Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park

The old rancho had been built by Hollywood Actor and Preservationist Leo Carrillo, thanks to the advocacy efforts of the entire Board of Directors, the Friends continue to be actively involved in educational programming, project funding and historic structure restoration today.The Friends serve as the preservation easement holder on the barn, and provided guidance and feedback to city staff on the recently completed stables restoration and chicken coop reconstruction.In 2015, the Friends of Carrillo Ranch, Inc. proudly celebrated more than 25 years of education, outreach and community service.

 

Eflin Forest

This reserve offers approximately 11 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails, as well as picnic areas and scenic mountain viewing points. In addition, the natural beauty of the Reserve includes such native plant communities as oak riparian, oak woodland, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral. All wildlife and natural resources at the Reserve are fully protected so that future generations may also enjoy these wonders.

 

Felicita County Park

Tucked into a small valley in southwest Escondido and set amid some of Southern California’s largest and most beautiful ancient oaks, Felicita County Park is full of natural, cultural and recreational resources. It sits within the San Dieguito watershed and spans approximately 346 acres. Felicita Creek flows through the park. It runs year-round, providing water for plants, trees and local wildlife, and contributing to the park’s natural beauty.

 

San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum

Since 1999 San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum has been “inspiring children to learn about our world through exploration, imagination, and experimentation.” Today we remain the only hands-on educational children’s museum in North San Diego County, serving children ages 0-10 with interactive exhibits and programs focused on science, world cultures, and art.

 

Daley Ranch

Daley Ranch is a 3,201-acre conservation area acquired in 1996 by the City of Escondido and is managed in perpetuity for the preservation of a biologically unique and diverse habitat area of regional importance. Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational and educational opportunities and experiences in a historically significant setting. The property contains a number of natural vegetation communities including lush oak woodlands, coastal sage scrub and chaparral, grasslands, and riparian areas.

 

Mount Woodson Trail

The Mt. Woodson trailhead is located on the east side of Lake Poway. Beginning from the Lake Poway Staging area, the hike to the Mt. Woodson Summit is an extremely challenging 2,000 foot climb in elevation. This 8 mile round trip hike may take 3 to 4 hours on average and is only recommended for experienced hikers looking for a strenuous workout.

 

Valley Center History Museum

The History Museum cares for a valuable and irreplaceable collection of artifacts, photographs, historic documents, oral and written histories, personal diaries, vintage newspapers, original art, burial records, and private papers. It is also involved in historic preservation.

 

Deer Park Winery & Auto Museum

More than just wine and cars. Opened by the late real estate millionaire Robert Knapp in 1979, who had a thing for convertibles — and antique radios, typewriters, kitchen appliances, televisions, neon signs, and Barbie dolls.

 

Dixon Lake

Dixon Lake is located in Escondido and is open year-round. Gates open at 6:00 a.m. daily; park closes at dusk. Night fishing is available during the summer months. Contact Park Ranger at 760-839-4680 for further information. No pets are allowed at this facility.

 

Rancho La Costa Preserve

Rancho La Costa Preserve, an island of open space nestled between Carlsbad and San Marcos, is a unique area for many reasons.  The area has an interesting history and is abundant with wildlife which calls this habitat home. Once very rural, but now surrounded by homes, it has become an oasis for locals and visitors alike as a place of respite and recreation. The story of access in the area for mountain biking started a long time ago. It is a tale of local advocates taking up a cause, working collaboratively with the land manager and the San Diego Mountain Biking Association and never giving up.