Guide to Visiting Escondido – Day Trip Just 30 Minutes Outside of San Diego!
Escondido is a growing city that’s inland, about 30 miles north of San Diego and is technically part of San Diego County. It also happens to be the hometown of my hubby, where he spent most of his life before moving further up north in California. I also lived there for a year while studying graphic design at Palomar College. My In-Laws still live there as does my sister-in-law, which works out great as we have an excuse to visit the city as often as we can.
So, it’s safe to say this guide is written by a local. In my guide I’ve written about the popular big attractions that bring people from outside the city, as well as the hidden gems that only Esco locals really know about (many locals use the abbreviated term Esco).
Foodies Guide: The Best Restaurants You Can Find in Escondido
Arrieros Mexican Restaurant in Escondido
Arriero’s is my husband’s favorite Mexican restaurant in the entire state of California! This place has great food options and has been in business for decades. The rolled tacos are a must try, they’re perfect. They also serve a delicious California burrito, carne asada fries, carne asada plate, sopes, and other famous Mexican staples. They also offer a kid’s menu. They are always a good option. Address is 431 W 13th Ave, Escondido, CA 92025.
Brigantine Restaurant in Escondido
If you’re into seafood this historic restaurant will be right up your alley, with its trendy and modern seafood dishes that keep customers coming back for more. The restaurant business is universally known to be tough, and the fact that this restaurant has been open since 1969 is a testament to its quality. This is a great spot to order jumbo crab cakes or fancy fish tacos to pair up with your beer or cocktail. Before you leave, don’t forget to check out the dessert menu! Address is 421 W Felicita Ave, Escondido, CA 92025.
Kettle Coffee & Tea in Escondido
This popular coffee shop for millennials is your standard hipster-ish coffee shop with serving up your traditional coffee as well as trendy beverages like Vanilla Lavender Latte, Honey Lavender Latte and London Fog. It has a chill vibe to it, what peaceful coffee shops used to feel like before they went full corporate. My standard order is a Matcha Latte with avocado toast and my husband always goes for the Chai Latte. If you happen to visit during autumn or the holiday season, you’ll have to grab some of their seasonal drinks- Eggnog Latte, Mexican Mocha or Kettle Apple Cider. Address is 119 E Grand Ave, Escondido, CA 92025.
TJ Tacos
Tj style tacos, just like those found in Tijuana, Baja California. They’re delicious and pass the taste test. They’re the tiny little Tijuana style tacos we all love here in California, made with adobada, fries and burritos. The asada mini tacos are my personal favorite, but of course, you can mix and match with other options of your choice. I can eat these all day! Address is 802 E Valley Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92025.
Pan Dulce In Escondido
Escondido has a very heavy Mexican presence, not surprising given its proximity to Mexico, which means it’s a fantastic place to find the most authentic Mexican cuisine in the entire state of California. My mother in-law always grabs bags full of pan dulce (sweet bread) to eat with your coffee in the morning or as an evening snack for families when they come by for a visit.
When you enter a “panaderia” which is a Mexican bakery, there are usually a ton of baked goods to choose from. My husband and I usually grab our pan dulce from Fiesta Mexicana which is located at 1815 E Valley Pkwy in Escondido. Very small cute little business where we’ve been getting our pan dulce for many years now. My husband and his family would especially use this panaderia when he lived on the east side of town. The prices are pretty low and you can get quite a bit of pan dulce for under $10 dollars. They also offer handmade tamales, which are very good and highly recommend them.
La Michoacana Ice Cream In Escondido
Just a few steps down from the pan dulce bakery, literally in the same shopping center you’ll find La Michoacana Ice Cream shop, one of many in San Diego County. It’s a fantastic ice cream parlor. La Michoacana is my favorite ice cream shop in town because they offer flavors that are tough to find elsewhere.
The menu is vast, with 40+ flavors of ice cream to choose from. You’ll still find all of your American favorites here, but you’ll also find Mexican classic flavors listed below:
- Tres Marias
- Tamarindo
- Nanche
- Mazapan
- Queso
- Pinenut
- Chocolate Abuela
- Chondos Zamoranos
- Mangonada
- Guanoabana Soursop
- Gansito
- Mamey
From all of these, you can sample if you’re not familiar with the unique flavors. You can of course sample until you find the one that’s just right! My favorite is the Tamarindo and Mazapan. They are open until 10pm, so if you’re having late night cravings, and are close by, I recommend grabbing some ice cream from here or any of the other locations throughout San Diego.
