Guidebook for Escondido
Drinks & Nightlife
World Famous Stone Brewery, Restaurant, and Gardens. Perfect for hanging out with friends, great craft beer and food, and an amazing garden area with fire pits. Kid friendly too.
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Stone Brewing
1999 Citracado ParkwyWorld Famous Stone Brewery, Restaurant, and Gardens. Perfect for hanging out with friends, great craft beer and food, and an amazing garden area with fire pits. Kid friendly too.
A secret gem in Escondido. Fantastic wine, wine tasting, amazing views, and friendly knowledgeable winemakers.
12 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Hungry Hawk Vineyards & Winery
3255 Summit DrA secret gem in Escondido. Fantastic wine, wine tasting, amazing views, and friendly knowledgeable winemakers.
Great atmosphere, trendy industrial setting, wine tasting, and live music.
BK Cellars Urban Winery & Tasting Lounge
2225 Barham DrGreat atmosphere, trendy industrial setting, wine tasting, and live music.
Looking for a winery you can bring the kids to? Orfila is the spot. Great wine collection, educational wine tours, occasional food trucks, dog friendly.
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Orfila Vineyards and Winery
13455 San Pasqual RdLooking for a winery you can bring the kids to? Orfila is the spot. Great wine collection, educational wine tours, occasional food trucks, dog friendly.
Wine Bar and Restaurant Downtown. Wine flights, beer, great appetizers, and intimate ambiance.
Intertwined Bistro & Wine Bar
113 East Grand AvenueWine Bar and Restaurant Downtown. Wine flights, beer, great appetizers, and intimate ambiance.
Home of the famous Cali Creamin' craft beer! They will can your favorite brew to go.
28 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Mother Earth Brew Company
206 Main StreetHome of the famous Cali Creamin' craft beer! They will can your favorite brew to go.
Vinz Wine Bar
201 E Grand AveWine bar, modern American, jazz club.
Lounge, steakhouse, live music, fire-pits, rooftop venue.
56 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Vintana Wine + Dine
1205 Auto Park WayLounge, steakhouse, live music, fire-pits, rooftop venue.
Burger Construction Company
2328 S Escondido BlvdDive Bar, lounge, music, open late.
This place is located in what appears to be a warehouse of sorts but has a bar full of Lost Abbeys brews and Port Brewings stuff also.
21 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Port Brewing Company
692 Rancheros DrThis place is located in what appears to be a warehouse of sorts but has a bar full of Lost Abbeys brews and Port Brewings stuff also.
Domaine Artefact Vineyard & Winery
15406 Highland Valley RdAward- winning winery
Food Scene
Best coffee shop in Escondido. Free wireless Internet and live music!
16 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Kettle Coffee and Tea
119 E Grand AveBest coffee shop in Escondido. Free wireless Internet and live music!
Swami's Cafe Escondido
503 W Grand AveGreat Breakfast and Brunch menu!
Best low key neighborhood brewery. Craft beer, food trucks, and laid back atmosphere.
OffBeat Brewing Company
1223 Pacific Oaks PlaceBest low key neighborhood brewery. Craft beer, food trucks, and laid back atmosphere.
Neighborhood eatery. Fresh and Local Burgers and craft beers. Eat inside or outside. Located in the heart of downtown Escondido on Grand Avenue.
35 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Burger Bench
237 E Grand AveNeighborhood eatery. Fresh and Local Burgers and craft beers. Eat inside or outside. Located in the heart of downtown Escondido on Grand Avenue.
Plan 9 Alehouse
155 E Grand AveGood spot for dinner and craft beers. Open Late.
Excellent Mediterranean Food! Belly dancers on first Saturdays of the month.
Ali Baba Mediterranean Cuisine of Escondido
201 W Mission AveExcellent Mediterranean Food! Belly dancers on first Saturdays of the month.
Locally owned Mom and Pop shop. Great coffee and breakfast, fresh and local food.
9 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Sunny Side Kitchen
155 S Orange StLocally owned Mom and Pop shop. Great coffee and breakfast, fresh and local food.
A healthy, locally sourced, organic restaurant. Small menu but every dish is exquisite.
9 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
The Wooden Spoon
A healthy, locally sourced, organic restaurant. Small menu but every dish is exquisite.
Great Bakery! Cupcake happy hour on Saturdays.
10 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Cute Cakes Bakery & Cafe
345 W Grand AveGreat Bakery! Cupcake happy hour on Saturdays.
Coffee, breakfast, brunch, and desserts in downtown.
31 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
A Delight of France
126 W Grand AveCoffee, breakfast, brunch, and desserts in downtown.
Impeccable service, delightful ambience, soothing music, excellent french food.
13 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Vincent's
113 West Grand AvenueImpeccable service, delightful ambience, soothing music, excellent french food.
Pizza Bueno
343 W Felicita AveGreat Take Out Pizza Place!
Peterson's Donut Corner
903 S Escondido BlvdAwesome Donut Shop open 24 hours!
Have you been standing in a dirt lot in TJ or Mexicali at a taco stand, 35 cent beer in hand, thinking you have found taco nirvana? Now you can experience this without having to cross border! Open late.
