About Escondido

The location of Escondido was first identified and discovered by Juan Bautista de Anza, a Spanish explorer, in 1776. Later, the area became part of the Rancho Rincon del Diablo (the devil's corner) land grant bestowed to Juan Bautista Alvarado in 1843 by Mexican Governor Manuel Micheltoren. In 1886, the Escondido Land and Town Company acquired the land grant, laid out the town site, and divided the valley into small farms suitable for grapes or citrus.

Established in 1888, the city's rich past brings charm and stability to the community. You can see it in the historic homes of Old Escondido or experience it in the thriving downtown area and the weekly blast to the past, "Cruisin' Grand." Yet integrated with Escondido's treasured heritage is a progressive future, bright and brimming with promise. New jobs, new cultural amenities, new entertainment venues, new choices for residential living, and a new vision for Escondido's future, make Escondido a city to watch.

Settled in a long valley in the coastal mountains of Southern California, Escondido, which means "hidden" in Spanish, lies about 18 miles inland, 100 miles south of Los Angeles, and 30 miles northeast of San Diego. Surrounded by avocado and citrus groves, Escondido is a diverse, vibrant community with just the right mix of small town friendliness and big-city buzz.

More and more people are making Escondido their "City of Choice." As the heart of San Diego North, it is one of the few remaining communities where people of all income levels can enjoy the Southern California lifestyle. We offer attractive homes in a wide range of prices, two lakes, several parks, a sports center, golf courses, restaurants, wineries, shopping centers, comprehensive healthcare and the nearby San Diego Zoo Safari Park. In addition, the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, brings world class entertainment to the area along with Queen Califia's Magical Circle, a sculpture garden in Kit Carson Park donated by late internationally renowned artist Niki de Saint Phalle.

In recent years Escondido was named by Money Magazine as the Best Place in the West in which to retire and, at the other end of the spectrum, was named a Kid-Friendly City for our broad range of youth programs. Ladies Home Journal also ranked Escondido number eight among the Top Ten Cities for Government.