Spend time in Escondido, the heart and cultural center of San Diego’s North County. At the city’s eastern gateway, the world-famous San Diego Zoo Safari Park provides a home to giraffes, big cats, rhinos and other animals in a vast reserve. A few miles west, giant recreation complex Kit Carson Park contains Queen Califia’s Magical Circle, a renowned large-scale sculpture garden by French/American artist Niki de Saint Phalle. The city also features one of the few remaining authentic downtown historic districts, as well as the regional California Center for the Arts, Escondido. The Center plays host to renowned artists and local recitals, stages Broadway musicals, and produces dozens of free community events, such as the Independence Day Concert & Fireworks, and the Winter Wonderland Festival.

Just a few blocks away is Grand Avenue, the downtown’s main thoroughfare. The picturesque avenue and its surrounding streets are dotted with eclectic shops, appealing restaurants, art galleries and The Historic Ritz Theater, fully restored. Strolling about, visitors will love interactive, kid-focused museums, glass-blowing experiences, tea service in a Victorian setting, and eateries serving up diverse fare. Main downtown events include the Certified Farmers Market on Tuesdays; Cruisin’ Grand, a gathering of vintage cars on Friday nights through September; a February Chocolate Festival; and the Escondido Street Festival. The city’s annual Grape Day Festival, heralding the city’s agricultural heritage, will return this September. VisitEscondido.com