The 22 best views in Escondido

Best brewery garden in world. Love the rocks, bamboo, water features, tasty food, easy app for ordering and of course the beer. Perfect for a large group of all ages and celebration’s. Food exceeds my expectations for a brewery restaurant. Very happy group. App was much appreciated to avoid the pain of splitting a big bill.

I've known about this spot for years, located up north from our home, and we finally made the trip (totally worth it). The place is beautifully set up with a garden-style seating area that gives off a relaxing and laid-back vibe. The prices are more than reasonable: most food plates are under $20, and the beer is a steal — $3 for 5 oz, $6 for 9 oz, and $9 for 15 oz. We had the hamburgers, and they were perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful. Personally, I love their stout beer. All around, it was a great experience. It's definitely worth the drive, and I highly recommend checking out Stone Brewery if you’re in the area or even if you have to go a little out of your way.

Great location with easy access and parking. Beautiful interior seating, some with views of the brewery. Great outdoor seating too. Very friendly and helpful employees. Extensive beer selections, many made on site. The food selections were so good that it was difficult to select something. My wife ordered Stone Tangerine Express Hazy IPA and Blackened Salmon which she described as "buttery". I selected Stone Delicious Double IPA and Fish and Chips which is just right breaded. They also have beer that is fermented in a manner that breaks down and removes gluten, rendering gluten levels so significantly that the beer qualifies as a “gluten-reduced” ale per the FDA. We were given a taste, and want to try it the next time that we are in Escondido.

They say location is everything but I would say atmosphere wins overall. This location is in an industrial business park but once you enter the space Stone has created is unique and relaxed. A combination of outdoor and indoor areas with super high ceilings to provide a sense of spaciousness. The food was great, the salad i chose was very healthy, the superfood salad, with a side of grilled salmon. There was a lot of whole lettuce leaves as a bed, which were not very easy to eat, so it looked huge when it arrived. I would have preferred a smaller serving with all components ready to devour. The beer was great, as expected as well as very attentive staff.

What an incredible experience! The location is gorgeous. Everyone was great. Our server was Thomas and he was absolutely brilliant. Making great suggestions for beers to try after taking time to talk to us and get to know our likes and dislikes. If we asked a question he didn’t know the answer to, he reached out to others to get the answer. Food and beer were yummy. Excellent service ! 🍺

Awesome brewery. Kind of hidden with no obvious external signage, but the interior is huge and spacious, able to accommodate a lot of guests. Beautiful layout and very cool place to just hang out with friends. Very reasonable prices, only $3 for most 5oz pours, allowing you to sample a decent number of beers for a low cost. All the beers I had were good, being a light beer drinker I recommend buenaveza, garden crusher, cliche. Food is delicious, especially buffalo wings, fish & chips, brussels sprouts, burgers, and several other foods we ordered. Only wish they had a location in CO!

Really good food and a fantastic ambiance. Last minute decision to come here and very glad we did. Place is huge.

This is always a fantastic experience for kids, but the adults enjoyed it just as much. Ideally, go take the bus tour first thing when you get there. It gives you a good overview of the park, and you'll beat the crowds the rest of the day. The avian show was very entertaining and we of course learned a lot of fascinating info on the various birds and other bonus animals they brought out.

Brilliant park, expansive highly suggest getting the open air shuttle through the safari plains, getting close enough to see animals wandering or resting and great photo opportunities. Only complaint is “zoo radio” near the food which is too loud and not in keeping with a nature outdoor experience. Loved the tiger exhibit sounds! Can’t wait to see the new elephant exhibit later this year!

First time in SD and going to the safari was the first thing I did. Overall, it was a solid experience. I went solo, which gave me the freedom to explore at my own pace and really take my time. The park features a wide range of animals from different regions around the world, which made for a pretty good visit. I was looking forward to the cheetah run, but unfortunately, it was closed during my visit. One of the staff members mentioned they’ve stopped doing it daily since the cheetah is getting older. The safari ride was definitely the highlight of the day. I waited nearly 90 minutes, and the ride itself lasted about 25–30 minutes. I got to see some interesting animals, but wish it was longer and much more diverse. Another standout was the tiger exhibit. I spent quite a bit of time there just admiring the sheer beauty and majesty of the animal. Walking through the entire park took me around six hours at a relaxed pace. If you're going with kids or a group, it’ll likely take longer, so I’d recommend setting aside the whole day for the visit.

San Diego Safari Park: A Worthwhile Adventure with a Wild Twist The Safari Park is a refreshing extension of the San Diego Zoo experience, with a strong focus on African wildlife and open-range habitats. One of the highlights is the African Tram Safari, which takes you through a sprawling African Valley where multiple species roam freely. It’s a peaceful, scenic ride that offers a unique perspective compared to traditional zoo enclosures. The park itself is expansive, so be prepared for a good amount of walking. Thankfully, the journey is worth it—especially if you take time to explore favorites like the Nairobi Trail, the California Condor exhibit, the elephants, and the lions. These areas are thoughtfully designed and offer great viewing opportunities. There are plenty of gift shops and snack stands scattered throughout the park, along with several dining options to refuel during your visit. Parking is $20, and while there’s ample space, arriving later in the day means a longer walk from your car to the entrance. Overall, the Safari Park offers a solid experience and a different vibe than the main zoo. However, ticket prices can be steep, so we recommend checking Costco, AAA, or Groupon for discounted rates. It’s a decent value if you plan ahead—and a great way to spend a day immersed in nature.

San Diego Safari Park is an unforgettable experience and absolutely worth visiting! The park is massive, with incredibly spacious and beautifully maintained grounds — it’s truly impossible to see everything in just one day. Every part of the park feels open and natural, offering animals plenty of room to roam freely. One of the absolute highlights for me was the hot air balloon ride — soaring above the entire park and taking in breathtaking views was magical and gave a whole new perspective on the animals and layout. It’s not every day you get to float above giraffes and rhinos! The staff were friendly and informative, and the whole park is very clean and well-organized. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and plan ahead — there’s a lot of walking and so much to see. This place is perfect for families, couples, or even solo travelers. Highly recommend for anyone visiting the San Diego area. You’ll want to come back again and again!

