VisitEscondido.com

Explore 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. Just down the road, the San Diego Archaeological Center curates artifacts documenting 10,000 years of San Diego County history. 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 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, diverse restaurants, art galleries and The Historic Ritz Theater, fully restored. Strolling about, visitors will love kid-focused EcoVivarium Living Museum and San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum; The Grand Tea Room, providing tea service in a Victorian setting; Escondido Antique Mall, an emporium filled with hidden treasures; Frida’s Taqueria, a Tijuana-style street tacos hotspot; and nearby BAPS!, a welcoming family restaurant serving homemade comfort food. Main downtown events in summer and fall include the Certified Farmers Market on Tuesdays; Cruisin’ Grand, a gathering of vintage cars on Friday nights through September; the Escondido Grand Avenue Festival in October; and the city’s annual Grape Day Festival, which heralds the city’s agricultural heritage, in September. Come explore, shop, dine and Visit Escondido!