Location: Escondido
Top Things to do in Escondido
8 Things to do Good for Big Groups in Escondido That You Shouldn't Miss
Escondido (/ˌɛskənˈdiːdoʊ/ ES-kən-DEE-doh) is a city located in San Diego County's North County region, 30 miles (48 km) northeast of Downtown San Diego, California. The city occupies a shallow valley ringed by rocky hills. Incorporated in 1888, it is one of the oldest cities in San Diego County. The city had a population of 143,911 in the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Escondido
1. Espinosa Vineyards
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Open for tasting, wine by the glass or bottle and takeout. Reservations encouraged. All staff are vaccinated and continue to practice physical distancing.
Reviewed By kristinrye - San Diego, United States
This is a lovely boutique winery with a fantastic patio sitting area where you can grab a glass of their fantastic Ganache and just take in the views of the valley. The owners were out on the patio as well enjoying the lovely afternoon. They are a wealth of knowledge and so engaging. I could not think of a better way to spend an afternoon.
2. Hungry Hawk Vineyards & Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 38 reviews
Producers of award winning wines. Fifteen estate grown varieties. 10 Acres over looking the beautiful San Pasqual Valley & San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Bring your picnic & enjoy some of our wine with the beautiful views!
3. San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,023 reviews
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an expansive, non-profit wildlife sanctuary that is home to more than 3,000 animals representing more than 300 species. Its renowned botanical collection represents 3,500 species and 1.75 million specimens. Over half of the Park’s 1,800 acres (730 hectares) have been set aside as protected native species habitat. It is located 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of downtown San Diego in the San Pasqual Valley near Escondido, California. he San Diego Zoo is operated by the international non-profit San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) empowers people from around the globe to support their mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships. The Zoo was founded on October 2, 1916, by Harry M. Wegeforth, M.D. It currently has an 11-member Board of Trustees headed by Steven G. Tappan; and Paul A. Baribault is the president/CEO.
Reviewed By JeanettePenticton_BC - Penticton, Canada
Two 82 year old seniors visited and were very impressed especially with the knowledgable volunteers. We noticed an elevator, rentals for strollers, wheelchairs and scooters. We enjoyed walking among the Australian area, the Californian gardens, Nairobi Walk, through the African Loop to the African Tram for a 30 minute ride to see the huge animals. A keeper shared the Tiger talk and another showed us an ambitious turtle. It is a spacious place, well looked after, and lovely to see the elephants as we walked up the hill. There was a bit of wind and we noticed the hot air balloon was not available for rides. It was a wonderful day especially to see a new baby born among the animals.
4. Belle Marie Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Not just a winery but also a venue for parties and weddings along with tasting rooms and a demonstration vineyard with 29 different grape varieties from around the world.
Reviewed By georgeu352 - Orange County, United States
Very nice wine tasting room and grounds. The wine served here is worth honorable mention and the variety of Reds and Whites gives you much selection based on your taste preferences. Very nice and managed by a wonderful couple who love their wines and have much knowledge of the area, each wine and history of Escondido.
5. California Center for the Arts, Escondido
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
With a mission of bringing people together to discover, create and celebrate both the visual and performing arts, the California Center for the Arts, Escondido is the cultural center of North San Diego County. The Center's unique campus includes a 1,500-seat concert hall, a 400-seat theater, a contemporary art museum, art and dance studios, and a full-service conference center with meeting and banquet facilities ready to host corporate gatherings, weddings and other special life events. The Center also runs an extensive education program and produces free community events, such as the Jazz Jam Sessions, 4th of July celebration, Day of the Dead Festival, Holiday Tree Lighting and WOW First Wednesdays performances.
Reviewed By GlobalGypsy_13 - San Diego, United States
Wow! The current exhibit by artists inspired by Frido Kahlo is great fun and educational. In Covid-19 this museum is limiting the number of visitors and taking temperature checks upon arrival. There is free parking in the adjacent lot and tickets can be purchased on line or upon entry to this museum. Because it's quite popular and free for residents of Escondido, I'd suggest arriving at the opening time to have a pleasant, safe visit prior to mid-November when this special show closes.
6. Stone Brewing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 435 reviews
Stone Brewing was founded in 1996 by Steve Wagner and Greg Koch in North County San Diego, CA. It is the largest craft brewery in the southwestern United States and has been named "All-Time Top Brewery on Planet Earth" by BeerAdvocate magazine - TWICE! A recently announced $26.6M expansion plan (that includes a hotel among other lofty ventures) is underway, as are developments to become the first American craft brewery to open a brewhouse in Europe. The adjacent Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens plays host to countless wildly popular beer and dining events, and is the largest purchaser of local, organic produce in San Diego County, including a growing amount from their own Stone Farms! In addition to promoting ethical eating, the restaurant boasts a lush one-acre outdoor garden as well as a line-up of 32 rotating taps and 100+ bottled craft beer selections for guests to enjoy.
Reviewed By 6halleh
Halloween night dinner at world gardens. Excellent food, staff, and drinks. Beautiful seating areas, and koi pond. Didn't care for cole slaw, a little dry but the ribs ,beans, and mac were a hit! Gift shop stocked, with great items! The staff is a standout nicecty, and are very helpful.
7. Cordiano Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 194 reviews
Reviewed By larsnW3611KA
Great atmosphere, wonderful views, fantastic pizza and enough variety of wine to fit most tastes. Family friendly, animal friendly, and just a great place to spend a couple of hours relaxing, eating, and enjoying life.
8. Domaine Artefact Vineyard & Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Domaine Artefact is a family owned and operated estate vineyard and winery that specializes in vinifying Rhone grape varietals in both traditional and innovative manners. Bring a picnic and enjoy wine tasting, stroll the vineyard and meet our family of ranch animals.