Better Buzz Coffee in Escondido
This trendy coffee shop chain recently opened in Escondido and I’m here for it. I always make it a point to grab a drink during my visit to the city. I was excited for their arrival and hope you guys are too. This is a coffee snobs paradise, very Instagrammable decor with a sleek modern look. Be sure to stop by, there address is 1831 S Centre City Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92025.
Tamales Bar in Northgate Escondido
If you’re a fan of tamales like I am, you’ll want to visit this grocery store to grab some tamales, and other authentic Mexican items. This is one of my favorite pits stops in Escondido as they offer really good tamales, with a full salsa bar offering all kinds of flavors for the pre-made tamales. You can find tamales with a crazy variety of flavors at this grocery store. Flavors such as corn, pork, chicken, (my absolute favorite!) beef, strawberry, (believe it or not) pineapple, cheese and chili. I didn’t even know you could make tamales in some of these flavors!
As mentioned, you can also grab your conventional groceries here, along with more Mexican focused items as well. During Dia de los Muertos, you’ll find this to be the perfect grocery store to shop for regarding this particular holiday. Address is 606 N Escondido Blvd, Escondido, CA 92025.
Peterson’s Donut Corner in Escondido
This place is legendary. My husband knew no other donuts from anywhere else but here for decades! He says even the building looks identical to what it looked like when he was just a young kid, keeping the retro style going, hopefully with many more years to come. They offer all the classic styles and flavors but do it in even tastier fashion! When it’s nice and sunny out (which is almost always when it comes to Escondido) you can sit outside on nice park benches to eat your tasty donuts in peace. Crazy fact, it’s open 24 hours on most days, for those donut emergencies, amazing! Address is 903 S Escondido Blvd, Escondido, CA 92025.
Vallarta Supermarkets in Escondido
Similar to Northgate Market, this Mexican grocery store is a little larger and offers a variety of authentic Mexican food options. Like Northgate, Vallarta Supermarkets also offer their shoppers a restaurant style food section to grab hot food items such as street tacos, (they’re so good!) other popular food dishes, as well as pan dulce. I love the decorations all over the store, and the Mexican music playing in the background, giving it an authentic Mexican feel. Address is 1315 East Valley Parkway
Escondido, CA 92027.
Escogelato in Escondido
I was happy to hear Escondido had its own gelato place off of Kalmia, by Grand Avenue. It’s a cafe and gelato shop at the heart of downtown Escondido. This is a great spot if you’re craving the thick richness of gelato, especially during cruising grand on Friday’s! They actually source their ingredients and products locally, through nearby vendors and local farms. They get really excited about strawberry season where they make strawberry cheesecake and strawberry basil sorbet gelato in-house. It’s another excellent option for a visit while in Escondido. Address is 122 S Kalmia St, Escondido, CA 92025.
Burger Bench in Escondido
If you’re looking for a heavy meal with a guarantee that you won’t leave the restaurant hungry, this place is perfect. Delicious burgers with fries, sliders, sandwiches and grilled cheese options make this a must visit. You can go for the truffle parmesan tots, their milkshakes and also their fig jam sliders. This restaurant is also on Grand so it’s perfect as a compliment if you’re out walking, having a great time on Grand Avenue. Address is 237 E Grand Ave, Escondido, CA 92084.
H Brother’s Comfort Food in Escondido
This comfort food hot spot has all the delicious classics that you’re looking for when you’re hungry. H Comfort Food is a safe choice when you’re trying to find a great meal close to the Grand Avenue. They offer outdoor seating for that sweet relaxing sunshine while you’re finishing up your meal. The place serves up all the favorites and more, including cheeseburgers, fries and sandwiches. Try their jambalaya with cheese grits, hush puppies and poutine. Add a boozy kombucha as well and you’ll be all set. The address is 212 E Grand Ave, Escondido, CA 92025.
Bellamy’s in Escondido
A true fine dining gem in the heart of Escondido, if you’re coming here, it’s because you love the premium formal dining experience and the beautiful ambiance this premier restaurant offers. Bellamy’s, a farm-to-table restaurant, also offers live music for your listening pleasure while you enjoy your culinary masterpiece. The restaurant offers a lot of outdoor seating, it’s also located on Grand Avenue (that’s a lot of Grand Avenue dining options, because Grand is awesome!) making it ideal for nice walks before or after your dining experience. Address is 417 W Grand Ave, Escondido, CA 92025.
Fun and Trendy Shopping Guide in Escondido
Valley Thrift Store in Escondido
As you may or may not know, thrifting is one of my favorite hobbies and a pastime I can do for literally hours. Escondido has a lot of great thrift stores to choose from and one of them is Valley Thrift Store, which is located on East Valley Parkway. This is a very large department store and is filled with a lot of quality brands and items to choose from. They do a great job sourcing their selection and it will take you hours to go through it all, as it should be. Roll up your sleeves and dig for the gems, which is most of the fun anyway! Address is 2085 E. Valley Parkway
Escondido, CA 92027.
