Escondido may mean “hidden” in Spanish, but its scenic rolling hills, abundance of quality eateries, and downtown revitalization have made it much more visible as a North County destination in recent years. As one of the oldest cities in San Diego County, it has a rich history fueled by the citrus and grape industries, and it now attracts a diverse population of entrepreneurs, outdoor enthusiasts and families.
Here’s where to eat, explore and shop next time you’re wandering this hidden gem.
Escondido Restaurants and Bars
Cordiano Winery
Get the best views in town from this hilltop winery in Highland Valley. The family-owned and operated Cordiano Winery offers a wide selection of estate wines—the Tempranillo and Trinity Red Blend are some popular ones—but the oven-fired pizza is the star of the show. The owners, Gerardo and Rosa Cordiano, emigrated from Italy in the 1970s and bring decades of experience working in New York-style pizzerias to this passion project. The outdoor patio faces west, so it’s the perfect spot to watch the sun set.
15732 Highland Valley Road
EscoGelato
This downtown Esco staple has practically had a line out the door since it opened in 2012. EscoGelato celebrates the agricultural heritage of the area by sourcing gelato ingredients from local farmers. You’ll find 14-18 gelato and sorbet flavors that change daily in flavors ranging from the classic (Stracciatella, pistachio) to the creative (apricot goat cheese or strawberry balsamic sorbet). Pair your gelato with an espresso drink made with Zumbar’s locally roasted beans.
122 South Kalmia
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens
An Escondido guide would be remiss to exclude Stone Brewery, the iconic craft brewing giant that started in the neighboring community of San Marcos in 1996. In 2006, it moved its headquarters to Escondido, where it established a unique restaurant experience featuring lush gardens, koi ponds and, of course, an extensive tap list. You can wander the grounds, glass in hand, while you wait for your meal, or take a brewery tour. While this restaurant might be a bit commercialized (see: large on-site gift shop), it’s still a must-see when in town.
1999 Citracado Parkway
O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub and Restaurant
A mainstay on Escondido’s Grand Avenue, O’Sullivan’s is a prime spot for people-watching from the dog-friendly patio on Cruisin’ Grand nights. It offers traditional Irish fare, like shepherd’s pie and corned beef with cabbage, as well as some Irish-inspired fusions—try the Irish nachos, thin-sliced potato chips topped with traditional nacho fixings. Sip on your Guinness while you listen to live music on weekend nights.
118 East Grand Avenue
Craft & Taco Lounge
A laid-back little spot just west of downtown Escondido, Craft & Taco serves up flavor-packed gourmet tacos alongside local craft brews. Try the Escondido coco loco taco (with coconut shrimp, bay scallops, micro greens and sweet and sour sauce) or vegan buffalo zucchini taco, both served on homemade tortillas.
511 West Valley Parkway
Four Tunas Fish & Bar
The family-owned Four Tunas offers fresh seafood in multiple Mexican-style preparations. Try the shrimp and fish aguachiles (similar to ceviche), the charbroiled octopus taco, or the ahi tuna tostada. Pair it with a fruity michelada or a flavored margarita with house-made syrup.
601 North Broadway, Suite D
A Delight of France Bakery & Bistro
You pretty much can’t go wrong when having breakfast or brunch at A Delight of France. This Grand Avenue staple offers crepes, brioche French toast, eggs benedict and croissant bechamel, which are all top-notch. Or you can take your breakfast to go by selecting a pastry, like a fruit tart or chocolate croissant, from the display case.
126 West Grand Avenue
Burger Bench
When this family-owned burger joint opened on Grand Avenue in 2015, it filled a much-needed void in the neighborhood for good burgers at a family-friendly restaurant. Burger Bench serves specialties such as the spicy Chorizo Diablo and handmade black bean burger alongside crispy tots or truffle Parmesan fries. For drinks, you can select from 20 taps of local craft brews or a hand-mixed milkshake. Burger Bench is set to open their second North County location in downtown Vista in 2025.
237 East Grand Avenue
Sunny Side Kitchen
A few blocks from Grand Avenue you’ll find the tiny mom-and-pop panini shop Sunny Side Kitchen. The owners pride themselves in doing everything the right way—sourcing the best local ingredients (including artisan sourdough from Bread & Cie), making every sandwich to order, and making every lemonade from scratch. Try their famous breakfast panini or crustless quiche, followed by a homemade bite-sized cookie.
155 South Orange Street
TJ Tacos
While the ambiance gives greasy fast food joint, don’t let that stop you from swinging by TJ Tacos. This is perhaps as close as you’ll get to authentic Tijuana street tacos without crossing the border. Popular picks are the adobada (marinated pork) taco, lengua (beef tongue) taco, and asada taco.
802 East Valley Parkway
Lourdes Mexican Food
On any cold and rainy day in Escondido, the phones ring nonstop for orders of the famous Lourdes chicken soup, made with hearty chunks of chicken, rice, cilantro, onions and avocado and served with to-die-for tortillas. You can order from the counter then enjoy your soup at a booth, but most patrons take their meal to go.
