Although the city is already known for its convenient location among visitors, there are some wonderful places you may have never visited.
Located just about 30 miles from San Diego, California, Escondido is a place to be!
Serving as home to beautiful parks, fine dining restaurants, and an array of wineries, Escondido is surely blessed with scenic beauty, widely known for its many artistic and cultural attractions, along with some stunning lakes.
There is never a dull moment in this city because Escondido just has so much to offer its visitors.
This article revolves around the best things to do in Escondido, California. Let’s get to it already, shall we?
Fun Things to Do in Escondido
1. Bait Some Trout at Dixon Lake
This place is ideal for all people who are looking for natural beauty and a peaceful environment.
The lake is an ideal place to click Instagram-worthy photos and enjoy activities like boating and camping in the lake area.
Dixon Lake is also great for fishing as it has plenty of trout to make your visit even more adventurous.
The area around the lake introduces you to the village life of Escondido.
In a busy world where everyone has little time, Dixon Lake is a place where time seems to stand still, and you can feel and enjoy every second.
2. Test Your Acrobatic Skills at Trapeze High
Trapeze High is one place that has a different concept of making your dreams come true.
This facility in Escondido provides you with basic as well as advanced lessons on how you can learn to fly using a trapeze.
It will literally make your dream of flying like a bird come true.
In addition to trapeze, they also teach the basics of swinging and dismounts.
The service has well-trained staff members who will give you lessons on how to use the facility for the best experience.
The staff is warm and friendly, which will make your experience a lot more comfortable.
3. Pay a Visit to Kit Carson Park
A 285-acre city park in Escondido, Kit Carson Park was established in 1967.
Legendary scout Kit Carson accompanied Captain John C. Frémont on his expedition to the Sierra Nevada.
The park is located in a valley approximately five miles west of the Battle of San Pasqual.
Mule Hill, about a mile from the garden, has a memorial commemorating the conflict.
The developed area has three lakes, hiking trails, the Iris Sankey Arboretum, a sculpture garden, and a public art project called the Eucalyptus Leaf Court.
There is also a Girl Scouts of America program center, a large outdoor theater, picnic areas, a children’s playground, an indoor picnic shelter, and tennis, soccer, softball, and baseball courts, and fields, among others.
Things to Do in Escondido at Night
1. Chill Out at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens
Stone Brewing is a famous brewing company that was established in 1996.
It is one of the largest brewing companies in the entire country.
The brewery was initially owned and managed by two people who worked hard and turned it into a property employing more than 1,100 people.
It has widespread operations throughout the country, along with breweries in other parts of the world.
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens in Escondido has an attached bistro with an extensive American menu and a great pub setup.
They serve delicious food made with local ingredients and more than 30 types of crafted beers and wines.
The entire place is designed using Californian art and has a very cool atmosphere around it.
2. Experience a Date Night at BK Cellars Urban Winery & Tasting Lounge
BK Cellars Urban Winery & Tasting Lounge is a small urban winery located in Escondido.
It was the first new winery to open in Escondido in more than 80 years.
In order to produce high-quality wines, they work with several partners to grow grapes in California.
You can taste them in the tasting zone of the production plant.
The combination of industrial design, crystal chandeliers, and wall-to-wall wine barrels create a unique atmosphere for mingling or impressing a date.
Although light refreshments will be provided, guests are also welcome to bring their own snacks to accompany the wine.
The lounge also organizes winemaking courses.
3. Grab Some Tasty Burgers at Burger Bench
Burger Bench is an eatery that serves some of the best and most affordable food items in town.
This burger joint was established in 2014 and had been serving locals and visitors ever since.
The place is known for serving excellent burgers and sides that are made with locally produced high-quality ingredients.
Their sandwiches and salsa salads are also quite famous.
In addition to excellent food options, the venue also offers more than 20 different types of specialty beers, milkshakes, and other beverages.
