Location: Escondido
Top Things to do in Escondido
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The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Escondido, California (CA)
Escondido (/ˌɛskənˈdiːdoʊ/ ES-kən-DEE-doh) is a city located in San Diego County's North County region, 30 miles (48 km) northeast of Downtown San Diego, California. The city occupies a shallow valley ringed by rocky hills. Incorporated in 1888, it is one of the oldest cities in San Diego County. The city had a population of 143,911 in the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Escondido
1. Avian Behavior International
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
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 Adventure 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.
Reviewed By B9766VDjorger
I had so much fun training birds with Hillary and Paige. They were so kind and welcoming. I’m still smiling from ear to ear just thinking of all those beautiful creatures ❤️????????????
2. EcoVivarium
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
EcoVivarium is Living Museum providing unique hands-on interactions with live reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods (bugs)! Meet our Animal Ambassadors up-close & learn about them during a hands-on public tour! It's a great adventure for all ages. Have you ever dreamed of being able to hold a giant snake, play with tortoises and lizards, snuggle with a monitor or tegu? Then EcoVivarium is the place for you! Do you want to have your own one-on-one encounters with 20 or more cool reptiles and even some creepy crawly bugs? Schedule a private tour! We are a nonprofit organization and our Animal Ambassadors are 98% rescues, 2% donated. We rehabilitate & train all of them on site. Support the animals and educational outreach by visiting us today!
Reviewed By U3218TPwilliamr - San Marcos, United States
The staff is friendly and very knowledgeable about every animal and insect on display. Our Grandson loves to visit - we manage to take him about once/month. We are members so after the initial fee, we go as often as we can. A great place to visit for animal lovers.
3. San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,023 reviews
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an expansive, non-profit wildlife sanctuary that is home to more than 3,000 animals representing more than 300 species. Its renowned botanical collection represents 3,500 species and 1.75 million specimens. Over half of the Park’s 1,800 acres (730 hectares) have been set aside as protected native species habitat. It is located 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of downtown San Diego in the San Pasqual Valley near Escondido, California. he San Diego Zoo is operated by the international non-profit San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) empowers people from around the globe to support their mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships. The Zoo was founded on October 2, 1916, by Harry M. Wegeforth, M.D. It currently has an 11-member Board of Trustees headed by Steven G. Tappan; and Paul A. Baribault is the president/CEO.
Reviewed By JeanettePenticton_BC - Penticton, Canada
Two 82 year old seniors visited and were very impressed especially with the knowledgable volunteers. We noticed an elevator, rentals for strollers, wheelchairs and scooters. We enjoyed walking among the Australian area, the Californian gardens, Nairobi Walk, through the African Loop to the African Tram for a 30 minute ride to see the huge animals. A keeper shared the Tiger talk and another showed us an ambitious turtle. It is a spacious place, well looked after, and lovely to see the elephants as we walked up the hill. There was a bit of wind and we noticed the hot air balloon was not available for rides. It was a wonderful day especially to see a new baby born among the animals.
4. Felicita County Park
5. Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By rikkilil - San Diego, United States
first time visiting and my boyfriend and I hiked the Way Up trail and ate lunch at the Mariposa Picnic Area with views of the water and beautiful scenery. I would say it is an easy trail, but for some it might be considered moderate. When we first started the hike, a family was ahead of us and we kept slowing down and stopping so that we could keep a little courtesy distance between us, but they were going really slow and stopping because it was winding them every 3 minutes. They ended up giving up and turning back. I have to admit the trail was a little rocky but nothing extreme at all. Very good experience :)
6. Kit Carson Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By Jaywing18 - Seattle, United States
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.
7. San Dieguito River Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By looski - Encinitas, United States
We are hiking the San Dieguito River Challenge, and have enjoyed learning more about the park. The Park extends from the ocean at Del Mar to the San Dieguito River’s source on Volcan Mountain near Julian. There are flat areas and quite steep hills. Beautiful views, great bird watching, and a nice hike into nature close to town.
8. Lake Hodges
9. San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By gerleg12 - Vancouver, Canada
This is a great little museum to stop at for an hour or so. One of the last battle sites in the Spanish American War. The museum is small but well worth a visit, some exhibits, a short movie and well displayed literature. The docent was a wealth of knowledge.