Cute family friendly activity in San Diego! I recommend going early if you’re looking to get parking close by the entrance, checking out their website for ticket discounts and make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothes, you will walk a lot! We went around the park and saw the majority of the areas, altogether we walked 5 miles for the day. If you’re on a budget, make sure to pack food and snacks, food and drinks at this place are ridiculously expensive.

We had such a great experience today at the San Diego Safari Park! I want to give a special shout-out to Hailey and Clayton from the photo booth / photo print area. They were both incredibly friendly, patient, and genuinely helpful. They didn’t just take the standard photos — they actually came over to suggest better spots, better angles, and helped us capture something more meaningful. You could tell they really care about what they do. When it came time to choose and print the photos, they were just as kind and supportive, making the whole process super smooth. Because of them, we didn’t just leave with photos — we left with really special memories. Thank you both so much! 😊

The seating was comfortable, and our view was great. Pricing was overly done since it's an older auditorium. The sound wasn't too bad.

Sue Palmer opened for Joe Castro.What a phenomenal woman! I have never seen anyone make a piano dance like she did! Super fun and relatable. Joe Castro rocked socks,just!sayin!

This is such a nice venue (both inside and out) but the multiple times we have come here for somewhat higher energy bands... the layout of the theater kills it. Remove the first 10-15 rows of seating for general admission... Bands need people on their feet/ dancing to keep up the energy exchange during the set. When everyone is seated ...motionless... it kind of sets the tone for the show. If its a play... or an educational/cultural type performance... put the seats back in. High energy main stream bands would change the financial picture for this venue and I as a life long North County Resident want it to succeed.

Wonderful venue for all kinds of events. I've attended concerts, plays, and annual gatherings from local organizations here. Most recently I saw Euphoria Brass Band for some amazing New Orleans jazz and blues.

Accessibility: there are many accessible/handicap parking spots in the parking lot as well as multiple ramps to get onto the sidewalk that leads to the museum, theaters, ticket office and conference area. When heading toward these buildings from the parking lot the pathway is lit with string lights and street lights in the parking lot. You might come to an option that says the left hallway is for the museum and right hallway for the theaters, ticket office, conference center...only the right side has a ramp so you might need to take that and go a little further until the sidewalk wraps around to the museum side. It's not much farther. If you come from the other side of all these buildings because you parked somewhere else, it is more flat ground and ramps. The museum has a pull door and inside it is very well lit with tons of open space. There are restrooms open in the museum and they have one larger stall for those who need it. Experience: I really loved this museum. It's beautiful inside, very spacious, not too hot or cold, and the tickets are not too expensive compared to some museums. The staff are super friendly and helpful, and the art is very well taken care of. I will definitely come back. Outside the museum there is Grape Day Park which is absolutely beautiful, free, and has many benches and trees with shade.

Large venue right in downtown Escondido. Tons of parking, indoor and outdoor stages, wide variety of free and paid events for all ages. Amazing!

Went to the Sunday 2pm performance of Giselle at Escondido Center for the Arts on October 26th, 2025. When we were being seated, the theater was unusually warm. The Usher expressed to me that "maybe I should take my thin, cotton jacket off.." I left at the intermission, due to the temperature being intolerable. The Center must have known about the temperature issue before they piled people in for the performance. Who can concentrate in an 85-degree theater..Waste of money. Unethical practice.

My husband and I have been loyal OWL members at this winery for many years. It's long been a hidden gem in Escondido--boasting stunning views, a welcoming ambience, and a team that once treated us like family. A few months ago, we stopped by for our quarterly wine pickup. We ordered a glass and began to relax, until an unfortunate interaction with a staff member left me feeling singled out and diminished the enjoyment of our visit. More recently, we returned hoping for a better experience, but things quickly took a turn. Upon arrival, the manager promptly instructed us to vacate the east-facing seats, explaining the those are spots are now reserved exclusively for guests with reservations. His tone was unapologetic and dismissive, leaving us feeling unwelcome and uncomfortable. This winery was once known for its genuine hospitality and family-friendly spirit under previous ownership/management. Sadly, it now feels more commercialized, and long-time OWL members appear to be an afterthought. We've since made the decision to cancel our membership and join a winery where we feel truly valued and appreciated.

Live music in Friday and pizza from Amalfi served. We ordered a bottle of red and enjoyed the music and view from outdoor patio seating. It was busy but had good turnover around so we didnt have to wait long for table. Very enjoyable and relaxing time. The pizza and red we had was delicious too!

The winery has officially turned around, since the new ownership has been in charge. I popped in as a member, and every single time it’s been pleasant, warm and inviting. The wine is delicious, the food from Amalfi is fantastic (get the pizza or meatballs). Sarah, whomever she is ROCKS! She is attentive so sweet, customer-focused and the crew just wants us members to have fun. Go check it out, and tonight they had a DJ which was awesome.

Stacey and Joshua were amazing!! What an exceptional winery!! We felt so welcomed by the lovely staff at Orfila Vineyards & Winery, and the wine tasting was an absolute blast! We had lunch from the food truck which was super delish, and purchased 4 bottles of wonderful wine before we left. We also had fun plying a game of Cornhole while enjoying the gorgeous view. We cannot wait to come back next year!

Enjoyed this. It has grown in the past few years. Did not try the food truck, wine was pretty good, view is precious, sometimes the 70s throwback music wasn't aligned with the view!

When you first arrive, this place seems like a cute vineyard. We ordered food, had our tasting wine, and found a cute place on the lawn. It quickly turned to an unpleasant experience. All we could smell was the bathroom outhouse. We got the food: pizza, meatballs, and a salad. One of the worst pizzas and meatballs we have ever had. Seemed like it was a step above lunchables. The cheese wasn't a gooey, hot consistency and the meatballs were bland. Throughout the whole time we could only smell the foul bathroom smell and ended up leaving early due to the bad experience. Wine was ok, but not worth the bad food and smell.

