Escondido, California

Escondido, "the hidden" in Spanish, is located about 25 miles north of downtown San Diego and a few miles inland, nestled in a shallow valley ringed by picturesque hills.

Escondido was originally settled by Native American tribes. Spain controlled the land from the late 1700s to the early 1800s when Mexico gained its independence from Spain.

The land that would become Escondido was then known as Rancho Rincon del Diablo. It was a large land grant given to Juan Bautista Alvarado in 1843 by the Mexican governor.

In 1846, when war broke out between the United States and Mexico, a key battle was fought in the area just south of Escondido. Known as the Battle of San Pasqual, it pitted Mexican Andrés Pico against American Kit Carson. A large park in Escondido is named for Kit Carson.

After the Americans won the war they began settling in Southern California. In 1886 a group of investors, called the Escondido Land & Town Company, purchased the 12,814 acre area. Two years later in 1888 Escondido was incorporated as a city.

Primarily an agricultural community in the early days, in the 20th century the community grew and the economy greatly diversified. Today there are approximately 140,000 residents, and the economy is comprised of agriculture, tourism, retail, services, light industry, and high technology.

Click thumbnails to enlarge images above

Local Points of Interest

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT	SHOPPING & DINING
California Center for the Arts Escondido Children's Museum Escondido History Center Mingei International Museum Niki de Saint Phalle's Queen Califia's Magical Circle Theatrx (Live Theatre) Castle Creek Inn Resort & Spa Golden Door Spa Lawrence Welk Resort Center	Belle Marie Winery Deer Park Winery Downtown: Antiques, Art Galleries & Restaurants Escondido Promenade Ferrara Winery Gateway Center Orfila Vineyards Westfield North County Wine Haven

RECREATION
Brawley Farms Show Stables Circle P Ranch Daley Ranch Park Dixon Lake Eagle Crest Golf Club Escondido Country Club Escondido Sports Center Jerry Evans Training Stable Kit Carson Park Lake Hodges	Lake Wohlford Meadow Lake Golf Club Paul Jones Racing Stables Rancho Bernardo Inn & Golf Course Reidy Creek Golf Course San Diego Wild Animal San Pasqual Valley Ranch Stone Ridge Country Club Vineyard at Escondido