Things to do & places to visit in Escondido, California, United States

Escondido city in California, United States. Timezone: America/Los_Angeles, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 17:08.

Top things to do (19)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Avian Behavior International (51 reviews)
- Amazing experience! Hawk Walk was fantastic.
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Zoos

Come fly with the birds! We host interactive flying adventures on our 20 acre farm. From our Bird of Prey Experiences with hawks, falcons, and owls in which you get to learn about the ancient art of falconry and how birds of prey and farmers work together to our stunning Free Flight Experience with the macaws, there are a variety of Experience to choose from. Catch an owl on your glove and watch our birds take on tremendous aerial maneuvers. It's truly an extraordinary experience filled with beautiful animals, beautiful views, and learning the art of training. Experiences require pre-registration on our website. All Experiences offer an interactive tour of our aviaries and farm. Once you register, you will receive details and directions to our facility. We do not offer walk-in visits. See more..
5.0 Hungry Hawk Vineyards & Winery (39 reviews)
- Great winery
Friday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

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! See more..
5.0 Espinosa Vineyards (26 reviews)
- Comfortable and friendly
Friday: Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

Open for tasting, wine by the glass or bottle and takeout. Reservations encouraged. All staff are vaccinated and continue to practice physical distancing. See more..
5.0 Speckle Rock Vineyards (8 reviews)
- Blown away!
Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

We are a family owned vineyard and winery. All of our wines are made with estate grown fruit here in San Diego, California. We are especially proud of our Falanghina wine and recommend you try it on your next visit! See more..
5.0 Rancho Guejito Vineyard (8 reviews)
- Great venue
Friday: Spent 2-3 hours Wineries & Vineyards

Rancho Guejito is almost 23,000 acres (36 sq. miles) of now rare, spectacular landscape. It is virtually untouched from a time when California was but a colonial province of Mexico. Our wines are crafted from the nurtured vineyards of the historic Ranch, grown among isolated meadows, high mountains, forests of Coulter pines, and centuries old, rare Engelmann Oak woodlands. See more..
5.0 Forgotten Barrel (7 reviews)
- Marvelous service and wine!
Friday: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

Forgotten Barrel winery is a historic property located in Escondido. This property dates back to the 1880's and was owned by the Ferrara family from 1928 until 2010. Recently restored, the tasting room, beautiful grounds and barrel room offer a peaceful place to enjoy local wines as well as wine made in our Napa facility. Host your wedding, corporate event or a group of friends and enjoy excellent wine and gorgeous grounds. See more..
4.5 San Diego Zoo Safari Park (4.403 reviews) from $69.00
- Great park, skip the expensive safaris
Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos

Home to more than 3,600 animals representing over 300 species, San Diego Zoo Safari Park lets you to get up close and personal with animals from around the world. Hop on the safari tram, observe animals in their natural habitats and get insights to the conservation work in the park. You can also experience nature uniquely through the zip line adventure or board a tethered hot air balloon which soars over the park. Buy your discounted one-day pass in advance or get a multi-day pass that includes entry to their sister park, the San Diego Zoo. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Stone Brewing (441 reviews)
- Lunch
Friday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Breweries

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. See more..
4.5 Welk Resorts Theatre (275 reviews)
- Chorus Line: Fantastic show
Friday: Theaters

Join us at Welk Resorts San Diego, where the Welk Theatre brings you the best of live entertainment, featuring top-notch actors, musicians and performers in Broadway-style musicals such as Forever Plaid and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, as well as musical performances, comedy shows and illusionists. An evening at Welk Theatre San Diego includes a dinner buffet option and a museum with memorabilia highlighting the life and career of legendary bandleader Lawrence Welk. See more..
4.5 Orfila Vineyards & Winery (250 reviews)
- Great ambiance, good wine
Friday: 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

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. See more..
4.5 Cordiano Winery (201 reviews)
- Come for the wine and pizza, stay for the views.
Friday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

Reservations required, 2-hour table time for all visitors. Please book a table at cordianowinery.com/reserve. Last seating at 6pm, kitchen closes at 7pm and winery closes at 8pm. See more..
4.5 Queen Califia's Magical Circle (181 reviews)
- Magical visit
Friday: Monuments & Statues

This exhibit was a bit hard to find, but well worth looking for. My husband and I both loved it. It is very unique. We have never seen anything like it. It is open very limited times so be sure and check times/days before going. See more..
4.5 California Center for the Arts, Escondido (144 reviews)
- Stunning
Friday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Art Museums

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. See more..
4.5 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve (47 reviews)
- Hikes for Every Level of Expertise
Friday: 8:00 AM - 7:30 PM Forests

We wanted a hiking trip on our recent visit to San Diego and came across this highly recommended experience. Parking was easy, although we were told we would have to park off the road and walk down to the trails; I guess 1 p.m. is a good time to get parking right on the reserve. I am not adventurous and was recovering from two broken wrists so I wasn't exactly ready for all the rocks, and I must admit I didn't make it to the top. My daughter made the entire trek, and it took about two hours. There was a couple with a stroller with two kids in it making the hike, and they made it about half way to the reservoir. Easier for me was the hike along the creek, nothing for me to trip on and still getting a good workout without thinking I'd fall and rebreak my wrists at any moment. Made for a nice afternoon where both of us were satisfied. See more..
4.5 Port Brewing Company (41 reviews)
- A live brewery, for tasting 42 brews!
Friday: 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM Breweries

