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!

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Par-3 Golf Courses in San Diego

When a championship-length course is too much

There are times when playing a championship-length course is too much of a good thing for a golfer. On such occasions San Diego's par-3 courses are an appealing alternative.

Short courses present the perfect opportunity for a family outing, allowing parents to share a round of golf with children who may not be ready to take the tee on a big course. It's also a chance for beginning golfers to avoid being overwhelmed and experienced golfers to work on their short game. Either way, it enables duffers to get in a full round of golf when you have a limited amount of time. Below are some awesome Par-3 options in San Diego.

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Golf

Night Golf at Mission Bay Golf Course

Let There be Light!

Here's a great way to enjoy the San Diego sites all day and still play a round after sunset.

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Fun Facts About San Diego

A city with multiple firsts and surprises

From a signature burrito to world-class theater to icons of skateboarding and aviation, San Diego boasts fascinating characters, folklore and much more. Check out some fun and surprising facts about the region!

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Breweries

San Diego Breweries

The complete list of breweries in the county

Something amazing is brewing throughout San Diego. The region's craft/micro/nano breweries are turning out innovative beers, including the West Coast IPA (a local twist on the IPA), that have been pushing the envelope and sweeping award ceremonies at national and international contests.

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Deals just for you

Restaurants

Couple's Night

The Butcher's Cut

Valid: Apr 19, 2024 - ongoing

Ignite romance at Couples Night at The Butcher's Cut! At $65 per couple, relish shared moments with deep-fried calamari, followed by a sumptuous Kobe Beef Carbonara for two. Conclude your evening with...

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Wineries

Quigley Fine Wines Membership into the Wine Club

Quigley Fine Wines

Valid: Oct 27, 2024 - ongoing

Welcome to the Quigley Fines Wines award-winning Wine Club! We have curated some of the finest wines from all over the world made by passionate winemakers farming sustainably with the utmost respect...

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Accommodation

Black Friday / Cyber Monday

Grande Colonial Hotel

Valid: Nov 25, 2024 - ongoing

In celebration of two of the largest shopping days of the year, we invite you to take advantage of a special offer that will surely have you giving thanks this holiday season. And this year,...

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Events to check out

Event

Port of San Diego's Day at the Docks

Apr 13, 2025

A San Diego sport fishing tradition, The Port Of San Diego’s Day At The Docks is the West Coast’s largest public celebration of sport fishing. Signaling the official start of Southern...

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Event

San Diego French Film Festival

May 4 - May 7, 2025

San Diego Francophone Event of the Year

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Event

La Jolla Half Marathon & Shores 5K

May 17, 2025

The La Jolla Half Marathon is one of America's most picturesque and beautiful point-to-point races. Starting at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, the course follows a scenic coastal route before reaching the...

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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

Couple's Night

Quigley Fine Wines Membership into the Wine Club

Black Friday / Cyber Monday

Events to check out

Port of San Diego's Day at the Docks

San Diego French Film Festival

La Jolla Half Marathon & Shores 5K

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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

Par-3 Golf Courses in San Diego

Night Golf at Mission Bay Golf Course

Fun Facts About San Diego

San Diego Breweries

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