Location: Escondido
Top Things to do in Escondido
Top 10 Free 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. 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. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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
6. Port Brewing Company
7. O'Sullivans Irish Pub Escondido
8. 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 :)
9. 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.
10. San Dieguito River Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By looski - Encinitas, United States
We are hiking the San Dieguito River Challenge, and have enjoyed learning more about the park. The Park extends from the ocean at Del Mar to the San Dieguito River’s source on Volcan Mountain near Julian. There are flat areas and quite steep hills. Beautiful views, great bird watching, and a nice hike into nature close to town.