Things to Do in Escondido For Couples
1. Go on a Guided Tour of Daley Ranch
Daley Ranch was established in 1996, and it spans about 3,058 acres.
The ranch is used as a protected area for the protection and housing of various endangered species of animals and plants in the area.
It is also home to a wide variety of regional plant species found nowhere else in the world.
Daley Ranch is very prominently located, making it a very popular spot among locals and visitors alike.
The ranch also has a small historic barn that is referred to as the Daley Ranch House.
Guided tours are available at this ranch.
It is also quite famous for offering activities like mountain biking, cycling, hiking, and more.
2. Reminisce the Past at the Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead
Established in 1870, the historic Sikes Adobe Farm is one of the oldest homes in Escondido.
It is a place for people who would like to get a glimpse of the history and culture of the old American era.
The place is only open on Sundays and was renovated a few years ago with a new interior decoration.
3. Go on a Tour at Cordiano Winery
After Moving to San Diego from Italy in the early 1990s, Rosa and Gerardo Cordiano opened several Italian restaurants here, but their first love was actually winemaking.
Eventually, they sold the restaurant, and Cordiano Winery was born.
Given their culinary background, it’s no surprise that the winery is also known for its fantastic pizza, pasta, and Italian desserts, which guests enjoy on the wonderful terrace overlooking the San Pasqual Valley.
You will feel right at home and enjoy the Tuscan experience right here in San Diego.
The wines you will taste are mainly reds such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir, but Cordiano also produces sparkling wines, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc.
Things to Do in Escondido For Kids
1. Let Them Experience Wildlife at San Diego Zoo Safari Park
The city leads the race when it comes to different housing types of wildlife and plants.
Featuring the city’s diverse flora and fauna, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park spans nearly 1,800 acres.
With a population of nearly 2,600 animals, the San Diego Zoo is home to more than 300 species of wildlife.
In addition, the park provides space for nearly 3,500 species of plants to flourish. Along with the diverse flora and fauna of the park, it also has some other attractions.
One such attraction is the Africa Tram, which regularly hosts African exhibits for visitors.
The tram exhibits enclosures with animals such as giraffes, rhinos, buffaloes, antelopes, and cranes.
The park is also part of the California Recovery Program, which takes steps to help protect endangered animals such as condors.
It is also worth noting that the hospital in the park is the largest veterinary hospital in the world and cares for animals from all over the world.
2. Take Them to the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum
In a bid to inspire children to explore and experiment using science, art, and culture, the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum was opened.
The San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum is an interactive indoor and outdoor museum that hosts a variety of educational and cultural exhibits for children.
The entire property is divided into four areas with themes of exploration, invention, experimentation, and discovery.
All these spaces regularly update their expositions and exhibitions.
They also have entertainment facilities that include a Reading Corner, Kids Global Village, Discovery Sailboat, Magnetic Ball Wall, Wind Tunnel, Floating Objects, Pollinator Garden, and more.
With its creative and participatory ideas, the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum is a must-see if you’re traveling with kids.
3. Let Them Play at Washington Park Swimming Pool
Washington Park Swimming Pool is a historic swimming pool that was built around 1964.
The pool is a popular spot for travelers who like to swim and sunbathe.
The pool has two compartments, one specifically built for children and the other for adult visitors, with the children’s pool having a slide.
The Washington Park Swimming Pool is also well equipped with chairs and other furniture where you can sit and relax.
Indoor Activities to Do in Escondido For Adults (Indoor Activities)
1. Catch the Festivities at the California Center for the Arts
The California Center for the Arts is located on a 12-acre campus near City Hall and opened in 1994.
It was inspired by the Spanish colonial heritage and designed by Charles Moore.
The center has a capacity of 1500 guests and houses a concert hall, a museum exhibiting contemporary art, a beautifully designed theater with enough space for 400 people, several art studios, several dance studios, and a conference center.
