The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an adventurer’s safari paradise in Southern California. The 1,800-acre Safari Park is home to more than 2,600 animals representing more than 300 species—many living in wide, open field enclosures. So jump onto one of our thrilling array of tours and create memories of adventure for you and your family – all while benefiting the conservation of species here and in more than 22 countries across the globe. © San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Photos By Ken Bohn
“Escondido” translates to “Hidden” in Spanish, but the North County City is anything but. A popular weekend destination for locals and tourists alike, Escondido is probably one of the worst kept secrets in Southern California. With attractions ranging from vineyards to safari parks, Escondido is the perfect weekend trip to take with the family or friends.
Escondido is a hub for exploring wildlife. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an excellent destination if you want to experience exotic wildlife out in the open. A refreshing experience if caged animals aren’t your cup of tea, the animals at the Safari Park roam freely in their expansive enclosures. A perfect park for all ages, the Safari Park offers several different experiences where you can travel by truck, cart, or even zip line through the park. This is one attraction you don’t want to miss in Escondido, and is perfect for anyone looking to have a wild fun weekend.
Next on the list of invigorating things to do on an Escondido weekend consider immersing yourself in the arts and culture scene that Escondido has to offer. The California Center for the Arts Escondido is an establishment with the goal of uniting people through performing and visual arts. The campus has multiple amenities including a concert hall, theatre, museum, and art and dance studios. This is a perfect weekend destination if you want an enriching cultural experience.
Continued fun for art lovers is offered at Queen Califia’s Magical Circle Garden, a sculpture garden designed by the late French artist Niki de Saint Phalle. Consisting of nine large sculptures the garden is a beautiful and bright place to spend time at.
Another perfect weekend in Escondido can be made at Bandy Canyon Ranch, which offers cottages for rent, has an awesome pool, and offers horseback riding. Stay the weekend and enjoy nature and the luxury of staying in quaint cottages. You can wind the weekend down with a peaceful sunset horseback ride through the country.
Along with all the interesting things to do in Escondido there are also plenty of culinary landmarks to visit. If you want to sample wines, then a trip to Orfila Vineyards and Winery is the way to go. With a picturesque vineyard and tasting room, it is a nice addition to any weekend trip. Other dining destinations include The Wooden Spoon, which serves new and innovative American comfort food, and Bellamy’s, a modish eatery specializing in Californian cuisine with a French twist and specialty cocktails.
Ultimately Escondido is a great weekend trip destination for everyone in the family. Whether you want to mingle with exotic wildlife, immerse yourself in art and culture, or just go with the flow and have a relaxing weekend on the ranch, Escondido should be on your list of soon-to-be-taken trips.