When I knew I'd be spending a few days in Escondido, I started looking into all that this San Diego…read moresuburb comes to offer. After checking out TripAdvisor, Queen Califia's Magical Circle Garden stood out. I'm all about art, especially when the scale is impressive like it is here. We stopped by on a Tuesday morning around 9:30 a.m. Make sure to check out their website to see when they're open because their hours are quite limited (Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. when I was there and every fourth Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.). It's located inside Kit Carson Park. I didn't have any trouble parking in their lot and then walking to the sculpture garden. Once you arrive, take in all the artist, Niki de Saint Phalle, created. It's weird, it's cool, and it's trippy all in one. There's some information you can read to learn more and while we were there, there were some members of the non-profit that is involved with the art installation there that told us more about it. Walk around and take it all in. You can easily do it in 10-15 minutes and it's a free attraction. Saint Phalle has other artwork in San Diego, but the Magical Circle Garden, is by far the most expansive one in terms of scope. And the most interesting in my book.

Tucked away inside the massive 285 acre Kit Carson Park, you'll find Queen Califia's Magical Circle…read moreGarden by renowned artist Niki de Saint Phalle. Completed and opened to the public on October 26, 2003, this whimsical, meaningful, and colorful sculpture garden is surrounded by an incredible 400 foot snake wall. Once you meander through the mosaic & mirrored mini-maze, there are nine freestanding sculptures: Cathead Totem Birdhead Totem Yelling Man Totem Bullhead Totem Untitled Totem (Bird on a Square) Kingfisher Totem Step Totem Snake Totem Each totem is something marvelous to behold, and de Saint Phalle's mosaic work is simply spectacular. There are also 3 freestanding benches faced in travertine marble by Pierre-Marie Lejeune that measure from 13-20 feet in length. In my opinion, the standout feature of the garden is the central structure called Queen Califia and the Eagle Throne. It is so beautifully unique, and the space underneath almost feels sacred with the golden egg (former) fountain and the spectacular celestial ceiling. Queen Califia was a legendary black Amazonian who was believed to rule a terrestial island of gold and riches "to the right of the Indies." It is only fitting that this special garden has been erected in her honor. In fact, this is the only American sculpture garden by Niki de Saint Phalle! The garden is surrounded by a locked fence and is only open on Tuesdays and Thursday from 9am-12pm, and on 2nd & 4th Saturdays from 9am-2pm. Docents were available to answer questions today, and they are usually onsite during the hours when the garden is open. This special space is certainly worth a visit, and it would be lovely to pair it with a hike and a picnic in the park for sure. Keep in mind that there is a short walking trail that you need to traverse to get to the garden after you've parked your car, Additionally, you can hike in from other areas of the park as well. Be sure to take a look at the story boards to the right of the entrance facing the snake wall before you enter to gain more history and context for this special installation that we are lucky to have in Escondido. Entry is free and parking is free. There are bathrooms in the park. I took about 20 minutes to peruse the area, and that was enough time for this visit (it was also 90 degrees), but do plan accordingly depending on your interests and needs. Peace.

It's a shame that the San Pasqual Battlefield State Park is currently closed for restoration and…read moremaintenance. As a history buff, I enjoy visiting here, the site of the only Mexican American War battle fought in the United States (December 6, 1846). It has a nice Visitor Center, public restrooms, and walking trails in the 50-ish acre park. This is also the ancestral land of the First People, the Kumeyaay. Part of the park restoration is to incorporate the history, culture, and traditional ecological knowledge of the Kumeyaay people into the Park's Visitor Center and trails. I'm looking forward to seeing the results when the park reopens.

I always would see signs pointing to the direction of the San Pasqual Battlefield. I always…read morewondered what battle was here in Escondido. I learned it was the bloodiest battle in California during the Mexican-American war in 1846. I probably learned about this when I was in school but that was so many years a go. I like refreshing my memory on history so I like going to museums when I can. The museum/visitor center is only opened on the weekends. The park is here as a reminder of the human ideals, actions, and passions that can drive nations to bloodshed. It's really interesting to check out. The museum is very small and the walking trail is really short but I did enjoy my visit and speaking to the man working there. He was telling me of the various individuals that were involved in this battle and the places in San Diego that were named after all these people. I hope to see the battle day the next time they have a re-enactment.

Such a cool little Doc Hollywood kind of town. You wouldn't know that they have 3 businesses right…read morenext to each other that make driving to this town a reason to come. They have an absolutely superb high tea you can ever imagine. To the left is a craft store with so many hand made items to catch your fancy and purchase for yourself or someone dear. To the left of the shop is an antique shop that begs a nostalgic walk through their shop.