We have been members here for several years. We had cancelled our membership for the winter months, but then they had a membership drive, so we reactivated our membership. It has new owners; Amalfi now owns the vineyard/winery. We get 10 glasses of wine per month per membership. We often order food at the Amalfi mobile kitchen. It is delicious. We meet friends or go solo. The mobile kitchen has a varied menu, and the service is speedy. I do miss the live music, especially Jimmy and Enrique, and Fercho.

Colorful and engaging sculpture installation, it is also open on 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month from 9 AM until 2 PM. There is a knowledgeable docent on hand who can tell you stories about the artist and the works.

This is such an incredible, enclosed display of incredible artwork. The art was from an article from France. This part of Kit Carson park has specific hours where it is open, on Tuesdays and Thursdays and only in the morning. There are also tons of parking lots so go off of the google directions and walk to the path immediately to the left of the handicapped parking spots.

Amusing mosaic sculpture garden located within Kit Carson Park. I've been to this park many times and never been in until now, it's just that tough to get there when it's open unless you're retired or took the day off. Make sure you check the schedule beforehand. Other than that it's pretty great! One of a kind and very special!

Wonderful work of worldwide known French artist Niki de Saint Phalle. The kind person supervising (volunteer) was lovely and knew everything about the artist. Not that easy to find (and opening hours are limited, please be aware!), but we absolutely recommend the little detour!

Fantastic. Stop in then fly to Tuscany and see the larger version.

Great places for kids to explore and to get some super unique photos! The vivid colors are super magical and make for a stunning backdrop! It's only open a few hours a week and locked up the rest of the time (I think to prevent vandals) but totally worth the trip! Settled in a large green park on plenty of acreage. Kids playground within walking distance and loads of pathed trails!

This is one of the most beautiful parks i have ever seen. A hidden gem that my kids loved. We did a nice trail walk to get there and they played for hours. It's free with select hours and certain days do be sure to check before you go but worth the trip.

Trails were unmaintained and overgrown, so I didn't get a chance to explore too much. There are a few monuments around the grounds, and the ground are apparently not on the site of the actual battle but the location where the US forces regrouped after a beating at the hands of the Californio vaqueros.

Technically this is the highland valley trailhead and I think it leads into the San pasqual battlefield area. This is a great little hike! Good with kids and lots of ups and downs. Good stuff to look at the whole way and very close to the pomerado exit on the 15 freeway. We do this hike often, and if it's rained enough the stream is going! There's also a beehive over the bridge area that's pretty cool. There's parking in a dirt lot just off highland valley road

Actually a pretty cool spot. Tons of cactus. Extremely small though. The park is only half of the Butte and enclosed by a fence. It has one trail and a semi loop that connects on and off of it. Some cool history though and honestly some enjoyable views if you have an hour to go walk around I recommend it. The museum is closed unfortunately, as is the parking lot. There's a dirt pull off just before the parking lot, park at the pull off and you'll find the trailhead behind the monument.

There is a lot of potential here, as the historic site of a significant battle in the Mexican American War. However, my experience was a tale of three unfortunates: 1) There is no easy or allowed (?) access to the trails if the park is not open. There is a smaller dirt pull off and entry to the trail from the west end of Mule Hill. It is overgrown, but usable. 2) The trail itself is poorly maintained. There was grass, weeds, and even cacti over growing the trail in places. 3) The park is only open on SAT/SUN, presumably to save money. However, the park should find a way to enable people to hike on the trail regardless of if the office/visitor center is open. I am currently a member of the 1st Cavalry Regiment, the unit whose heraldry dates to the 1st Dragoons, who fought this battle under the leadership of Gen. Kearny. I wish I lived closer, because I would gladly volunteer to help revitalize this site and maybe develop some signs to present the events that unfolded here.

I went to San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park on a day and time its website said it would be open and found nothing but locked gates. Personnel at the San Diego Archaeological Center down the street said the State Park has been closed since the start of Covid. A sign on the locked gates said the trails were open but parking wasn’t allowed. (You could probably park at the Archaeological Center.) If you plan on visiting the Park it’s probably in your best interest to call the number listed on the website to speak with a real person first. An updated website would work even better.

San Pasqual Valley is beautiful this time of year. The rain makes the hills green and the view from the trail behind the visitor center takes in the whole of the valley. The chaparral is healthy and growing, and there are usually many wild flowers along the trail.

San Pasqual Museum presevers the historical significance of this valley during the USA Mexican war. The events that occur during this great battle are well represented in the artifacts and archives preserved in this museum.

Wanted to see the historic buildings. Not everything was open. The train station was awesome but was closing and wasn't able to see the train. Parking was a bit tricky to find. Would like to visit when other things are ooen.

Nice park on a beautiful spring day, and my first time here to visit the first annual indigenous culture and art festival, they had food booths, and vendors celebrating native culture as well as music and traditional dance performers. No issues with safety, or homeless as they had plenty of friendly security throughout event. Support and support the indigenous as the genocide continues against them, they need allies. ✊🏼💯☮️☯️

Great park right across the street from the children's museum. Awesome park with unique features! It doesn't have a kitty playground but it's still a great environment to have all the kids. There's also a train museum or an old train cart for the kids to explore pretty cool and also a giant water Fountain. The graffiti wall is really cool nice and peaceful place to have a picnic or something.

This park was on a few different lists of kid-friendly playgrounds in San Diego so I brought my 3 kids here thinking it would be “kid friendly.” TLDR: It is not kid friendly. The playground is right next to the street, no barriers around the playground either. Many homeless and intoxicated people around, some pushing shopping carts and others riding bikes around on the sidewalks over and over likely looking to sell something. By the train station area there was a man frantically talking to himself. Cherry on top was that the grape play equipment is no where to be seen, perhaps it’s been taken down recently? I did like the barn, farm equipment, and historical houses but definitely would not recommend visiting given every other concern at this park.