Port Brewing is an operating, live brewery, with numerous excellent brews, served around sizable community tables. Their Anniversary Ale Double IPA is superb... If you understand beer, that is... See more..
4.5 Kit Carson Park (34 reviews)
- Perfect early morning walk
Spent 1-2 hours Parks • Gardens • Playgrounds

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. See more..
4.5 Domaine Artefact Vineyard & Winery (28 reviews)
- Great facilities
Friday: 12:00 PM - 6:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

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. See more..
4.5 BK Cellars Urban Winery & Tasting Lounge (23 reviews)
- Should have stopped before
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent < 1 hour Wineries & Vineyards

BK Cellars Urban Winery is Escondido's first newly licensed winery within the City limits in over 80 years. Visit our industrial tasting lounge with cosmopolitan flair to try our crowd-pleasing California red and white wines that are sure to tantalize the palate. See more..
4.5 Belle Marie Winery (21 reviews)
- Good visit
Friday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Wineries & Vineyards

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. See more..
4.5 EcoVivarium (14 reviews)
- Awesome place to take your kids!!!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Zoos

EcoVivarium is the perfect place to take your kids if they like Reptiles. They have several different types of Reptiles and the staff spends their time showing you the animals, telling you about them, answering questions and letting you interact with them. You can really tell everyone there has a real passion for caring for these beautiful creatures. This place is a real gem in the heart of Escondido, CA that you need to visit at least once, but should probably go a few times a year. See more..
4.5 Ferrara Winery (5 reviews)
- We LOVE this place....
Wineries & Vineyards
We lived in Escondido and visited and purchased wine here a lot. You will love this "quaint" little winery. Vera and her family are so kind and knowledgable....stop in and say hi to them from David and Michelle. See more..
4.0 Grand Avenue (133 reviews)
- CRUISING ON GRAND
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Several antique stores See more..
4.0 San Diego Children's Discovery Museum (81 reviews)
- Good fun
Friday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Children's Museums

The San Diego Children's Discovery Museum features interactive, hands-on exhibits and activities that inspire children to learn about our world through exploration, imagination and experimentation. See more..
4.0 Lake Hodges Pedestrian Suspension Bridge (64 reviews)
- Great Walk, Pretty Scenery
Bridges

My husband and I took a walk along the trail to this bridge. The bridge spans Lake Hodges and at this time, there is water under the bridge. We saw beautiful scenery, including ducks floating on the water and an Egret sitting in a tree. Gorgeous. Here are the hours of the bridge and directions to it. The bridge includes gates that will automatically lock people out between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. The south entrance to the bridge is just off Pomerado Road at I-15, and the north entrance is at the end of a mile-long paved path that begins near Sunset Drive and Via Rancho Parkway. We parked in a small parking lot near a self storage place and walked along the path to the bridge. There were hardly any people there so it was very peaceful. At one point you walk under I-15 and the noise from the freeway almost disappears. Under the overpass we saw patches of the lake. Right before the bridge there is an outhouse, in case you can't wait. There are also signs that give you information about the bridge. On the bridge there are a few benches along the way so if you wanted to carry a lunch you could sit and eat it. We walked about 2.5 miles round trip so you have to decide if you want to carry anything. We brought water. The entire hiking trail is longer if you chose to do that. This was a unique experience for us and an enjoyable activity to do. I found out about it from looking for things to do in Escondido, on TripAdvisor. See more..
4.0 Dixon Lake (52 reviews)
- Great find! Check it out.
Bodies of Water

Beautiful lake. Lots of fishing docks around the lake. Plenty of greenery plus eats animals to keep you entertained! Many coveted picnic areas plus a playground for the kids. Only $6 for the entrance fee. Secluded lake in the Escondido Area next to Daley Ranch and trails. See more..
4.0 Daley Ranch (51 reviews)
- Abundant trails for everyone!
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails

I’ve hiked here for years and years and continue to return. It offers a large tract of open space not far from the city of Escondido. Just explore by walking to the Ranch House. Or head out to Coyote Run or along the ridges. There’s so much to experience! See more..
4.0 Deer Park Winery & Auto Museum (49 reviews)
- Beautiful Vintage Autos
Wineries & Vineyards

Wine tasting of vintage estate wines in a setting that is pure Southern California. Nestled on 15 acres in Escondido in San Diego's North County is the vineyard, orchards, shady picnic grounds, gift shop, and the largest automobile collection of convertibles and Americana. Open Fridays thru Sundays, 10-5. See more..
4.0 San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park (46 reviews)
- Besure and go to the Visitor Center!
State Parks

My wife found this place in the AAA Tour Guide Book. We decided to check it out, and we are glad we did. The gentleman at the Visitor Center was very knowledgeable. He not only shared information about the Park, but also gave us some suggestions of other places we might want to visit while we were in the area. They have some interesting displays you will not see anywhere else. See more..
4.0 Westfield North County Shopping Center (28 reviews)
- JUST BROWSING
Spent 2-3 hours Shopping Malls

I had never been inside this shopping center before, so my friend & I strolled through the entire mall. I am very impressed with the variety of stores and eateries. I will definitely be back to shop! And eat! See more..
4.0 San Diego Archaeological Center (17 reviews)
- Nice Museum in San Pasqual Valley
Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM History Museums

Great little museum of San Diego history from the prehistoric to historic times. We like to take the convertible on a drive and stop here. The Center is staffed with very knowledgeable docents for a weekend visit. Hard to believe there was all this history before San Diego was paved over by development. An old Indian cemetery is near this Center. The Center has occasional lectures that I have been to and field trips within the community. This is definitely a good stop if you are in the area. See more..