Location: Escondido
Top Things to do in Escondido
Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Escondido, California (CA)
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. Orfila Vineyards & Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 246 reviews
The exceptional estate wines produced by Orfila Vineyards & Winery are a credit to acclaimed winemaker, Justin Mund. The 70 acre farm just fifteen miles from the Pacific coastline, with a Mediterranean climate, and sandy soils, is ideal for French Rhône varietals. Orfila is located in the heart of San Diego’s greenbelt, in the beautiful San Pasqual Valley.
Reviewed By kkD9129SQ - Suzhou, China
I brought friends from out of town to Orfelia. We bought wine tasting cards which allows 6 different wines from the offering list... they had 12 winners to choose from-6 white and 6 red. They also have a premium wine list that you can pick from for extra fee. The tasting room is also a barrel room and gift shop. We took our wine outside and enjoyed beautiful view. The winery is also a wedding venue. ..it would be absolutely beautiful place to get married.
2. 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.
3. Queen Califia's Magical Circle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Reviewed By 749dileepb - Gig Harbor, United States
Queen Califia's Magical Circle is a American sculpture garden created by French artist Niki de Saint Phalle. The garden consists of nine large-scale sculptures, a circular snake wall and maze entryway, artistic bench seating, and native shrubs and trees. It is open to the public Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon, and on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m
4. 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.
5. Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By rikkilil - San Diego, United States
first time visiting and my boyfriend and I hiked the Way Up trail and ate lunch at the Mariposa Picnic Area with views of the water and beautiful scenery. I would say it is an easy trail, but for some it might be considered moderate. When we first started the hike, a family was ahead of us and we kept slowing down and stopping so that we could keep a little courtesy distance between us, but they were going really slow and stopping because it was winding them every 3 minutes. They ended up giving up and turning back. I have to admit the trail was a little rocky but nothing extreme at all. Very good experience :)
6. Kit Carson Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By Jaywing18 - Seattle, United States
The park has an upper trail loop and lower trail loop. I recommend parking at the playground near the entrance and taking the trail on the backside of the play structure towards the entrance. The trail goes past a little pond then connects with the upper trail after a short stretch of paved trail along the road. When the trail goes right and becomes unpaved, follow it up to the ridge. Nice views. Lots of butterflies. It connects down at the lower end of the park where the fields and frisbee golf course is. You can follow the entrance road back up to where you parked. I clocked 2 miles for 1 hour.
7. San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By gerleg12 - Vancouver, Canada
This is a great little museum to stop at for an hour or so. One of the last battle sites in the Spanish American War. The museum is small but well worth a visit, some exhibits, a short movie and well displayed literature. The docent was a wealth of knowledge.
8. Grand Avenue
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 131 reviews
Several antique stores
Reviewed By RuthC2451 - Solvang, United States
Fun shops, loved the Mexican restaurant great margaritas and decor. I spent hours shopping in the antique store as well as a few boutique shops.
9. Dixon Lake
10. Daley Ranch
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By AlfaJudy - San Diego, United States
Wonderful system of trails over varied terrain. Many are steep and rocky. Mountain biking allowed. Leashed dogs ok. Limited facilities at Daley ranch, bathrooms at nearby Dixon lake.
