San Diego Zoo Safari Park

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park, originally named the San Diego Wild Animal Park until 2010, is an 1,800 acre zoo in the San Pasqual Valley area of San Diego, California, near Escondido. It is one of the largest tourist attractions in San Diego County. The park houses a large array of wild and endangered animals including species from the continents of Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Australia. The park is in a semi-arid environment, and one of its most notable features is the Africa Tram, which explores the expansive African exhibits. These free-range enclosures house such animals as antelopes, giraffes, buffalo, cranes, and rhinoceros.

 

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.

 

Kit Carson Park

One hundred acres of the park have been developed and 185 acres have been preserved as natural habitat. The newest addition to Kit Carson Park is Queen Califia’s Magical Circle, the only American sculpture garden by the internationally acclaimed artist, Niki de Saint Phalle.

 

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.