Things to do
Things to do in Escondido
North County inland hub — Grand Avenue, the California Center for the Arts, and a downtown food scene that keeps surprising people.
Things to do
San Diego Zoo Safari ParkFamily
The 1,800-acre wildlife park in the San Pasqual Valley just east of the city is known for its large open field enclosures, African plains views and cheetah run.
15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd
Queen Califia's Magical CircleArts
Niki de Saint Phalle's mosaic sculpture garden in Kit Carson Park opened in 2003; it is open only a few days a week based on docent availability and closes during and after rain.
Grand Avenue and downtown EscondidoShopping
The historic main street holds antique shops, restaurants, breweries and bars, and hosts classic car nights.
California Center for the Arts, EscondidoArts
A performing arts center with a concert hall, theater and museum next to Grape Day Park downtown.
Grape Day Park and Escondido History CenterMuseum
The city's founding-era park preserves historic buildings, including a Victorian house and a train depot, and commemorates Escondido's grape-growing past.
Daley RanchTrail
More than 3,000 acres of city open space north of downtown with over 20 miles of trails through oak woodland, grassland and chaparral.
Dixon LakePark
A city reservoir and recreation area with fishing, boat rentals, picnic areas and campsites, bordering Daley Ranch.
Stone Brewing World Bistro & GardensNightlife
Stone's flagship restaurant and beer garden at its 2006 headquarters in the Citracado business park.
1999 Citracado Pkwy
Escondido Children's MuseumFamily
A hands-on children's museum downtown.
San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic ParkLandmark
Commemorates the 1846 Mexican-American War battle in the San Pasqual Valley east of Escondido.
Eat & drink
Stone Brewing World Bistro & GardensBrewery restaurant
The flagship of one of San Diego's most influential craft breweries, with a large garden.
Vintana Wine & DineCalifornia cuisine
A penthouse-level restaurant known for its view over the valley and extensive wine list.
Brigantine EscondidoSeafood
Part of a San Diego seafood group dating to 1969.
Bellamy's RestaurantCalifornia modern
A downtown chef-driven restaurant focused on farm-to-table dining.
Collette'sFarm-to-table
A fine-dining option in the city listed on OpenTable.
Annual events
Grape Day FestivalLate summer (historically Labor Day weekend)
A community festival at Grape Day Park honoring the city's grape-growing history.
Cruisin' GrandFriday evenings, spring through summer
Classic cars line and cruise Grand Avenue downtown.
Escondido Certified Farmers MarketWeekly, year-round
A downtown farmers market that draws from the region's farms and groves.