Best Things to do in Escondido | Must-see attractions 2025

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Zoo

15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd (near W Zoo Rd)

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San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an 1,800-acre wildlife sanctuary in Escondido, California, featuring over 300 species of animals in free-range exhibits.

Duration: More than 4 hours.

Adults: $62, Children (3-11): $52. Discounts available for seniors and military personnel.

California Center for the Arts Escondido

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

340 N Escondido Blvd (at W Valley Pkwy)

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California Center for the Arts Escondido is the cultural hub of North San Diego County, featuring a concert hall, theater, art museum, and community events.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

Free for general access. Some events may have a ticket fee.

Lake Hodges Pedestrian Suspension Bridge

Open 24 hours

Bridge

I15 South at Rancho Bernardo Rd

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Lake Hodges Pedestrian Suspension Bridge in Escondido, CA is a 1,200-foot bridge that connects walking trails and offers scenic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free.

San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

15808 San Pasqual Valley Rd

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San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park in Escondido, CA, commemorates the 1846 Battle of San Pasqual during the Mexican-American War.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some special events may have fees.

San Diego Children's Discovery Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

320 North Broadway

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San Diego Children's Discovery Museum in Escondido features interactive hands-on exhibits encouraging children to explore, imagine, and experiment.

Duration: About 2-3 hours.

General admission: $10. Children under 1 year: free.

Grape Day Park

7:00 AM–9:00 PM

Park

321 N Broadway (btw W Valley Pkwy & Woodward Ave)

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Grape Day Park, the oldest park in Escondido, California, features historic buildings, a playground, horseshoes, and hosts community events.

Duration: Around 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Some special events may have fees.

Double Peak Park

Open 6:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

900 Double Peak Drive

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Double Peak Park in Escondido, California, offers hiking trails with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and access to scenic vistas.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No admission fee required.

Stone and Glass

11:00 AM–6:00 PM

Museum

629 W Grand Ave

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Stone and Glass is a hot glass art studio and gallery in Escondido, offering hands-on classes and unique art pieces. Reservations required for classes.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Class fees vary; gallery visits are free.

Roynon Museum of Earth Science and Paleontology

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

457 East Grand Avenue Suites 1-3

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Roynon Museum of Earth Science & Paleontology in Escondido, CA, features extensive collections of fossils, bones, and geological specimens aimed at educating the public.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for special exhibitions.

Felicita County Park

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

742 Clarence Lane

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Felicita County Park in Escondido features sports fields, playgrounds, walking paths, and a disc golf course across an expansive area, perfect for recreation.

Duration: 2–3 hours.

Free. No charges for general entrance; fees may apply for special events.

EcoVivarium

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Zoo

136 S Juniper St

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EcoVivarium in Escondido is a nonprofit museum focused on reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods, featuring hands-on encounters and educational programs.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. Special programs may incur a fee.

Castle Creek Country Club

6:30 AM–6:00 PM

Golf Course

8797 Circle R Dr (Circle R Way)

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Castle Creek Country Club in Escondido, USA offers championship golf, upscale dining, and scenic views of the surrounding hills, making it a popular destination for leisure and events.

Duration: 4–5 hours.

Membership rates vary. Daily golf fees are approximately $60 for adults.

Eagle Crest Golf Club

6:00 AM–6:30 PM

Golf Course

2492 Old Ranch Rd

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Eagle Crest Golf Club in Escondido offers a challenging 18-hole course surrounded by picturesque views and nature, suitable for golfers of all levels.

Duration: Approximately 4 hours.

Green fees vary by time and day, generally ranging from $25 to $75 for adults, with discounts for seniors and juniors.

Escondido Country Club

7:00 AM–7:00 PM

Golf Course

1800 W Country Club Ln

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Escondido Country Club in Escondido, CA offers a premier golfing experience with an 18-hole course, dining, and event facilities amidst picturesque landscapes.

Duration: Approximately 4 hours for a round of golf.

Green fees vary by day and time; check the website for details.

Patio Playhouse

6:00 PM–10:00 PM

Theater

201 E Grand Ave Ste 1D (at Kalmia St.)

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Patio Playhouse in Escondido offers community theater productions, engaging performances, and a commitment to local talent in an intimate setting.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

$20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors. Discounts available for group bookings.

Reidy Creek Golf Course

6:00 AM–7:00 PM

Golf Course

2300 N Broadway

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Reidy Creek Golf Course offers a 27-hole layout in Escondido, US, featuring scenic views, challenging holes, and a relaxed atmosphere for all golfers.

Duration: Approximately 4 hours.

Green fees range from $30-$50, with discounts for juniors and seniors available.

Kit Carson Park

6:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

3333 Bear Valley Pkwy

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Kit Carson Park in Escondido features hiking trails, sports fields, and a 5-acre arboretum, making it a prime recreational area for outdoor activities.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours to explore.

Free. No entry fee is required to access the park.

Deer Park Monastery

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Pagoda

2499 Melru Ln

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Deer Park Monastery, located in Escondido, California, is a Buddhist center offering retreats and a tranquil environment for mindfulness and connection with nature.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Some special retreat programs may incur fees.

Lorikeet Landing

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Zoo

15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd

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Lorikeet Landing is a birding paradise in Escondido, California, featuring vibrant lorikeets in an immersive exhibit. Ideal for bird enthusiasts and families.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

General Admission: $5 for adults, $3 for children (ages 3-12). Free for children under 3.

Daley Ranch Dixon Lake

6:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

2256 La Honda Dr

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Daley Ranch Dixon Lake in Escondido, CA, offers hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic vistas, encompassing over 3,000 acres of natural beauty.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some guided tours may have a fee.