The art center provides services for events such as weddings, corporate meetings, and other gatherings.
It also hosts free educational programs every year to introduce more people to the city’s urban art and culture.
Some of the events hosted by the California Center for the Arts include First Wednesday WOW performances, Fourth of July celebrations, and the Day of the Dead festival.
2. Explore Ancient Times at the San Diego Archaeological Center
San Diego Archeology Center has extensive and well-curated collections of artifacts.
The museum depicts life in San Diego County over the past 10,000 years.
It serves as an educational and research institution, not only as a museum.
The San Diego Archeology Center is an organization that collects, studies, preserves, and exhibits local ancient monuments.
In the museum, you can choose from a variety of static and rotating exhibitions.
The facility offers a wide range of activities for people of all ages.
3. Get Some Bottle of Beers With the Guys at Port Brewing Company
Port Brewing Company was founded as a craft brewery in 2006, and it is located in the neighboring town of San Marcos.
It is extremely famous for producing beers that are world-class in quality.
The brewing company has won many awards and medals, some of them in consecutive years.
Port Brewing Company is one of the top 10 brewing companies in the country and is popular among regular and industry-savvy beer drinkers.
It has a very extensive and exotic wine and beer collection that includes bourbons, brandies, sherry, and more.
You can also check out his expansive tasting room, which is right next to the production unit.
The company also operates two bars that have 42 taps that tap the finest craft beers and wines.
They also have special editions that are offered in different seasons.
Romantic Things to Do in Escondido
1. Go on a Winetasting Tour at Espinosa Vineyards and Winery
The city of Escondido has so many vineyards and wineries that only the best made this list.
Espinosa Vineyards is one of those famous vineyards and has historical significance.
These vineyards are located on land that is believed to be the first area where grapes were planted in 1893.
It is also where Louis and Alta Heart built the first commercial winery in 1936.
However, Espinosa Winery and Vineyard was built from the ashes of historic vineyards that burned to the ground in 2007.
Currently, the property is privately owned by individuals and is a well-known small winery with limited production.
It is known for the production of first-class wines made from domestic products.
The wine produced here is not available anywhere else but at the winery itself.
2. Visit the Palomar Observatory
Founded almost one hundred years ago, the Palomar Observatory on Palomar Mountain has since become a hotspot of astronomical research for scientists around the world.
Using three large active research telescopes, more often than usual, astronomers both from Caltech and partner organizations come to the Palomar Observatory to study the sky on clear nights
It is open to the public daily for self-guided tours from 9 am to 3 pm most of the year.
3. Make a Drive-by Along the Heartbreak Hotel
This is another one of the weirdest things to do in Escondido, California.
In the real sense, it is not actually a hotel but a beautiful collection of iconic pop culture memorabilia collected by Andre Villa and displayed in his backyard on Utah Street. Isn’t that just amazing!
Ranging from antique signs to statues of Elvis, Ronald McDonald, and Marilyn Monroe, there are thousands of art pieces here.
Locals say Andre doesn’t officially offer tours, but it’s said that if you catch him outside and ask nicely, he’ll show you around.
Free Things to Do in Escondido
1. Take a Walk at San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park
The San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park spreads over an area of 50 acres and has a dedicated center.
The hub is where you can get all the details about this important battle and location.
It also displays a video presentation of the site. A special observation room has also been built in the center.
Apart from its historical importance, this place is also good for health-conscious people. There are hiking trails in the park that go up to half a mile.
The trails are covered with beautiful natural features and offer wonderful views.
The park also has several well-maintained picnic areas where you can enjoy your food and chat with friends.
2. Experience Wildlife at EcoVivarium
A visit to the EcoVivarium is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
This living museum, which opened its doors in 2009, aims to empower, educate and inspire its patrons by allowing them to interact directly with the animals they have rescued.
Since starting as a mobile education service, they have rescued over 800 creatures, including hundreds of amphibians, reptiles, and arthropods.
