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.

 

Old Escondido Historic District

The Old Escondido Historic District contains nearly 900 historic homes including Victorians, Craftsmen Bungalows and Art Deco style properties built from the 1880s to date. The District is a non-profit all-volunteer membership organization that administers the Escondido History Museum and provides various community events each year.

 

 

Escondido History Center

The Escondido History Center, established in 1956, is the second largest history museum in San Diego County. Collections include thousands of photographs, artifacts, books and maps, etc. related to Escondido and the surrounding area. Exhibits are maintained in five buildings and a Pullman train car. The non-profit museum and research center is open to the public. Membership is available and volunteers are always appreciated.

 

 

Deer Park Winery and Auto Museum

The Deer Park Winery and Auto Museum in Escondido consists of three buildings with more than 100 cars on display. It claims to be the world's largest museum of convertibles and Americana. Wine tastings of local wines are served along with a variety of foods. There is an admission fee.

 

 

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.

 

San Diego Children's Discovery Museum

The San Diego Children's Discovery Museum, established in 1999 in Escondido, is a special place for children where they can develop a love of learning. The museum is open to the public and memberships are available. The non-profit organization needs and appreciates donations and volunteers to assist it in its important mission of educating children.

 

San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park

San Pasqual Battlefield State Park honors the many soldiers who fought in the 1846 Battle of San Pasqual which was the bloodiest battle during the Mexican American War. The 50 acre California Historical Landmark is open to the public most weekends and is located next to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, just south of Escondido in North County-San Diego.

 

San Diego Archaeological Center

The San Diego Archaeological Center is a museum in Escondido where visitors can learn how people have lived in San Diego County over the last ten thousand years. Exhibits are changed constantly so visitors can return and see new things each time they visit. The museum also hosts educational workshops and lectures. Admission is nominally priced. Donations are greatly appreciated and cover the cost of running the museum.

 

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.

 

Felicita County Park

Felicita County Park is a 53-acre county park in Escondido in North County San Diego that is covered with dense oak groves. Felicita Creek flows through the park which includes two miles of hiking and biking trails, camping areas, volleyball courts, reservable picnic areas, several playgrounds, and well-maintained restrooms. The park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is one of the largest and oldest parks in San Diego County. The park was once the home of the Kumeyaay Native Americans.

 

Rancho Rincon del Diablo

Rancho Rincon del Diablo was a 12,653-acre Mexican Land Grant given in 1843 to Juan Bautista Alvarado in present day North County - San Diego. The land included present day Escondido and the small community of Rincon Del Diablo.

 

Early History of Escondido

 

1884   The post office is changed from Apex to Escondido.

1885   The Escondido Land Company is formed. They purchase 12,814 acres for $102,042.

1886   Construction starts on the Escondido Hotel.

1909   The Times - Advocate newspaper is established.

1910   The population reaches 1,334.

1918   The Lake Hodges Dam is completed.

1948   Palomar Observatory is completed.

1950   The population of reaches 6,544.

1956   The Escondido Historical Society is established. The Carnegie Library is founded.

1960   The population reaches 16,377.

1970   The population reaches 36,792.

1971   The Dixon Dam is dedicated.

2010   The population reaches 133,875.

2015   The Museum of Earth Science opens.