Escondido California – A Little Gem in the North County
Escondido is a vibrant and growing north county city that is known for its superb wineries, craft breweries, diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular nature.
The downtown area is the main focus of this lively city. It features cafes, art galleries, restaurants and retail.
Downtown
Downtown Escondido is a vibrant and historic area centered on Grand Avenue that’s been experiencing a renaissance. The neighborhood is now a hub for restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries and specialty stores.
The neighborhood also hosts the popular Cruisin’ Grand car show every Friday night during the spring and summer, where a different car club is featured. The event is free and open to the public.
Founded in 1890, the California Center for the Arts is one of Escondido’s top attractions. Its thriving campus features a theater, museum and large concert hall.
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens is also located in the neighborhood and features a modern menu that celebrates local ingredients. Its wine list combines the best of California’s vineyards with award-winning wines from around the globe.
Daley Ranch
Nestled in the hillsides north of Escondido is Daley Ranch, a city-owned 3,201 acre conservation area. It was originally home to the Kumeyaay Indians, who used the property for hunting game and gathering acorns.
In 1997, the city purchased Daley Ranch and established it as a natural habitat with 25 miles of hiking trails. Its trails are open to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians alike.
There are a variety of trails that offer different scenery, ranging from broad views of the city to trails that run through creeks and wooded glens. Volunteers often conduct nature walks on the trails.
While the park is managed by the city, Deb Bright and her husband Zach live next door and watch over the park from their parked black van. As part of their deal, they perform a variety of tasks at the ranch, including cleaning up litter and maintaining trails. They also help with the upkeep of the ranch house and serve as camp hosts for Dixon Lake, a city-owned park adjacent to Daley Ranch.
Grand Comedy Club
A new business is bringing a bit of cheer to the eastern end of Escondido’s Grand Avenue. The Grand Comedy Club is a unique entertainment venue that offers something for everyone.
The club opened in November and has been a big hit with the locals. Owner Adam Wasserman has a strong background in the comedy world and has brought in top name talent to his new spot.
He says he’s been able to bring in some of the biggest names in the industry such as Chris Franjola and Steve Simeone.
What’s more, the club has a solid liquor license so guests can sample some of San Diego’s finest brews and wines while they watch a few laughs unfold on stage.
In terms of humor, the show is one of the best around. A mix of stand up comics and improv acts keep the crowd giggling and entertained with their funny takes on life’s annoyances. The venue also features a nice looking bar, great pizza and a great staff to boot.
Espinosa Vineyards & Winery
Escondido is a little gem of a city in San Diego County, nestled in a shallow valley surrounded by rocky hills. The town is a popular tourist destination, known for its superb wineries, craft breweries, diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular nature.
One of the best places to go for wine tasting in Escondido California is at Espinosa Vineyards & Winery, which features a picturesque view. This quaint winery is home to a handful of red wines that will please your palate, including their signature Merlot.
This family-owned and operated boutique winery is situated on three and a half acres, with a French-style Chateau castle amid lush citrus groves and vineyards. The grounds have plenty of sunny and shaded spots to enjoy a glass of wine or picnic.
They produce more than 20 different wine varieties each year, specializing in red blends but also making single-varietal wines and rose wines, among others. They also offer wine-tasting tours.