Boutiques on Grand Avenue, Escondido
Grand Avenue has lovely store fronts that offer a lot of shopping opportunities. There are plenty of cute little boutiques to window shop. From trendy clothing boutiques, nail salons and hair salon options, antiques and art galleries up and down the avenue, there is a lot to do in the area. Of course, you’ll have restaurant options and coffee shops available for you to refuel before resuming your entertaining shopping experience on Grand Avenue.
Mershops North County Mall in Escondido
Although most malls in America are dead or will be soon, Escondido’s mall has managed to retain it’s fun and relevant feeling while visiting and shopping there. It’s still well maintained and feels just as lively as it did in the 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s, as if it hasn’t lost a step, especially during the holidays. There are plenty of stores to check out and new ones are always coming through. There are also fun restaurants that share the same parking lot as the mall if you’re looking for alternatives to the food court at the mall, all of which are close by, even walking distance. 272 E Via Rancho Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92025.
Lively Attractions & Family Events in Escondido
Cruisin Grand Classic Car Show in Escondido
This classic car gathering can be considered one of the finest family friendly events in the entire county. My husband loves cars, so this is always a must do event if it’s Friday and it’s going on and we happen to be in town. Cruisin Grand is always a fun time with the cars, the music, the food options, the smiles, the summertime vibes. It’s all so wonderful that we’ll go to as many as we can so long as we’re in Escondido during the summer.
You’ll find classics from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, muscle cars old and new, cool looking lowriders, and quirky cars as well. The event is for everyone, even if cars aren’t your thing. It’s a place where families and friends gather to enjoy each other’s company. While checking out the fun cars, there are plenty of restaurants, bars, vendors and fun stores to shop. Cruisin Grand happens all along Grand Avenue and any location to arrive and walk the area will work just fine, parking is usually not an issue.
The Farmer’s Market in Escondido
Escondido has the privilege of having the Escondido Farmers Market every Tuesday year-round due to the nice weather. This means endless fresh fruits and vegetables, products sold from local vendors, and local farms, which include nuts, honey and seeds. There are also baked goods and ready to eat meals that are sold at the farmer’s market.
One thing to note, there are two locations for the Farmer’s Market- One at Heritage Garden, which is on Juniper and Grand and also on Juniper Street between Valley Parkway and Grand Avenue. Both locations are open Tuesdays between the hours of 2:30pm and 6pm.
The Old Escondido Neighborhood
Old Escondido is a neighborhood that’s historical and features plenty of beautiful Victorian, craftsman and art deco style homes. There are homes that date back to the 1800’s, amazing! The area is quiet, and a nice walking opportunity can be had, which I would recommend, especially if you’re a fan of this style of vintage architecture. This area is especially magical during the holidays. Not only that, but it’s a short walk to Grand Avenue as well. An option I would recommend would be visiting the historical jewel of Escondido, the Beach House. Built in 1896, still a stunning beauty today, a time capsule from the 1800’s. Address is 700 S Juniper St, Escondido, CA 92025.
Fancy Wineries, Breweries and Booze Spots in Escondido
A lot of people don’t know that Escondido has a lot of wineries. You can get a little piece of Napa’s Wine Country right here in Southern California by way of Escondido. It should be no surprise as Escondido enjoys great weather all year round, perfect for the grape vines. You can visit the listed wineries below while drinking from locally made wines, enjoying the vineyard views and the mountains in the background. A few wineries have on-site restaurants, some have plenty of picnic tables where you can bring your own food while enjoying the wineries tasty wine.
A list of noteworthy wineries in Escondido:
- BK Cellars
- Forgotten Barrel
- Espinosa Vineyards
- Vesper Vineyards
- Cordiano Winery
- Hungry Hawk Vineyards
Stone Brewing Company in Escondido
Stone Brewing, a local icon of Escondido, has popular IPA’s, offering an extensive selection of craft beers. The location in Escondido offers an aesthetic and modern architecture build, helping provide a lively atmosphere. Stone is also a restaurant brewery that takes pride in being farm-to-table. The Escondido Bistro combined with the outdoor garden is a popular attraction. They’re worth visiting, especially if you enjoy drinking craft beer. The address is 1999 Citracado Parkwy, Escondido, CA 92029.
