Quick Summary:

  • Where is Escondido located?
    • Escondido is located about 30 miles from downtown San Diego and 20 miles from the ocean. It is nestled in a shallow valley surrounded by rocky hills.
  • What is Escondido known for?
    • This modern city is known for its superb wineries, craft breweries, diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular nature.
  • How do you get to Escondido from San Diego?


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. San Diego Zoo Safari Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Kids & Family
San Diego Zoo Safari Park | Things to Do in Escondido, California
© Courtesy of Bobby Earle - Fotolia.com

2. San Diego Children's Discovery Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Kids & Family
San Diego Children's Discovery Museum | Things to Do in Escondido, California
© San Diego Children's Discovery Museum

3. California Center for the Arts

Category: Attractions
California Center for the Arts | Things to Do in Escondido, California
© Courtesy of carloscastilla - Fotolia.com

4. Palomar Mountain State Park

Category: Activities
Palomar Mountain State Park | Things to Do in Escondido, California
© Courtesy of Elie - Fotolia.com

5. Queen Califia's Magical Circle

Queen Califia's Magical Circle | Things to Do in Escondido, California
© Queen Califia's Magical Circle

6. Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve

Category: Activities
Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve | Things to Do in Escondido, California
© Courtesy of laviniaparscuta - Fotolia.com

7. Lake Hodges Pedestrian Suspension Bridge

Category: Activities
Lake Hodges Pedestrian Suspension Bridge | Things to Do in Escondido, California
© Courtesy of Christina - Fotolia.com

8. Daley Ranch

Daley Ranch | Things to Do in Escondido, California
© Daley Ranch

9. San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park

Category: Activities
San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park | Things to Do in Escondido, California
© Courtesy of Natalia - Fotolia.com

10. Kit Carson Park

Category: Activities
Kit Carson Park | Things to Do in Escondido, California
© Courtesy of schankz - Fotolia.com

11. EcoVivarium

EcoVivarium | Things to Do in Escondido, California
© EcoVivarium

12. Dixon Lake

Category: Activities
Dixon Lake | Things to Do in Escondido, California
© Courtesy of Stuart Holmes - Fotolia.com

13. Deer Park Winery & Auto Museum

Category: Activities
Deer Park Winery & Auto Museum | Things to Do in Escondido, California
© Courtesy of Martins - Fotolia.com

14. Burger Bench

Burger Bench | Things to Do in Escondido, California
© Burger Bench

15. San Dieguito River Park

Category: Activities
San Dieguito River Park | Things to Do in Escondido, California
© Courtesy of Autumn Sky - Fotolia.com

16. San Diego Archaeological Center

Category: Attractions
San Diego Archaeological Center | Things to Do in Escondido, California
© San Diego Archaeological Center

17. Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead

Category: Activities
Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead | Things to Do in Escondido, California
© Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead

18. Vintana Wine and Dine

Category: Food & Drink
Vintana Wine and Dine | Things to Do in Escondido, California
© Vintana Wine + Dine

19. Orfila Vineyards & Winery

Category: Food & Drink
Orfila Vineyards & Winery | Things to Do in Escondido, California
© Orfila Vineyards & Winery

20. Stone Brewing

Category: Food & Drink
Stone Brewing | Things to Do in Escondido, California
© Stone Brewing

21. Cordiano Winery

Category: Food & Drink
Cordiano Winery | Things to Do in Escondido, California
© Cordiano Winery

22. Hungry Hawk Vineyards & Winery

Category: Food & Drink
Hungry Hawk Vineyards & Winery | Things to Do in Escondido, California
© Hungry Hawk Vineyards & Winery

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