Cleaned every day. Rangers walk regularly to keep the park safe for kids and families. The grounds are regularly groomed and watered and landscaped. The playground is well maintained. The squirrels are hilarious 😂. There is a beautiful hawk that regularly visits the buildings. There are doggy poop bags for those walking their fur babies. My only beef is the women's bathroom hasn't been fixed yet...

We had a blast at Grape Day park in Escondido. Before coming here, I thought it was just your average park with a slide built into a bunch of grapes. But there was a whole second playground with more swings and slides, a huge lawn to run around on, historical exhibits, and more. None of the indoor museum areas were open while we were there but the outdoor train and tractor exhibits were a hit with my son! He also loved the giant water fountain by the city building. One word of caution, we did see a few homeless people sleeping on the park grounds. Next time we find our way back to this park, we will bring our bikes to ride the path nearby. 🚙Free 3-hour parallel parking on N Broadway. Also free parking in the large parking lot off Woodward Ave and N Escondido Blvd 💰This park is free 🎠The play structures are on a mulch ground surface and have standard swings, bucket swings, all abilities swings 🚽Restrooms 🧺Multiple picnic tables scattered around the park 🪑Park benches at playground 🖼Huge lawn 🌳Shady trees 🛣Close to a busy road 🛴Paved sidewalks perfect for small bikes, scooters, roller blades, and strollers. 🚲Designated bike path on the pavement (there’s a barricade between the path and where the cars drive on the street to keep you safe) and runs along N Broadway ➡️W Valley Parkway➡️Center City Parkway➡️Escondido Creek 🏛City center 🏯Historical buildings 🚂Train exhibit 🚜Tractor exhibit 🐎Horseshoe courts

I went here for a "no king's" rally recently... seems like a great place to meet up. I would avoid the public restrooms... they are used by a variety of people... and are really unpleasant. Otherwise, nice location in Escondido for large gatherings.

My son enjoys the camps here during summer and fall breaks! Very attentive staff run them with an excellent eye for blending learning, interactivity, and entertainment. He's excited to go back next time, and they're absolutely worth the drive out there.

Great little museum. I've driven by 100s of times but never stopped. My brother was in town, so we checked it out. Only took an hour to look at everything, well worth the stop.

Cute and simple little place with some good history on the San Diego area as well as archaeology. I found the collection of artifacts and details about the various theories on how North and South America became populated very interesting and easy to follow. If you take the time to read everything and watch the videos (which are on YouTube), you could probably take up to 60 minutes enjoying the place. Average person might be 30 minutes or less. Make sure you check the hours before you come! Entrance is donation-based. They ask for a min of $5 by cash or Venmo

Excellent experience exploring the past 12,000 years of local history. Thank you to Adam (Senior Archaeologist) and staffs very knowledgeable and welcoming❣️

The San Diego Archaeological Center is small so you can see everything in about 15 minutes or take about an hour to read everything on every display. I was the only person in the Center for most of the time I was there. I thought the Center was interesting and I learned a few things. On the other hand, I think most kids would be bored there – no whales or dinosaurs, just thousand-year-old pottery, donut stones, arrowheads, and 125-year-old bottles. The Center asks for a $5 donation.

We had a really fun day exploring the area for San Pasqual Battle day. It's a lot smaller than I thought. An hour, maybe two will suffice. We really enjoyed all of it though and will be returning.

Incredible place to visit with super friendly staff. They have a large assortment of books for purchase, interactive exhibits for kids and multimedia displays. I was thrilled to find this Center and plan to attend some of the events they hold. It truly opened my mind to San Diego’s history.

I recently visited Forgotten Barrel and was disappointed with the service I received. While the ambiance and wine selection were quite good, my experience was overshadowed by an issue with the billing. After enjoying a bottle of Sangiovese on site, I purchased a bottle of Chardonnay to take home. Upon receiving my bill, I noticed that a tip had been added without my consent. I believe that tipping should be a voluntary gesture of appreciation, based on the quality of service provided. When I brought this to the staff's attention, I was met with indifference and a lack of concern for my situation. Rather than addressing my concerns and ensuring I felt valued as a customer, they seemed more interested in deflecting blame. I had hoped for a more customer-friendly approach that would make me want to return in the future. Unfortunately, the handling of this situation has left me hesitant to visit again. I hope forgotten barrel considers this feedback and makes improvements to their customer service approach, as the quality of wine deserves a better overall experience.

What a gem! You would never expect such an amazing winery in the suburbs of Escondido. We had my mother’s 98th birthday here and I couldn’t have wished for a more perfect setting. The owners were gracious and the experience divine! I highly recommend this beautiful and peaceful setting for your next winery adventure. The music was an added pleasure. 🌟

Love this little winery. They have a great selection of wines, including sparkling. The layout and outdoor seeing is fantastic, the fire pit is a nice touch. The staff is always helpful and friendly as well.

Forgotten Barrel is the perfect place to have small but absolutely beautiful wedding. Its tucked away in a quiet neighborhood but once you see it in person its just stunning. Everyone there helped make out day so perfect. The reception hall is breathtaking just as is. All the small details made it so much easier for us to fall in love with it. So thankful we were able to spend our day there with all our friends and family.

First time here and it’s super cute spot. Got there an hour or so before it closed and we enjoyed the live music. Wish we got there earlier. Fire pit is a plus. Can’t wait to go back. Hidden gem.

It's like a small version of Bernardo winery with a traditional village theme. I recommend their chardonnay as it has the woody flavor

Had a great experience wine tasting. Great staff. And love the cozy atmosphere. Didn’t quite connect with any of their wines but still had a great time

I stopped by when they were having their 150th anniversary. They had a short tour of the house and let you check out the other building there (I think the creamery). It was free, which was super awesome of them. The only thing I will forewarn about is if they do tours, be ready to know they do tours. When I got there, I went straight to the house and didn't see signs stating there were tours or which door they started at. I walked in through the unofficial exit and a gentleman let me know that's where the tour ended. And there weren't any signs for when they strted, like 'tours every 5 minutes' or 'on the hour.' When he told me, I kinda felt like the bad guy for not knowing. But the experience as a whole made up for it.