Other Breweries and Tap Rooms in Escondido
Best Parks to Visit in Escondido
Kit Karson Park in Escondido
Kit Carson Park is a beautiful 5-acre playground for children and adults. Here you can go see some ducks on a pond, explore a creek flowing through the park and see Queen Kalifas Magical Circle Garden inside the Iris Sankey Magical Garden. This very large-scale artistic installation is fun to explore, a very unique piece of art for kids that’s a nice shift away from your typical playground, which Kit Carson also has plenty of as well.
There are two major playground areas for kids of all ages. The park also has very long and safe hiking trails that are great for a nice afternoon leisure hike, not too challenging. The park is lively with plenty of daily visitors and comes to life on the weekends with lots of family barbeques and celebrations going on. The park is free to the public. The address is 3333 Bear Valley Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92025.
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park, formerly known as the San Diego Wild Animal Park, started off as an animal breeding and conservation facility, specifically for endangered species. The idea was to not only provide the animals with additional space, but have those spaces provide a similar feeling to their natural habitats. The end result is a park that feels less like a conventional zoo, with limited space for the animals, and more like a real safari, with vast lands for them to roam and stretch their legs so to speak.
The park has since evolved into a tourist attraction to offers safari like experiences for visitors while the 3,000+ animals housed there enjoy a much more open habitat. You can find all the animal favorites here such as lions, elephants, rhinos, monkeys, chimpanzees, giraffes, cheetahs and many more. A unique feature of this park is the ability to get up close for feeding, a much more personal experience can be had at the Safari Park.
Although the layout is similar to a safari, that can have potential drawbacks during the summer in terms of exhaustion. Because of the parks size, walking to different animal exhibits requires a lot of walking. Also, the heat can intensify the safari feeling as well, for better or worse. You’ll need to bring bottled water, a hat of some kind to block the sun, sunscreen and some comfortable shoes to make sure it’s a pleasant visit to the Safari Park.
The park also offers a ride around the park on a tram to view the animals, Jurassic Park style! The park is great for kids and adults so make sure you try and book a trip, it’s worth it. Address is 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027.
Felicita County Park in Escondido
Out of all the parks in Escondido, I’ve always thought that Felicita Park felt the most unbothered letting the natural beauty be the park itself without the use of too much manicured grooming of grass or trees assisting the park in anyway. The park feels as though it’s been largely the same for the past 300 years, untouched, letting nature thrive, providing a pleasant and peaceful experience to those who visit. This is probably due to the ancient Oak Groves that fill the park with tranquil serene peacefulness as you quietly observe the wildlife. Although it should be noted, the park has amenities, park benches, a well-maintained playground with sunshades to protect the children during the summer. There is also a nature trail ideal for lovely hikes, leisure walks, and jogging.
Another thing of importance is the parks historical significance, it is one of the oldest Native American settlements in San Diego County. Park visitors can explore the old settlements of Indian villages, offering important education about the areas past. Day use parking is $5 as an entrance fee, and the park is open from 9:30 am to sunset, daily. Pedestrians can also access the park walking in daily from 9:30am to sunset. The address is 742 Clarence Lane, Escondido, CA 92029.
Daley Ranch
If you need yet another amazing park and nature hike to add to your list, there is Daley Ranch, offering nature lovers great outdoor hiking of virtually untouched natural beauty. You will find dog friendly trails, and general trails or hikes ranging from beginner, intermediate and advanced for whatever level you’re in the mood for that day. You can start off with the most popular trail, which begins at the La Honda Drive entrance.
Lakes to visit in the Escondido Area
- Lake Wohlford – Perfect for enjoying the great outdoors with some fishing, picnics and hiking.
- Lake Hodges -Large Lake with trails, fishing and great outdoor views.
- Dixon Lake – Arguably the most popular lake of them all, visitors can enjoy fishing, picnics, hiking, camping, barbecues, and more.
Best Day Trips from Escondido
If you happen to be in Escondido for a few days, and want to venture out beyond the city, here are some spots we love to visit if we have the time.
- Coronado Beach
- The San Diego Zoo & Balboa Park
- The Flower Fields in Carlsbad
- Little Italy in San Diego
- North Park in San Diego
- La Jolla in San Diego
- Mission Beach in San Diego
- Hiking Mount Woodson Trail to Potato Chip Rock
In Conclusion
In conclusion, Escondido offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, authentic Mexican cultural experiences, and local charm, making it a must-visit destination in Southern California. Whether you’re exploring the scenic trails of Daley Ranch, sipping award-winning wines, or immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant arts scene, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With its warm climate, friendly community, and diverse attractions, Escondido provides a memorable getaway for travelers of all kinds. Plan your visit today and discover the hidden gems that make this city truly special!
