Location: Escondido
Top Things to do in Escondido
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What to do and see in Escondido, California (CA): The Best Things to do Good for Kids
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. 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.
2. Queen Califia's Magical Circle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Reviewed By 749dileepb - Gig Harbor, United States
Queen Califia's Magical Circle is a American sculpture garden created by French artist Niki de Saint Phalle. The garden consists of nine large-scale sculptures, a circular snake wall and maze entryway, artistic bench seating, and native shrubs and trees. It is open to the public Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon, and on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m
3. 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 :)
4. 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.
5. Roynon Museum of Earth Science and Paleontology
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
The Roynon Museum of Earth Sciences & Paleontology was established in 2000 to educate students, scouts, and the general public in earth sciences, as well as to emphasize the meaning of the sequence of life throughout geological time. We’re located in Escondido, California, and invite you to come visit us. The museum is a plethora of knowledge brought about by way of the thousands of specimens that have been acquired throughout the years bringing into focus the overall picture of paleontology. Mr. and Mrs. Roynon add specimens to the museum each year on their travels throughout the United States.
6. 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.
7. San Diego Archaeological Center
8. Dixon Lake
9. Daley Ranch
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By AlfaJudy - San Diego, United States
Wonderful system of trails over varied terrain. Many are steep and rocky. Mountain biking allowed. Leashed dogs ok. Limited facilities at Daley ranch, bathrooms at nearby Dixon lake.
10. San Diego Children's Discovery Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 78 reviews
The San Diego Children's Discovery Museum features interactive, hands-on exhibits and activities that inspire children to learn about our world through exploration, imagination and experimentation.
Reviewed By OliviaR275
We loved it here! there is a really cool outside area with a couple gardens and they supply large magnifying glasses to find bugs! we found some caterpillars. My son loved the water area and my daughter loved the arts and craft. Inside you will find several stations set up in a large open room. Some stations to list are the doctors office with dress-up, the kitchen with dress up, the pirate ship play and climb area... great for rainy days or sun shine days... pack a lunch and eat it outside at the tables or walk across the road and let the kids play at the grape park which has a huge grassy area perfect for picnics.