Nice place to see a piece of history and read about the past. Not sure why their sign directs visitors to a trailhead when the path from parking is much more direct.

Does anyone remember when they held a sheepherding class for dogs and handlers here on Saturdays for $10.00 with Terry? The house was fascinating even before they fixed it up, would have been early 80's.

This historical site has been expertly restored and is being maintained by the San Dieguito River Park organization. It's a great example of governments working together. The docents in each area of the tour were very pleasant and knowledgeable with a nice dose of humor. The history of the homestead and local area is intriguing. It was a totally pleasant outing for our family. I highly recommend it.

A hidden gem! We got a fabulous free tour. Beautifully upkept house and grounds. Folks are working on sustainable projects too and keeping history alive!

Great place to kick around or get a tour and history on the Sikes farm and home. Just behind the farm is mule hill where the battle of San Pasquale took place lots of history surrounding these places. The hosts and or staff are very friendly and knowledgeable if your in the area you should stop and pay a visit. There's also a farmers market there as well local goodies!

Wonderful, working snapshot of the old west. The adobe was built in the late 1800s and has been restored to reflect that time period. There are great gardens, orchards and even chickens and a working windmill to reflect life on the original ranch. A great place to visit, and bring your kids or grandkids.

Got to the reserve about an hour after gates opened and was able to find a parking spot in the main lot, did not check the overflow lot. Bathrooms were clean and maintained but are still portable units. Drinking fountain was available as well. The visitor's center was informative, with lots of educational information about the flora and fauna. Hiked along the botanical trail to start and warm up. Not listed on the maps is that there's a natural crossing across the creek along this trail. Had to assist the kids across. Took the Way Up Trail to the top, the view is worth it. Went through the Me-xal loop and overlook before heading back down.

Came here to be out in nature and let our 14 month old walk around a bit with us. Beautiful! Lots of cool info about local traditions and culture! Peaceful creek, lovely plants and super friendly people.

Nice trail, great views. Few other people on trail during a week day. Two main trails: short Botanic trail 0.6 mile and long second trail Way Up 1.4 mile. Trails are hard and pretty steep. We enjoyed it with kids, did not reach the peak, hard with kids. Still like it a lot.

20250511 1at time visitor. Did Trail 1 & Botanical. Did pretty decent hikes to both sides of babbling brook. Definitely watch out for the poison oak & lots of mosquitos later in the AM. Grateful for the newly serviced portapotty stalls. (Serviced every 3 days apparently). Nice center. Don, the docent, was very nice and informative. Has a couple long trailer/RV parking spots. And even a working telephone booth! Definite recommend.

Beautiful, lush, and a bit challenging (“Way Up” trail). Well marked, clean portable bathrooms, and nice picnic areas at the lookouts. I really enjoyed my hike there!

You can't tell too well but this gravid(prego) was massive! About 3 or 4 in from tip to tip and body the size of a big silver dollar! These were taken just with my cell phone!

One of my favorite hikes in San Diego! The paths are well kept, the views are amazing, and the terrain isn’t too bad compared to some others I’ve been to! I would definitely suggest bringing a good amount of water as it is a pretty good workout.

Kit Carson Park is a jewel, there are different activities as hiking, disc golf, feeding the ducks (ducks food not bread), tennis courts, hockey, and appreciating nature as the birds, squirrels, ducks and turtles. Playgrounds for the kids, pic-nic areas with tables, great for families and friends! My only complaint is the park is not taking care with caring, the old and dry bushes still there, maybe money issues to take care the plants, trees, the greenery? We really enjoy this park, just great!! 🙏

The disc golf course is what I love the most, but there are many things to love here. Walking trails, baseball fields, a small outdoor theater, picnic areas, roller blade hockey, Queen Calafia-a modern art exhibit, a duck pond, Bar-B-Que areas, playground area, and open areas. It's a lot of fun.

Nice, very large park with baseball, softball, tennis, disc golf, playgrounds, picnic facilities, and pond. Really offers a lot to do. The walk around park via the loop trail is pretty and can be done in under an hour. My pics were looking at critters & plants. The fields and park was in great shape on my visit.

This review is for the disc golf course. They really made the most of the property. This course is not super long or super challenging, but it does require a bunch of different shapes off the tee. It feels like each hole presents a different challenge. Even the short "filler" hole presents a somewhat tight shape and a dangerous green. Compared to other park courses I've played across the country, this one does a much better job of minimizing interaction between walkers and disc golfers. Most of the park goers also seemed aware of the course. Overall, it's a fantastic course that is fun for beginners, challenging for intermediate players, and still demanding of advanced players.

I like going on Sunday they have them classical cars events

Didn't stay too long here. Just stopped by to get some rest. Kids loved walking down to the creek. It's a big park and everything is far away from each other. Would have been nice to walk it all because looks like there's a lot to do here but be prepared to walk.

Nice hiking trails. Convenient parking in the shade under solar panels in the lot. There's a good size pond with ducks and turtles. Close to North County Mall.

As a photographer, I'm constantly exploring new venues, and photographing a wedding in a nature park always brings me immense joy. This particular park was an absolute gem and provided the most breathtaking scenic backdrops, making for truly stunning wedding photos. It certainly didn't disappoint!

Went there for Escondido Renaissance Faire. This is a lovely event, and the park is beautiful. We live in Arizona, and this park kind of makes me want to move nearby. It's beautiful, rocks and trees, lots of hiking areas. Park rangers and Faire staff and participants were friendly.

