If you’re hopping on the “move to California train” you may want to consider the heart of northern San Diego County, Escondido. Located just 30 miles northeast of downtown San Diego, Escondido is a city rich in history and culture. This vibrant city is full of things to do for people of all ages. Come check out our favorite activities and while you’re around, we’ve even highlighted our favorites places to live so you too can call Escondido home.
WHAT TO DO
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Take a trip to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park with your entire family for a day of fun in the sun! Tour the safari on carts, caravans, trikes, flight lines, jungle ropes, or your own personalized VIP adventure for up to 8 hours! Experience the wildlife with numerous activities, shows, and play areas to get your animal fix.
Hungry Hawk Vineyards & Winery
Treat yourself to a lovely weekend of award winning wine tasting at the Hungry Hawk Vineyards and Winery. This family owned boutique winery and vineyard offers fine wine tasting with beautiful views. You can even bring your picnic basket with you while you enjoy 5 wine tastings for only $10 each. Spend an extra $8 and you can even get your own signature logo glass to keep!
Dixon Lake
Enjoy a day of outdoor recreation at one of the three lakes surrounding Escondido. Dixon Lake offers boat rentals, concessions, camping sites, and most importantly awesome fishing. Head there during the week for a relaxing experience and a night of fishing every Thursday and Friday! Parking is free during the week but make sure you bring $5 to park on weekends and holidays.
WHERE TO DINE
Embrace the variety of food and dining options Escondido has to offer for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Explore some of our handpicked choices and let us know your favorites!
Breakfast
Head to Blue Mug Coffee and Tea to grab a fresh pastry and some steaming hot coffee from the only BrewBar coffee system in San Diego County! With a wide array of specialty choices, we are positive your morning coffee routine will never be the same.
Lunch
If you want to try some of the best seafood San Diego county has to offer, head to Brigantine Seafood in Escondido, one of their six locations in the area. “The Brig” serves up some of the best fish tacos around. Try the fresh mahi mahi (grilled or fried) or the grilled swordfish tacos (our favorite) and prepare to be wowed.
Dinner
Experience a classy, farm-to-table dining experience in a family-friendly environment at Bellamy’s Restaurant. They offer California Modern cuisine with French influences and serve a variety of delicious flavors every season. Order signature dishes like the California Bouillabaisse or the Duck au Vin and we promise you’re taste buds will be satisfied. Bon appetit!
Dessert
Cool down with a deliciously creamy gelato at EscoGelato. Try unique flavors of Italian ice cream including their everyday menu items like roasted strawberry chocolate chip and honey lavender. There are also seasonal options that in the past have included candied maple bacon and buttered rum. The best part is they’re only $3.50!!!
HAPPY HOUR
Vintana Wine + Dine
Change your idea of happy hour at this hot spot for new American cuisine. Happy hour runs daily from 2:30pm – 6:30pm and you can enjoy appetizers for $7 each, including Chef Deborah’s famous Nut Crusted Brie. Choose from over 125 vodkas and sip on a martini for only $7 as well. Grab that special someone and join Vintana Wine and Dine on Tuesdays for date night with two entrees and a bottle of wine for only $49.95 per couple! We’re sure you’ll leave happy each time.
Ready to find your next apartment?
WHERE TO STAY/ LIVE
If you’re planning to move to Escondido you’ll want to check out these gorgeous apartments we found right in the heart of San Diego County.
Estancia Apartments
Just minutes away from the San Diego Wild Life Park and Westfield North County Mall, Estancia serves as an easy commute for all your entertainment needs in Escondido. This pet-friendly community offers two and three bedroom apartments complete with luxurious master suites, spacious closets, and built in bookshelves. If you’re a workout junkie, you’ll love the community fitness center. Don’t forget to visit the spa to relax after you work up a sweat! Estancia encourages residents to be outside to experience the lushly landscaped grounds and outdoor swimming pool.
Elan River Village Apartments
Be apart of higher living at this community close to all your shopping, dining and entertainment desires! Élan River Village is located in North Escondido alongside a wooded bank and a peaceful creek side setting. The community offers delightful amenities including a sparkling outdoor swimming pool, fully equipped fitness center, basketball and tennis courts, and a luxurious spa. Snag the perfect one or two bedroom apartment for you and your furry friend, complete with a private balcony, a fireplace, and a fully equipped kitchen!
Elan Felicita Creek Apartments
Located in Escondido in the area nicknamed the “Hidden Valley”, Elan Felicita Creek offers residents a small town ambiance with big city excitement. With close proximity to numerous shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, residents will never go bored in this pet-friendly community. Choose between one and two bedroom apartment homes that come equipped with a private patio or balcony, vaulted ceilings, and crown molding. Enjoy the spectacular amenities like the outdoor grilling area, swimming pool, and state of the art fitness center.
KEEP IN MIND
Escondido has a wide variety of retail options. Shop until you drop at one of a kind boutiques downtown or visit the Westfield North County shopping center with stores including; Nordstrom, Brighton Collectibles and American Eagle Outfitters. This lively city has plenty of activities for people of all ages, so make sure you come check out Escondido’s finest soon!
Did we miss anything? Let us know some of your favorite things to do, see, and eat in Escondido!