Escondido Day Trip Top Ten Things To Do

The City of Escondido, one of the oldest cities in San Diego County, is located 30 miles north of downtown San Diego and 20 miles east of the Pacific Ocean coast.

Established in 1888, Escondido is the Spanish word for “hidden valley.” Still, it’s no secret that today the city is home to some of San Diego County’s major tourist attractions, fine wineries, craft breweries, fine arts and theatre, and numerous outdoor activities.

1. San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Escondido’s best-known attraction is Safari Park, the sister park to the San Diego Zoo. The Safari Park is 1800-plus acres of exotic animals and botanical gardens galore, carved out of the hills just outside Escondido.

2. Welk Resort

A highly favored spot is the Welk Resort. It sits on a vast expanse of neatly groomed land, spanning 450 acres. The resort boasts lavish one and two-bedroom villas that offer breathtaking panoramic views. Moreover, guests can enjoy live entertainment at the resort’s theater, where top-tier performers showcase Broadway-style musicals, comedy shows, and variety performances, including tribute bands. 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive. Website.

3. Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve

The 784-acre Elfin Forest Reserve features miles of trails popular with hikers and mountain bikers. The elfin forest is a term naturalists use to describe the vegetation that formerly covered much of this area of Southern California. The Reserve is open from 8:00 am until 30 minutes before sundown. 8833 Harmony Grove Rd, Escondido, California.

4. Deer Park Winery and Auto Museum

The Auto Museum features hundreds of vintage vehicles alongside antique appliances, signs, oil collectibles, license plates, vintage toys, and games. Among the permanent displays are soapbox derby cars, wagons, carriages, and automobiles. Wine tasting is also available here, but the museum—29013 Champagne Blvd. website is the main attraction.

5. Deer Park Monastery

Deer Park is a Buddhist sanctuary founded in July 2000. Along with its regular monastic schedule, the monastery hosts weekly events open to the public, including the basic practices of meditation, chanting, and total relaxation. The sanctuary comprises two hamlets, which house its monks and nuns. Lay practitioners also live at the sanctuary. Website.

6. Orfila Vineyards and Winery

This winery is an ultra-premium boutique winery in the picturesque San Pasqual Valley, approximately 30 minutes from San Diego and on the way to the San Diego Wild Animal Park. The wine tasting room and Gift Shop are open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. 13455 San Pasqual Rd.

7. Queen Califia’s Magical Circle Garden

French artist Niki de Saint Phalle created this unique sculpture garden. She was inspired by her visions of early California history, myths, and Native American culture to create the magical artworks found in the garden. Kit Carson Park 3333 Bear Valley Parkway Escondido.

8. Grape Day Park

The Grape Day Park, civic center, and the California Center for the Arts features two theaters, a visual arts museum, an educational complex, and a conference center at the heart of downtown. Also located in Grape Day Park are the Escondido Children’s Museum and the Escondido History Center. 321 North Broadway, Escondido.

9. Daley Ranch

Daley Ranch was an early north San Diego County cattle ranch of about 3,000 acres. After Robert Daley died in 1916, the ranch was used as a family vacation spot for many years. In 1996, the city of Escondido purchased the property for a habitat preserve. Daley Ranch features 20 miles of multipurpose trails, the original ranch house, and buildings. Daley Ranch is open from dawn to dusk. 3024 La Honda Dr, Escondido, California. Website.

10. Bernardo Winery

Finally, a trip to Escondido would not be complete without a short side trip to the Bernardo Winery in nearby San Diego. Family-owned for three generations and over 125 years old, Bernardo Winery is the oldest operating vineyard and winery in southern California in southern California. It features spectacular views to enjoy a leisurely wine-tasting afternoon.

With a beautiful year-round climate, Escondido is the perfect place for a Southern California day trip. Restaurants, cafes, and galleries adorn the city’s charming historic downtown, which has become a more visited place over the past few years. Escondido is a city located in Nothern San Diego County along Interstate 15.

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