Escondido Village

24 hours

Mall

Escondido

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Escondido Village, situated in Escondido, CA, features residential facilities for Stanford University students, emphasizing community and academic collaboration.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free for residents and their guests; events may vary in cost.

Church of God of Escondido

6:00 PM–8:00 PM

Church

1863 Harmony Grove Rd

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Church of God of Escondido, located in Escondido, California, offers spiritual services and community events with a commitment to faith and fellowship.

Duration: About 1 hour.

Free. Some special events may require registration.

Escondido First Church Of The Nazarene

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

1555 S Redwood St

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Escondido First Church Of The Nazarene offers spiritual guidance and community service in a welcoming environment in Escondido, California.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations may be accepted for special events.

Iglesia Latina Emmanuel

6:30 PM–9:00 PM

Church

Escondido

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Iglesia Latina Emmanuel in Escondido, CA, promotes community and spirituality through worship services and social outreach programs.

Duration: About 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated during services.

Community Lutheran

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

3575 E Valley Pkwy

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Community Lutheran in Escondido, California, offers a welcoming environment focused on faith, community engagement, and a rich cultural history.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are accepted and appreciated.

First United Methodist Church of Escondido

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

341 S Kalmia St

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First United Methodist Church of Escondido, established in 1885, offers a rich history and vibrant community engagement in Escondido, California.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcomed for maintenance and community programs.

Faith Harbor Church

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

444 S Escondido Blvd

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Faith Harbor Church in Escondido, California, serves as a spiritual center fostering community through worship services, events, and outreach programs.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some events and special programs may require registration.

New Vintage Church

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

1300 S Juniper St (13th)

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New Vintage Church in Escondido provides a welcoming space for worship, community services, and spiritual growth through various programs and events.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.

Free. Donor contributions and some events may require payment.

North Point Worship Center

6:00 PM–8:00 PM

Church

1002 E El Norte Pkwy (Ash)

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North Point Worship Center in Escondido, CA, offers a vibrant community space for worship and fellowship, featuring contemporary architecture and engaging services.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may require a ticket.

Light & Life Church And School

8:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

Escondido

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Light & Life Church And School in Escondido, USA, provides a supportive educational environment, fostering both spiritual and academic growth for students.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free to visit. Enrollment for students involves tuition fees based on grade level.

Grace Lutheran Church and Schools

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

643 W 13th Ave (Redwood)

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Grace Lutheran Church and Schools in Escondido, USA, offers religious services, educational facilities, and community events within a welcoming environment.

Duration: Around 1-2 hours.

Free. Educational programs may have associated fees.

Escondido United Reformed Church

10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

Escondido

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Escondido United Reformed Church, founded in 1993, serves as a religious center in Escondido, California, focusing on community and faith-based initiatives.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour for services.

Free for all regular services and public events.

First Congregational Church of Escondido

9:00 AM–3:00 PM

Church

1800 N Broadway

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First Congregational Church of Escondido, established in 1883, features Gothic Revival architecture and serves the local community with various programs and worship services.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations welcome for special events and programs.

Infusion Church

6:00 PM–8:00 PM

Church

777 W Felicita Ave

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Infusion Church in Escondido, CA, offers a vibrant community, engaging services, and various events to inspire and uplift visitors religiously and socially.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations welcomed during services and events.

Dixon Lake Campgrounds

6:00 AM–10:00 PM

Camping

Escondido

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Dixon Lake Campgrounds in Escondido offers camping, fishing, and hiking amid scenic landscapes and diverse wildlife for outdoor enthusiasts.

Duration: 2-4 hours.

Free for day use. Camping fees apply: $25 per night for tent sites, $35 for RV sites.

The Branches Community Church

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

777 W Felicita Ave

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The Branches Community Church in Escondido, CA, fosters community and spiritual growth through worship services, outreach programs, and family activities.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may have limited fees.

North County Church Of Christ

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

130 Woodward Ave

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North County Church Of Christ in Escondido, CA, offers community services and programs focused on spiritual growth and fellowship. Attend worship or join a class for engagement.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Donations are accepted for community programs.

Chalice Unitarian Universalist Church

10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

2324 Miller Ave

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Chalice Unitarian Universalist Church in Escondido offers a diverse community, spiritual exploration, and various social justice initiatives. Open to all beliefs.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are accepted to support church programs.

Del Norte Plaza Shopping Center

10:00 AM–10:00 PM

Mall

Escondido

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Del Norte Plaza Shopping Center in Escondido, CA offers diverse shopping options, dining, and entertainment, making it a local destination for families and visitors.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

Free. Charges may apply for specific events or promotions.

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve

Open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Park

8833 Harmony Grove Rd

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Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve is a large park in San Diego County. It features native plants and offers hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, along with picnic areas.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free

Orfila Vineyards and Winery

11:00 AM-5:00 PM

Winery

13455 San Pasqual Rd

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Orfila Vineyards & Winery is a boutique winery located in the scenic San Pasqual Valley. It produces high-quality wines under the guidance of skilled winemaker Justin Mund, using grapes suited to the area's Mediterranean climate.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free

West Grand Avenue

9:00 AM-6:00 PM

Sights

Grand Avenue

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West Grand Avenue is known for its collection of antique stores. Visitors can explore unique items and find treasures from the past.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free

Woodland Park

8:00 AM-6:00 PM

Landmark

671 Woodland Pkwy

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Woodland Park is a tree-shaded hangout spot in Escondido. It features a pond filled with ducks and turtles, making it a nice place for picnics and outdoor fun.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free

Dixon Lake

6:00 AM-8:00 PM

Bodies of Water

1700 La Honda Dr

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Dixon Lake is a scenic park in Escondido, California. It offers opportunities for fishing, climbing, and camping, attracting nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Duration: approx. 1-3 hours

Free