, Activities, Restaurants, Events & More!

Hotels

Activities

Restaurants, Breweries, and Wineries

Events

ESCONDIDO VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER

ESCONDIDO TRANSIT CENTER

Find a place to stay

Must-See California Theme Parks & Attractions

Rob Machado

Skate Parks in San Diego

Balboa Park

Sharing is caring

Stay in touch

Visitor planning guide

Partners

Follow Us

Language:

Select your country or region

Or use Google Translate