Went to this park because my girlfriend and I attended the Escondido renaissance faire in Oct '25. What a surprisingly fun faire considering the lack of promotion online. Compared to bigger faires such as the renaissance pleasure faire in my neck of the woods, this faire definitely holds water. The park its situated in is very well maintained with plenty of space and shade for the festivities. I wouldn't be half surprised if this becomes a yearly adventure for fun at the faire.

I love this park. Grew up right next door and it hasn't changed much at all.

Went here for Renaissance Faire. Free parking for disabled individuals. We found Waldo.

Felicita Park is great! Lots of parking and picnic tables. winding trails that span the entire property, and a flowing Creek that runs the length of it as well. You can go pretty far back with smaller more precarious trails or just the casual easy ones. There seems to be something cool around every nook and cranny and there's lots of great spots for getting down closer to the creek. If you have kids I love playgrounds, hiking around and playing by the water this is the park for you!

Such a beautiful Park! There are miles of trails, decent sized rocks to climb, a creek, and a playground. We can't wait to visit again!

One of my favorite restaurants in the Escondido area. Came here for happy hour on my last trip to San Diego. Everything on the happy hour menu is $10 which is a steal. Some of the dishes I recommend are: green goddess hummus, shishito peppers, and Korean style chicken wings. Portions are made to share. Many options on the drink menu. Staff is great. Always a good time here.

The name of this restaurant includes the words “fine dining”, and that is exactly what mom and I experienced. Our booth was at one end of the restaurant with one heck of a view through the wall of windows facing the I-15 and the hills in the distance. When we ordered the Fish & Chips as well as the Avocado BLT (minus the avocado), we did not realize just how much food was coming to our table! The Fish & Chips had four very large pieces instead of the standard two you get anywhere else. There was more fish than batter, which happens nowhere else. We have ordered this particular menu item from numerous other restaurants over the years, including Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco— and nobody has ever made it this darn good! Nobody!! The fish was so thick, you feel like a VIP when you sink your teeth into absolute perfection. The BLT didn’t get eaten in the restaurant. We had to have them give us boxes to take that home due to the fish being so filling. If you look at the photos I’m including, you’ll see two pieces of fish on the plate because mom and I split it. We got full quickly after some fries and one piece of fish each. We put the leftovers in the air fryer to keep the batter crispy, whereas a microwave would soften it and reduce the texture to less than delicious. That BLT is for the next day. You really get a lot of food on your plate! They are not chimsy with the portions. I honestly believe this meal is the go to lunch and I will definitely bring mom back here for lunch. The first impression really matters, and I can say that the customer service was a definite 10 on that 1-10 scale. Everyone was so friendly, and I asked to speak to the general manager so I could tell him how satisfied we were. Robert came to our table and he was truly a wonderful person. He welcomed us to ask for him again when we return. And yes Chef Deb, we will return! Thank you.

We loveeeee Vintana happy hour!! Everything on the happy hour menu (3-5pm) is $10 and it’s SO GOOD. Literally best ceviche I’ve ever had and the chef Deborah’s Brie platter is a must. For drinks we always get the black rose, the coconut margarita, and the fresh perspective. You can literally feast for $40 per person. Highly recommend.

Had a wonderful celebratory dinner. We all got something different, so we got to "try" some of the other choices. I had the pan seared salmon with a veggie/bean cake. Both were outstanding. Staff was on-the-ball, too. Dunno what the yellow sauce was, but with the salmon, it was synergistic.

Modern American fusion restaurant in Escondido, CA. Tightly run team/floor with consistent, professional service. Clean and stylish facilities. The black mussels stood out with their flavorful coconut curry sauce (slightly spicy and salty) and grilled toasted points. The mussels were plump and fresh. The Korean chicken wings were hot with crispy skin and tender meat. They were coated with a sweet/spicy glazed sauce, green onions, and sesame seeds. The chicken gyoza were nicely steamed with soft wrappers. The gyoza were placed on a bed of al dente, thin egg noodles mixed with a black sesame / herb crust, and piled high with fresh shredded vegetables. The shishito peppers were slightly spicy/bitter and offset with a sweet glaze. The peppers came along with a healthy portion of crisp pork belly chunks. The shrimp and rockfish ceviche was refreshing with its quality seafood and citrus notes. The bright onions, tomatoes, and avocados added texture and flavors to round out the dish. The half pound bacon burger patty was impressive with hearty slices of bacon. The herb crusted fries were well cooked and flavorful. The bun was slightly drier than preferred. Happy hours are held Tuesday thru Sunday in the afternoon. The $10 dishes provide excellent value. Their outside bar greatly expanded its selection with the introduction of many sipping rums. Special thanks to Izzy (outdoor bartender/server) for the excellent service and wine recommendations! Appreciate her for looking out for the kids too 😊

We came her for our 21st Anniversary Dinner with family from out of town. We all loved it! As soon as we walked in there was a trio playing live music and was soon escorted to our rsvpd table! The view of the sunset was beautiful from that view since the restaurant is on 2nd floor . The food was delicious. I had the sea bass, cream of spinach and some other plates ohh you got to try the llobster Mac n Cheese! And for appetizers the merenchino peppers with pork belly were soon good! A must! Ohh and the bread looked like huge mushrooms was so warm and light and it didn't blow my belly up afterwards even though I try to eat GF! So great stuff.

Isaac R, took care of us and made our dining experience great. The service, atmosphere and food was amazing. He helped us narrow down our food choices, and gave Great recommendations, all while giving us space to enjoy our meal and the view.

I was disappointed with the service I received when it came to wine selection. The staff members responsible for serving the wine seemed unfamiliar with the proper protocols and etiquette associated with wine service. As a result, I felt undervalued as a customer, despite the high prices comparable to what one would expect from a sommelier. I believe improvements in staff training could enhance the overall experience significantly. The music was amazing! I love the gild and the piano. She is so talented!! Thank you.

Lots of wine flight and by the glass choices. We had a great time tasting a variety of wines and really enjoyed everything we tried. We loved the Estate Cuvee white and the Chardonnay so much that we took a bottle of each home. A nice outdoor seating with fans and misters to keep you cool on a hot day.