It’s been a long journey for EcoVivarium, but in 2015 they were able to open its first public location.
Private tours can be arranged by appointment if you have a large party.
3. Go Biking Along San Dieguito River Park
The 92,000-acre San Dieguito River Park in San Diego County, California, was created in 1989.
At a distance of 55 miles, the park includes the San Dieguito River and the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve in Julian, California.
The natural treasures of the San Dieguito River Valley are protected by the creation of a park.
The San Dieguito River Valley has been quite a popular destination for hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders as the Coast to Crest Trail, which is now 45 miles long, is expected to expand to 70 miles.
The park’s coastal sage scrub ecosystem supports more than 230 different species of birds and animals.
Cheap Things to Do in Escondido
1. Go Hiking at Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve
Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve is a park that is spread over an area of 784 acres and provides you with ample opportunities for natural recreation.
The park is one of the most valuable and famous natural resource hubs in the city.
It has hiking trails, picnic areas, and spots made specifically for mountain viewing.
It also has a wide range of local plant varieties such as coastal sage scrub, oak woodland, and more.
The reserve aims at improving the state’s domestic water supplies and management of natural resources, making it a very thoughtful venture.
The forest reserve authorities also provide guided tours and exploration programs for people in order to create environmental awareness and respect for water bodies.
With its humble and meaningful aim, Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve is a must-visit.
2. Take a Walk Around Felicita Park
Felicita Park is not only a park; it is also one of the oldest Native American settlements in San Diego County.
The original settlers here were the North Diegueno Indians, and you can still see evidence of the village in the form of grinding holes.
Felicita Park is also popular in the neighborhood for its beautiful oak groves, and you can enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and volleyball courts.
3. Go Fishing at Lake Wohlford
Lake Wohlford is one of the most famous lakes and natural venues in the city.
With its beautiful natural stretches and scenic landscape, a lake is an ideal place for fishing and hiking.
You can also spot a few local species in the water of the lake.
Lake Wohlford is an ideal getaway for people who do not want to spend extra money.
Cool Places to Visit in Escondido
1. Deer Park Monastery
The Deer Park Monastery is a Buddhist sanctuary founded in 2000.
Here, weekly events are hosted — ranging from designated mindfulness days to overnight retreats, which are very much open to the public to attend at will.
You can practice different meditation patterns like sitting and walking during your visit; you can also listen to the monastery’s teachers during their sessions and, of course, enjoy mindful eating with the community as well.
You are also allowed to visit the peaceful gardens and walk along the monastery’s nature trails. It’s definitely a unique nature experience.
2. Queen Califia’s Magical Circle
With over 11 miles of trails spread over 784 acres of natural forest, you can sure hike, bike, and ride horses all you want.
The preserve is staffed by docents and park rangers who provide guided tours and share ideas for self-guided activities; there are picnic areas and scenic spots too.
But that’s not all that brings people to this Escondido attraction.
The Elfin Forest, with its curving paths and twisted trees, is said to be haunted – supposedly because it was once a place of asylum or perhaps a burial ground.
It’s a fun stop for both nature lovers and those with particularly active imaginations.
3. The Ranch at Bandy Canyon
The ranch is spread over 144 acres of lush land and sits in the stunning San Pasqual Valley.
The ranch also has roots that date back to 1870, and if you visit the authentic adobe cabin, you’ll really feel like you’ve stepped way back in time.
Signing up for a riding trail where you can ride a horse around the area and enjoy nature from a completely different angle is one of the best things you can do here.
Conclusion
Escondido has the good fortune of being located in one of the country’s most fascinating regions, and the lovely climate of California further adds to its appeal.
There is a wide variety of things to see and do if you decide to come here.
With everything from stunning lakes and nature parks to excellent wineries and breweries, Escondido has more than enough to keep you entertained.
Start planning your visit and use this list of things to do in Escondido as your guide!