Melissa’s guidebook
Food scene
EscoGelato
122 S Kalmia StWorld's best gelato! Great paninis and coffee too.
Great burgers, craft beer, and local wine. Lots of vegetarian and kid options as well.
35 locals recommend
Burger Bench
237 E Grand AveGreat burgers, craft beer, and local wine. Lots of vegetarian and kid options as well.
Wonderful, fun place if you are looking to do something fancy and different! Food is excellent and served in courses. They also have delicious tea as well as beer and wine.
6 locals recommend
The Grand Kitchen + Bar
150 W Grand AveWonderful, fun place if you are looking to do something fancy and different! Food is excellent and served in courses. They also have delicious tea as well as beer and wine.
Joe's Italian Cuisine
403 W Grand AveGreat, authentic Italian food.
Close to the house - excellent happy hour and kid friendly. They have both a bar area with affordable options and fine dining (reservations needed).
108 locals recommend
Brigantine
3263 Camino Del MarClose to the house - excellent happy hour and kid friendly. They have both a bar area with affordable options and fine dining (reservations needed).
Cute Cakes Bakery & Cafe
345 W Grand AveGreat place for cupcakes, pastries, and a glass of wine.
Great food, craft beer and wine. Kid friendly, video games in back, and small area for young kids.
18 locals recommend
Plan 9 Alehouse
155 E Grand AveGreat food, craft beer and wine. Kid friendly, video games in back, and small area for young kids.
Great foodie spot with craft beer and local wine. Stunning gardens. Meatless Mondays. Fun spot a few miles away.
232 locals recommend
Stone Brewing
1999 Citracado ParkwyGreat foodie spot with craft beer and local wine. Stunning gardens. Meatless Mondays. Fun spot a few miles away.
Excellent seafood close by. The bar has a great happy hour and good prices. Fine dining requires reservations.
108 locals recommend
Brigantine
3263 Camino Del MarExcellent seafood close by. The bar has a great happy hour and good prices. Fine dining requires reservations.
This is the best spot for local wine! Cute, modern space with fantastic wine, great art, and super nice people.
BK Cellars Urban Winery & Tasting Lounge
2225 Barham DrThis is the best spot for local wine! Cute, modern space with fantastic wine, great art, and super nice people.
Orfila Vineyards and Winery
13455 San Pasqual RdFun wine spot with lots of outdoor space.
Forgotten Barrel
1120 W 15th AveGreat local wine. Historic spot recently bought and renovated.
Jacked Up Brewery
800 W Grand AveFantastic local beer. Great spot with live music.
Escondido Farmers Market
262 E Grand AveSightseeing
Just minutes from the basement. Free roaming animals, many endangered, on 300 acres.
13 locals recommend
Safari Park Zipline, start
Just minutes from the basement. Free roaming animals, many endangered, on 300 acres.
Cool local art as well as international, world renown artists. Visit during second Sat artwalk from 6-10 to view art, hear live music, tour open studios, and enjoy $2 local wine and beer.
Distinction Gallery
317 E Grand AveCool local art as well as international, world renown artists. Visit during second Sat artwalk from 6-10 to view art, hear live music, tour open studios, and enjoy $2 local wine and beer.
Stunning sculpture in Kit Carson Park - worth the trip. Check for special hours.
32 locals recommend
Queen Califia's Magical Circle
3333 Bear Valley ParkwayStunning sculpture in Kit Carson Park - worth the trip. Check for special hours.
Kit Carson Park
3333 Bear Valley PkwyFree park with play areas, great trails, and sports.
Gorgeous, quiet park with multiple play areas and trails for miles. $3 entry fee helps keep the bathrooms clean!
17 locals recommend
Felicita County Park
742 Clarence LnGorgeous, quiet park with multiple play areas and trails for miles. $3 entry fee helps keep the bathrooms clean!
The Vineyard at Escondido
925 San Pasqual RdReidy Creek Golf Course
2300 N BroadwayDixon Lake
Cruisin' Grand
North Broadway