Nice atmosphere but the view is kind of blocked from the patio. The tasting room feels a bit cold as well.

My first time here, I found it while researching online. Surprisingly great wines, with lots of awards. My favorite was the Recon (I prefer full bodied red wines) and this one was a home run.

The best winery in Escondido! Sit on the patio, sip wine and enjoy the sun and songs.

Excellent wines, family-owned business, beautiful, intimate patio with a great view. Live music! Exceptional way to spend an afternoon! Doesn't feel commercialized like some of the larger vineyards in the area. Highly recommend!!

Cozy, well controlled tasting environment with a balanced array of whites reds and sparkling to taste. Bit on the pricey side for bottles but quality is there coming directly from their fields on site and it doesn't seem to be possible to buy from local wine shops

Great experience for a budget friendly wine tasting. Good ambiance with the live music. The firewood pizza was delicious too.

One of my favorite wineries in the Highland Valley area because it's so beautiful and service is always great. There are a lot of seating areas with shade for our group whenever we come. The tasting is $30 for 4 tasting pours. Their wines run around $40-60 so a little high imo. I'm used to going to Ramona wineries and they are a little cheaper. My friend really likes their new rosé. I tried their syrah blend and it was ok. I didn't like it enough to spend $58 on it tbh.

This is a pretty nice place to hang out. They had music and charcuterie the weekend we went in addition to the wine flights. Nice shaded seating areas. Big pours. Decent service. A nice breeze up on the hill. Dog and kid friendly. Alas, I did not like the wine at all. This is all big, ripe wine. Sweet whites and jammy, high alcohol reds. Pretty typical for the area I suppose, but not what I’d consider good quality wine.

Love this family owned winery! Their wine collection is great, the reds are delicious and love how they taste. If your favorite wine is red, I highly recommend this winery! Great customer service, beautiful scenery and nice seating areas! Love that you can look at the beautiful vineyard while sipping delicious wine. Very relaxing atmosphere.

If you love French-style wines, especially Rhône varietals, you’ll definitely want to check this place out. The wines are amazing, and the whole vibe is relaxed and welcoming. The setting is gorgeous, with a big patio full of tables and umbrellas. They often have live music, which makes it a fun spot to hang out. They sell great snacks like charcuterie packs, crackers, olives, almonds, and chocolate in the tasting room and there's usually a food vendor on-site. One of the highlights of visiting is Stevie, one of the wine pourers. She’s super friendly, down to earth, and really knows her stuff when it comes to their wines. She makes the tasting experience fun and approachable, even if you’re not a wine expert. The owners, Lynn and Mark, are also incredibly kind and welcoming. You can tell they love sharing their beautiful property with others. It’s dog-friendly, too! You’ll often see their own dogs wandering around, and they even have horses and pigs. Domaine Artefact is a great place to relax, sip some fantastic wine, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. I highly recommended it and look forward to going back again and again.

This was our favorite vineyard / winery in the area! A MUST STOP along your wine tasting journey! Glen, our server, was so kind and friendly. They have snack food available and the wine was incredible. We stayed until closing time and the picture shows the size of the patio. Busy when we arrived Sunday early afternoon but seating still available. Can’t wait to return!!

It's no secret there are some great wineries in/around North County San Diego, but this one is truly exceptional. Everyone we encountered was genuinely friendly and inviting, especially the owner who invited our 5-year old to help her round up the pigs on the property. The space was peaceful with plenty of outdoor space. We enjoyed both wines we tried and will certainly be back very soon!

This is a review for their Eek! Ecotherms birthday party package. Susann was super helpful with coordinating the event and even gave me the idea to have it hosted at my daughter’s school for her 3rd birthday. It was a wonderful treat for the students and teachers, and my daughter had a blast! Susann and Sam were our animal presenters and they did an awesome job of ensuring all the kiddos got a chance to pet the different reptiles. I would definitely recommend booking them for a birthday party.

Family fun and educational... The facilities are filled with welcoming and knowledgeable staff guiding tours to view, pet and hold a number of creatures - including, lizards, snakes, and bugs. we've taken the basic tour and the platinum tour and they are both well worth the time and spend, especially with funds going towards such a great cause.

Awesome experience! Susan the owner and Donny the guide were so accommodating and knowledgeable. We took our granddaughter and she wanted to pet and hold all of the animals. She was fearless and Susan and Donny gave her every opportunity to interact with the animals. I felt sorry for some of the animals being raised in small enclosures, but after hearing their stories of how they ended up at their sanctuary, I realized they probably saved their lives and are providing them a better quality of life than before. We will definitely return and let our family and friends know of this wonderful sanctuary.

We weren't sure what to expect, but we had a great visit. My teenage son and I learned a lot. The tour was very interactive and reasonably priced. This is great for any reptile fan or reptile fan in training. Plan for an hour or two. Some tours require prior booking, others are available as walk-ins.

Amazing experience. The animals are beautiful and well taken care of. Our tour guide was amazing, you could see how much the animals loved her. Highly recommended

Donny was a wealth of knowledge and a great guide. Booked a private tour and got to meet a lot of cool wildlife and learn more about their success and why they play such an important role.

Loved visiting here. Our guide was so knowledge and the reptiles LOVE her!!! Best surprise we have had in a long time. My 6- and 2- year- Olds were totally into it. They got to touch and stroke the animals. it costs a lot to keep these animals. Expensive, but SO WORTH A VISIT!