650 South Escondido Blvd.
Forgotten Barrel Winery
You’ll find this historic winery—whose site dates back to the 1880s—tucked in a residential neighborhood. Forgotten Barrel restored the former Prohibition Era–founded Ferrara Winery and uses the priceless old growth Sequoia redwood barrels that were left (i.e., forgotten) on the property when Ferrara closed. Not only are the grounds a stunning backdrop for a date night, but the fruit-forward handcrafted wines are surprisingly good, thanks to the skills of the winery’s Napa-trained master winemaker.
1120 West 15th Avenue
Rock n’ Jenny’s Italian Subs
Tucked in a strip mall right off the freeway, Rock n’ Jenny’s Italian Subs is named for the father-daughter duo who’ve run it since 1989. They serve up authentic East Coast–style Italian sandwiches that are hard to find on this coast—customer favorites include the hot pastrami grinder, the meatball sub, and Italian cold cuts.
1044 West Valley Parkway
Things to Do in Escondido
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
The biggest draw for visitors to Escondido is the counterpart to the San Diego Zoo. The 1,800-acre San Diego Zoo Safari Park in the San Pasqual Valley is home to more than 3,000 animals and 300 species, including the only two platypuses living outside of Australia.
15500 San Pasqual Valley Road
Cruisin’ Grand
Every Friday night from April to September, Grand Avenue is packed with locals for the free community favorite Cruisin’ Grand. Pre-1974 hot rods line the streets on display (usually with their owners sitting in camping chairs on the sidewalk) as musicians and DJs entertain the crowds. It’s a worthwhile weekly event for car enthusiasts and people watchers.
Grand Avenue
EcoVivarium
You can’t tell from the old office building exterior, but the little EcoVivarium nonprofit museum has one of the largest reptile and amphibian sanctuaries in the country, giving you and the kids a hands-on experience with rescued big lizards, snakes, tortoises and other cold-blooded critters.
641 East Pennsylvania Avenue
Children’s Discovery Museum
Across the street from Grape Day Park and the California Center for the Arts, the Children’s Discovery Museum offers an interactive, hands-on learning experience both indoors and outdoors for toddler and preschool-aged kids.
320 North Broadway
Hiking Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve
If you want to enjoy the great outdoors, take on a hike on the 11 miles of trails in the 784-acre Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve. The views from the Lake Hodges Overlook and the Way Up Trail are well worth it but are a bit challenging.
8833 Harmony Grove Road
Queen Califia’s Magical Circle
Niki de Saint Phalle’s mosaic sculpture garden is composed of nine colorful large-scale sculptures, a circular snake wall and a maze entryway. The garden was inspired by California’s mythic, historic and cultural roots. It’s located within Kit Carson Park and is only open very limited hours, so check the schedule before you make the trek.
3333 Bear Valley Parkway
Kit Carson Park
The largest park in Escondido, Kit Carson is a community hub for family barbecues, exercise (tennis courts, softball fields, hiking trails, skate park, etc.) and dog walking. It also houses the only disc golf course in North County.
3333 Bear Valley Parkway
California Center for the Arts, Escondido
From Broadway musicals to classical ballets, the California Center for the Arts features a full lineup of world-class entertainment in its concert hall and 400-seat theater. Located on a 12-acre campus, the Center for the Arts is a community hub for a number of free events through the year, like on Independence Day and Dia De Los Muertos.
340 North Escondido Blvd.
CuppaPug
The England-based café concept just opened its first location in the U.S., which happens to be in Escondido. For a fee, you can visit and play with CuppaPug’s resident grumble (the word for a group of pugs). While there, indulge in a menu of pug-themed drinks and snacks.
607 West 9th Avenue
Deer Park Winery & Auto Museum
As the name implies, the Deer Park Winery & Auto Museum gives you a chance to both enjoy a glass of award-winning local estate wines and explore a massive collection of autos, from 19th-century carriages to one of the largest American convertible collections in the world.
29013 Champagne Blvd.
Escondido Shops & Boutiques
Daydream Here Boutique
An Asian, WOC-owned boutique in the heart of downtown, Daydream Here is a one-stop shop selling clothing, accessories and gifts from multiple vendors.
227 East Grand Avenue
Urban Barn
At the east end of Grand Avenue, you’ll find the seemingly endless labyrinth that is Urban Barn. It’s a unique retail experience that offers a mix of vintage treasures, antiques, home décor, clothing and locally made goods from multiple vendors.
404 East Grand Avenue
The Hidden
Founded by a floral and event designer as a tribute to her mom, the small business The Hidden offers a one-stop shop for gifts, plants and florals in northern Escondido.
1872 West El Norte Parkway
Escondido Antique Mall
Browse the vintage, antique and collectible goods from a wide variety of vendors in the 10,000-square-foot Escondido Antique Mall on Grand Avenue.
135 West Grand Avenue
