Escondido, incorporated in 1888, is a city in the North County region of San Diego County. It is one of the oldest cities in the county and is growing rapidly. The community of Valley Center is located immediately to the northeast. Most of the land is located within the former Rancho Rincon del Diablo, a Mexican land grant given in 1843. The remainder is located within the former Rancho San Bernardo, which was granted in 1842 and 1845.

The two largest neighborhoods are Downtown Escondido and the Old Escondido Historic District which contains many historic homes built in the late 1800s and early 1900s in the Victorian and Craftsman styles. Escondido Creek runs through the downtown area. It originates at the Lake Wohlford Dam to the northeast and empties into the San Elijo Lagoon to the southwest. Dixon Lake - Reservoir  is a 59-acre, beautiful artificial lake located just north of the city. It was developed in 1971 and is open to the public for fishing, picnics, and camping at its 44 designated campsites. The lake is regularly stocked with bass, trout, bluegill, and other fish. The lake is known for its large largemouth bass.

Escondido has fifteen parks including the 3,058-acre Daley Ranch, the 285 acre Kit Carson Park, Grape Day Park which contains a popular performing arts complex, and the 67 acre Frances Ryan Park that contains seven soccer fields.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park, originally named San Diego Wild Animal Park, is an 1,800-acre zoo and group of botanical gardens in the San Pasqual Valley region of San Diego, near Escondido. It is the largest tourist attraction in San Diego County. More than two million people visit the world-famous zoo each year. The zoo houses more than 3,000 animals, 400 species, and over 3,500 plant species from every continent on earth. The zoo was opened in 1972 and is the sister park to the San Diego Zoo located in Balboa Park in Downtown San Diego.

Escondido Chamber of Commerce

The Escondido Chamber of Commerce supports its business members by providing continuing networking opportunities, a valuable community directory, educational opportunities and much more. Members include businesses from Escondido, San Marcos, Hidden Meadows, Valley Center, and the surrounding areas.