I went on a one week retreat in mid October and it was beyond words for me. It was the first week retreat I did at a Monastery and it helped me slow down and put my life in perspective. The Mediation, Mindfulness Practice, Buddhism teachings, Qigong and walking Meditation all helped created a great foundation for finding serenity from within. The week allowed me to add and remove elements of my life's practice, and am so grateful I was able to be there for 7 days. I really enjoyed the week there and will choose another one week retreat over the many other places I have traveled around the world, Thanks for being a location for peace! Old Post: A wonderful place to reconnect and strengthen with the energy we all share! The Sunday service with Sister Dang Nghiem was very informative as well as peaceful. 7 Items that were covered in the service were: 1. Mindfulness (to be in the Now, the Mind and the Heart) 2. Investigation (Things for yourself) 3. Diligence (what seeds will you water in your life and in the world?) 4. Joy (Appreciate and offer Grace) 5. Ease 6. Concentration 7. Equanimity (Letting go). The Dharma talk with Brother Peace as very open, inviting and community oriented. The fifty plus people was large enough that two circular groups of 25 participants were created to share. The sweet spot is about 20 people. The Dharma talk is an open circle where we are encouraged to share our feelings and thoughts on anything needed to be said. There is no judgement just active listening and you only share if you want to. The Dharma talk really allows for people to connect, be present and transcend the space. Four years ago I was recommended to read a book called the Art of Communication by Thich Nhat Hanh, and since then I have gravitated toward his Deep Buddhism Teachings (not Popular Buddhism). I am currently reading the Art of Living and really resonating with it. We are all the Inter-Being in the journey of life, all doing our part in a unique way, to make it better than when we arrived! The location and land is truly a special place. The animals around the landscape are as tranquil as the bells that ring to remind us to just, stop ,Breath and know you are here! This Sunday it softly rained a few times, which added to the majestic feeling that emanates from the land. Thank you all to those who tend to the Deer Park Monastery!

Best practice place for your truly self. Everyone here is really nice! You need to come. You won't regret.

Went for a Day of Mindfulness...walking meditation, Dharma talk, lunch. (Pre-registration required) Beautiful, peaceful, serene atmosphere. Great message(s) in the Dharma talk. Bookstore on-site. Bring water, and shoes fit for walking uphill. No shoes in the Ocean of Peace Hall, where Dharma talk is given. You may sit outside and listen in with headphones (provided). Dharma talk is given in Vietnemese, with English translation. Donation based event. They prep and cook a delicious vegan lunch for hundreds of people. There are 2 locations at the monastery where you can leave a cash donation, or you may donate online, at time of registration for Day of Mindfulness event.

Extremely mindful experience. Great opportunity to be with yourself and for self reflection in the peace and tranquillity of nature. Facilities are good but with bit more help and volunteers giving more time it will be better. Highly recommend it for self growth and mindful living.

Amazing place and experience. Don’t be worried about being inexperienced or it being too hardcore. They are very welcoming and there are just a few rules to follow. Just come prepared to be involved. FYI Verizon gets ok service here, not that you should be using your phone :)

One of Thầy Thích Nhất Hạnh's mindfulness monasteries. Not enough words to explain to you why you should experience at least a day of meditation here, or any other monastery of the Plum Village (Làng Mai). Even better, a whole week or 1-3 months. It will be a life changing experience, especially if you have deep pain & trauma that (definitely) needs healing...

One of the most heartfelt and spiritually enhancing experiences of my life . They were very inclusive and supportive of my unique needs and identity . I will certainly join them again . 🧘‍♀️💗

We only got to see the grounds since it's only open to the public on Saturdays and we were there on a Sunday. We were about to leave when they invited us to stay and look around. Nice outdoors area with some good views of the area. Felt peaceful.

This is my annual visiting to this temple during Tết - Vietnamese New Year. Every year I love to see Tết decorations and temple transformation … a quiet serenity on a hilltop of Escondido CA.

Absolutely beautiful

Experience the quiet serenity that only a temple can offer; it sits on a rural hill top in Escondido Ca. Large statues located throughout the property offer areas of refuge for shelter and peace. Naturalized plants in free form from years of growth, show signs of tender care but not restrained. Remove shoes to enter the main building and receive blessings from the monk. If the opportunity arises, take part in sharing the food. The vegetarian meal satisfying and the root veggies are delicious. There are two on site parking areas best suited for compact cars. Plenty of street side parking across from the entrance.

Very nice place and nice people too.

my child goes here and they thinks its amazing! need the summer retreat to be twice a year though ;)

Very beautiful

Check in was fine, checkout was a nightmare. Stephanie is not a very friendly human. Very rude, not only to us, but to other customers. Never had a hotel knock on the room door before check out time to tell you about the check out time, rush you, and threaten a late check out fee.

One Star is too many for this place!! We arrived at this location for a late night check in after a long day of traveling. Within seconds of entering the room i noticed there was a roach on the wall. The bed was stained and there was a bug on the pillow. It did not take long to see a bug on the wall by the bed and on the dresser. Closer inspection showed them on the ceiling and tub. We contacted the front desk. The woman came with a bad attitude as if we were lying. She offered another room. Which as soon as we entered we saw the bed was just as stained. We are not willing to stay in a hotel that is infested and filthy. Her attitude continued and she refused to allow us to speak to the manager who she was apparently in contacted with. While waiting for refund confirmation a transient man came in the front office, messed with the camera and threated both the front desk lady and us as well.. It is 10:30 labor day weekend. Hotels are either sold out or outrageously priced for same night checkins.

Had dirty sheets and pillowcases. It was late so I had to go down to the front desk to get some clean ones and the so called clean ones or even dirtier than the ones that were in the room. Had to go to Walmart and buy some.

I stayed there on 9/19/21 and the lady that checked us in was so friendly and made our experience a good one thanks Stephanie

You be the judge, bring family next time or good place for mother in-law? what say you?

Quick check in did everthing online...i loved it

If your okay with the bare minimum this works

We just got here and so far so good! Lots of vendors and food places to sit in the shade. There are two stages for bands to play. Great vibe! VIP after party starts at 7:00pm👍👍

It's an interesting place a little bit difficult to find from the road but not bad once you've been there one time you'll recognize it next time with no problem.

Unique diverse and eclectic community. Wonderful art and atmosphere. Must experience.

Hard to find, but really cool location

Ship is like no other place you've ever been