15 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
TJ Tacos
802 E Valley PkwyHave you been standing in a dirt lot in TJ or Mexicali at a taco stand, 35 cent beer in hand, thinking you have found taco nirvana? Now you can experience this without having to cross border! Open late.
Looks shady from outside but don't judge a book by its cover. It's a fun place with bamboo plants all around for that Vietnam feel.
Entree portions are generous. Pad Thai and Singapore noodles are pretty good. Spice level 7 is enough to clear out the sinuses.
Pho Truc Xanh
770 W Mission AveLooks shady from outside but don't judge a book by its cover. It's a fun place with bamboo plants all around for that Vietnam feel.
Entree portions are generous. Pad Thai and Singapore noodles are pretty good. Spice level 7 is enough to clear out the sinuses.
Authentic Salvadoran restaurant, family owned and operated, great pupusas!
Cuscatlan Salvadorian Cuisine and More
221 E Grand AveAuthentic Salvadoran restaurant, family owned and operated, great pupusas!
Pieology Pizzeria is a great place for BYO pizzas. It's assembly line style, so be prepared to make decisions as you make your way down! The staff is really friendly and always willing to answer your questions/provide suggestions. LIMITLESS toppings, so where can you go wrong? Each pizza comes out at around $9, which is pretty decent and fills you up.
Pieology Pizzeria Escondido, CA
1334 W Valley PkwyPieology Pizzeria is a great place for BYO pizzas. It's assembly line style, so be prepared to make decisions as you make your way down! The staff is really friendly and always willing to answer your questions/provide suggestions. LIMITLESS toppings, so where can you go wrong? Each pizza comes out at around $9, which is pretty decent and fills you up.
Cordiano Winery
15732 Highland Valley RdStone fire pizza and wine with amazing views!
Parks & Nature
Famous Potato Chip Rock hiking trail. If you haven't seen the pictures check the out on Instagram. Try to go early or you will be waiting in line for your picture.
24 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Mount Woodson Trailhead
14644 Mount Woodson TrailFamous Potato Chip Rock hiking trail. If you haven't seen the pictures check the out on Instagram. Try to go early or you will be waiting in line for your picture.
It is a San Diego County beach with coastal bluffs. Popular activities include swimming, surfing, scuba diving, fishing, and beachcombing. Voted one of the top beaches in San Diego.
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South Carlsbad State Beach
It is a San Diego County beach with coastal bluffs. Popular activities include swimming, surfing, scuba diving, fishing, and beachcombing. Voted one of the top beaches in San Diego.
Where to go
Moonlight State Beach at the end of Encinitas Boulevard is where the shore drops down nearer to sea level, and is the easiest of Encinitas' beaches to find and use. With a large sandy area, a recreational playground, snack bar, bathrooms, showers, fire pits, volleyball courts and ample parking, this is a popular beach for families and vacationers looking to spend the whole day at the beach.
D Street is the access point to the mile-long beach also known as Boneyards that runs below the bluffs from Moonlight Beach south to Swami's point. D Street is a rocky cobblestone-encumbered spot better suited to surfing than sunbathing, although some of those dedicated enough to make the pilgrimage are also devoted enough to bare it all.
Swami's is the name ascribed to the popular surf break at the southernmost end of Encinitas below bluffs where the golden-spired Self-Realization Center is located- an enduring symbol of Encinitas' positive and spiritual vibe. A great surf break, this spot is highly coveted by local surfers. If you’re a surfing devotee, definitely paddle out and join the line. For those who worship neither surf nor sun, Sea Cliff - the small park adjacent to the Swami's parking lot - offers an idyllic setting of shade trees, picnic tables, barbecues and clean bathrooms. Divers occasionally visit the reef here, but far better sites are to be found in La Jolla and Point Loma.
Encinitas Beach County Park
Where to go
Moonlight State Beach at the end of Encinitas Boulevard is where the shore drops down nearer to sea level, and is the easiest of Encinitas' beaches to find and use. With a large sandy area, a recreational playground, snack bar, bathrooms, showers, fire pits, volleyball courts and ample parking, this is a popular beach for families and vacationers looking to spend the whole day at the beach.
D Street is the access point to the mile-long beach also known as Boneyards that runs below the bluffs from Moonlight Beach south to Swami's point. D Street is a rocky cobblestone-encumbered spot better suited to surfing than sunbathing, although some of those dedicated enough to make the pilgrimage are also devoted enough to bare it all.
Swami's is the name ascribed to the popular surf break at the southernmost end of Encinitas below bluffs where the golden-spired Self-Realization Center is located- an enduring symbol of Encinitas' positive and spiritual vibe. A great surf break, this spot is highly coveted by local surfers. If you’re a surfing devotee, definitely paddle out and join the line. For those who worship neither surf nor sun, Sea Cliff - the small park adjacent to the Swami's parking lot - offers an idyllic setting of shade trees, picnic tables, barbecues and clean bathrooms. Divers occasionally visit the reef here, but far better sites are to be found in La Jolla and Point Loma.
There is plenty to do at the Oceanside Pier. There is easy access to the beach, a playground, fire pits, and I have heard you can fish from piers even without a fishing license!
