Escondido is a city in the northern region of San Diego County, 30 miles northeast of downtown San Diego, 15 miles from the ocean and 40 miles from the Mexican border. The city occupies a shallow valley surrounded by rocky hills. If you want to enjoy some of the beautiful scenery in the Escondido area, then you have to head to Lake Dixon, where you'll find that time slows down. Washington Park Swimming Pool is the perfect place to go if you want to cool off in the California heat in Escondido.
The pool, which dates back to 1964, now has a full range of modern amenities that make it an ideal spot for those traveling with a family. The magnificent Daley Ranch extends over 3,000 acres of prime land in Escondido and is established as a conservation area where visitors can share the beauty of this part of the United States. There are a wealth of activities offered here, and you have more than 20 miles of trails to choose from that are perfect for hiking or exploring on a mountain bike. The San Diego Zoo is located in Escondido and spans an impressive 100-acre safari park.
On one visit, you can see more than 3,500 animals, many of which are endangered or protected species. There are more than 650 different species that reside in the park, and the flora is as impressive as the fauna, as there are more than 700,000 plants here that mimic the natural environments of animals. The Sikes Adobe Farmhouse dates back to 1870, making it the oldest house in this part of the United States. Grape Day Park has been open in Escondido since the 1930s, making it the oldest park in the city.
The museum will transport you 10,000 years into the past and you will be able to see exhibits that tell the story of how Escondido grew to become the city it is today. There are 36 craft beers available and you can tour the facilities to learn firsthand how they are made. The ranch is spread over 144 lush acres of land and is located in the stunning San Pasqual Valley. The ranch also has roots dating back to 1870 and you'll really feel like you've stepped back in time here, especially if you visit the authentic adobe lodge.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a 1,800-acre zoo in the San Pasqual Valley, near Escondido. The zoo is home to more than 2,600 animals of more than 300 species, as well as more than 3,500 species of plants. The park is located in the semi-arid environment of Southern California. One of its most popular attractions is the Africa Tram, which takes visitors through major African exhibitions.
The exhibits are open field enclosures that house animals such as antelopes, giraffes, cranes, buffaloes and rhinoceroses. The park participates in the California Condor Recovery Program, which breeds condors in an attempt to lift this endangered animal from the brink of extinction. The San Diego Zoo functions as a quarantine center for wild animals imported into the United States and is also home to the largest veterinary hospital in the world. Daley Ranch is a 3,058-acre conservation area established in 1996 by the City of Escondido for the preservation of a diverse and biologically unique habitat of great regional importance.
The ranch contains a variety of natural plant communities, such as oak forests, chaparrales, coastal sage thickets, grasslands and riparian plants. Daley Ranch is located on the northeastern tip of Escondido, north of Lake Dixon. The ranch contains a historic red barn known as the Daley Ranch House, as well as other outbuildings of historic interest. Rangers offer tours of the ranch house every other Sunday.
Visitors can enjoy six different trails totaling 20 miles in length, suitable for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Dixon Lake is a great place to relax and enjoy the Californian, desert climate. Known as a great fishing spot, Lake Dixon also has everything you need for picnics, hiking, camping and enjoying nature. Motorboats are also available for rent, at a reasonable price.
Escondido Promenade is a local mall that covers all of your basic business needs. From department stores like Dick's Sporting Goods or Target to cafes, restaurants and grocery stores, you'll find what you need here. Conveniently located at 1200 Auto Park Way in Escondido, this mall is a breeze to get to. Whether you're shopping with family or just want to kill time and buy some souvenirs, visit Escondido Promenade.
For outdoor fun, head to Lake Dixon for fishing, picnicking, camping, and hiking. If you're looking for more trails to explore, visit Daley Ranch, where you can also enjoy horseback riding and mountain biking. For a more relaxed picnic spot, spend the afternoon at Grape Day Park. If you're vacationing in Escondido with your family, visit the San Diego Children's Discovery Museum for fun with the kids, or book it at the Queen Califia Magic Circle and take lots of family photos.
Other great family attractions to visit include the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, and the Roynon Museum of Earth Science and Paleontology. California is definitely known for its vineyards and wineries, and Escondido has the perfect climate to harvest perfect grapes. Located in the penthouse of the Lexus Center in Escondido, Vintana is an exclusive restaurant and wine club that offers an original take on California cuisine along with stunning views of Escondido and the surrounding area. Escondido is fortunate to be sitting in one of the most beautiful parts of the United States, and it also has a beautiful California climate to go with it.
The California Center for the Arts, Escondido, opened its doors in 1994 on a 12-acre green campus in downtown Escondido, adjacent to City Hall and Grape Day Park. . .