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Oceanside Pier Bait Shop
There is plenty to do at the Oceanside Pier. There is easy access to the beach, a playground, fire pits, and I have heard you can fish from piers even without a fishing license!
Sightseeing
World Famous San Diego Safari Park!
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San Diego Safari Park( Insidegate) station
World Famous San Diego Safari Park!
A great hike in South Escondido!
Park up the hill & then head down to the bridge that crosses the lake. Sometimes, there may even be water in that lake. Once you cross the bridge, head left and then get ready to enjoy a good walk. You can tailor this hike to your preferences. There are multiple off-shoots from the main trail so you have a lot of options.
Mountain bikers use these trails frequently, so keep your eyes and ears out for them!
13 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Lake Hodges
A great hike in South Escondido!
Park up the hill & then head down to the bridge that crosses the lake. Sometimes, there may even be water in that lake. Once you cross the bridge, head left and then get ready to enjoy a good walk. You can tailor this hike to your preferences. There are multiple off-shoots from the main trail so you have a lot of options.
Mountain bikers use these trails frequently, so keep your eyes and ears out for them!
Lake Wohlford
Amazing trout fishing, fun hiking, and great boating.
Essentials
Jimbo's...Naturally!
1633 S Centre City PkwyThink Whole Foods but better.
Trader Joe's
1885 S Centre City PkwyLocal Groceries at a good price.
SHARP IRON BARBER
136 N Kalmia StClassic neighborhood barber shop with talented barbers.
Small, neighborhood style Italian market with a sandwich/hot food service deli, fresh pasta, and the best cannoli.
Roma Market
1054 West Valley ParkwaySmall, neighborhood style Italian market with a sandwich/hot food service deli, fresh pasta, and the best cannoli.
Entertainment & Activities
LEGOLAND California
One Legoland DrWorld Famous Legoland!
On Friday nights a time warp hits downtown Escondido! The streets are filled with strolling people of all ages, while a parade of pre-1970s vintage cars slowly cruise up and down Grand Avenue. All kinds of vintage cars—from American Hot Rods, Classics, Antiques, and Customs—help make seven blocks of Escondido the place to be on Friday nights!
Open Friday nights, 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., April–September
cruisingrand.com
Escondido City Hall
201 N BroadwayOn Friday nights a time warp hits downtown Escondido! The streets are filled with strolling people of all ages, while a parade of pre-1970s vintage cars slowly cruise up and down Grand Avenue. All kinds of vintage cars—from American Hot Rods, Classics, Antiques, and Customs—help make seven blocks of Escondido the place to be on Friday nights!
Open Friday nights, 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., April–September
cruisingrand.com
The Patio Playhouse a wonderful hidden treasure! Tucked behind a courtyard in downtown Escondido, this small theater is full of high caliber acting and good season selection. The mix of shows are in inventive and a bit sassy at times, but always entertaining. I know that some will shriek and hide at the concept of community theater, but they shouldn't in this case. The Powers That Be are making smart choices (some bolder than other pro theaters around town) and for an affordable price. There also isn't a bad seat in the house.
Patio Playhouse Community Theatre
116 S Kalmia StThe Patio Playhouse a wonderful hidden treasure! Tucked behind a courtyard in downtown Escondido, this small theater is full of high caliber acting and good season selection. The mix of shows are in inventive and a bit sassy at times, but always entertaining. I know that some will shriek and hide at the concept of community theater, but they shouldn't in this case. The Powers That Be are making smart choices (some bolder than other pro theaters around town) and for an affordable price. There also isn't a bad seat in the house.
Really great place. They pack a lot of cool stuff into this space. Mr. Roynon is extremely knowledgable and his enthusiasm is infectious. If you are into dinosaurs, fossils, rocks, minerals, etc, this is your place.
Roynon Museum of Earth Science and Paleontology
457 East Grand AvenueReally great place. They pack a lot of cool stuff into this space. Mr. Roynon is extremely knowledgable and his enthusiasm is infectious. If you are into dinosaurs, fossils, rocks, minerals, etc, this is your place.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
15500 San Pasqual Valley RdWorld Famous San Diego Safari Park!
Regal Escondido & IMAX
350 W Valley PkwyMovie Theater with IMAX
Arts & Culture
Awesome art gallery, features a variety of local artists, exhibits include live music.
Distinction Gallery
317 E Grand AveAwesome art gallery, features a variety of local artists, exhibits include live music.
The California Center for the Arts, brings in many brand name acts and also organizes local events to serve the community. The California Center for the Arts also has museum exhibits, ballet, music, and theater.
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California Center for the Arts, Escondido
340 N Escondido BlvdThe California Center for the Arts, brings in many brand name acts and also organizes local events to serve the community. The California Center for the Arts also has museum exhibits, ballet, music, and theater.
Paint and sip wine or beer. Such a fun way to spend the evening and the best part is you get to bring home a beautiful painting to display on your walls. A must do.
Spiritivity
102 W Grand AvePaint and sip wine or beer. Such a fun way to spend the evening and the best part is you get to bring home a beautiful painting to display on your walls. A must do.