I love this city. It can have its rough parts with homelessness, drugs, and gangs, but it also has…read morebeautiful parts people often overlook. With peaceful parks, Cruisin' Grand, mom-n-pop shops, and so much culture, this city is a gem. People almost everywhere speak Spanish and English here, and this is definitely a safer city for BIPOC versus some surrounding cities. Another great place here is the California Center for the Arts, Escondido! That place always has low cost or free events for all types of families and individuals! I 100% recommend checking it out. You can also catch some pretty views of the city at night if you know which streets to check out.

I LOVE Old Escondido Historic District. This is my favorite part of Escondido. There are 900 homes…read morein this area, and they were built in the mid 1800s. There are so many beautiful Victorian homes here, as well as old, small homes; each one is different and unique. It is pretty peaceful, with not as much crime as other parts of the city. I highly recommend you check this area out if you like to see what a city was like long ago.

It is always so cool to see how towns looked like a long time ago! My favorite part of Escondido's…read moreHistoric District is the beautiful Victorian homes since all of them are unique. It is perfect for a very calm stroll

A good place to transition from the Sprinter…read more This place has a decent bathroom so you can use the facilities during your transfer from Oceanside or downtown. The majority of the bissed going west and south are all waiting. No restaurants but it has a vending machine to quench your thirst.

most of NCTD's passengers are actually fare evaders, at 66% on the sprinter and 50% on the COASTER…read moreof those even presenting fare; and also tending to commit the violent crimes on the stations as well. They were actually fairly recently on the 6 o'clock news for their fare evasion rates and corresponding lack of safety & security.

This is one of the lesser mission outposts so not a main of the full 32 California missions. It is…read morea sub-mission or an adistenzia mission. I was thrilled to find this. It was a surprise down in Pala. It is located about 20 miles away from the Oceanside Mission, St. Louis Del Rey. It's a small area located on a Native American reservation in Pala. The grounds and gardens are very lovely. Serene and peaceful. The original cemetery is still there. The chapel was open on this Saturday that we visited. They had beautiful frescoes and their stations of the cross were really spectacular. There's a Bell tower which interestingly is one of the few that is separate from any building. It has two bells in it both made in Mexico. The stillness and serenity and opportunity for meditative reflection were exquisite. Sadly, the museum is only open on Saturdays and we were not there on the correct Saturday as it is only twice a month. If you want to go to the museum and gift shop, then you will need to plan ahead and call to make sure that they are open. But the church and mission were really the main thing that I wanted to see. What a treasure!

I made it a "mission" to visit all 21 missions & noticed in my passport that included mission San…read moreAntonio de pala. So I called during the week to confirm museum & gift shop hours/times. Was told it was open only the 2nd & 4th sat of the month 10-4pm. So I prepared to go the 2nd sat. Which is today. We only saw one car in the parking lot, but still walked around to the museum & gift shop. Door was locked. Knocked. No answer. Tried calling the number. No answer. I understand that it is one of the smaller missions but still they should have something written/updated on the door, website, &/or voicemail. Would love to give them another try, because I need this last stamp. but I'm afraid if I come on the 4th Saturday I would just be setting myself for disappointment. Please be more accessible. People would love to see this quaint mission!

What a great place for anyone, young or old to visit. Come visit and see and learn some history of…read moreSan Marcos. They have some great collections of antiques and a few historical buildings as well. Please call to find out some info on some hands on craft, chores and lifestyle from 100 hundred years ago. The staff are wonderful and very informative. Great place to have a picnic too!

One of the highlights of my 8 days with my grand children who live in San Marcos was going to the…read moreSan Marco's Historic Museum. Catie had been there on her first grade field trip and really wanted to go back. It was an amazing tour of the history of their area led by Docent Mimi for just us. The kids loved it (me, too). We would highly recommend.

I have a love hate relationship with this venue as a wedding planner and Coordinator, this venue is…read moreincredibly hard to work if you don't have the right team. The grounds are absolutely beautiful and the onsite staff is amazing. Franky is my favorite person I have ever worked with. He is incredibly sweet and so funny! If you have any questions about the venue see him first. He knows the grounds best. I have worked this venue numerous times and I can't stress enough how important it is to have a Coordinator on site. There are so many things to know about working here such as set up and the preferred vendors way of working. I highly recommend it but know that it is a complete Diy venue! Hire the help! You can find me at @knotsandbelles

This is THE MOST AMAZING HIDDEN JEWEL of San Diego County! The History is so very deep,…read moremulticultural, humbling and beautiful. A small remnant of our distant past here in Southern California. You and your Family are blessed to have the opportunity to visit. AND it is just beyond BEAUTIFUL. Peaceful. Deep. Spirit filled and spiritual. Full of stories, ghosts and history. This should be something that everyone in North County knows and Loves!!!! Just a Godsend and Blessing!

This is a fantastic park. It is large, there is plenty of parking on the street or nearby lots as…read morelong as it is not a Saturday morning with the farmers market and softball tournaments at the other park across the street. The park has some fantastic old architecture and there are plaques telling you about some of it. There is a giant grass area, with nice large trees, some shade, some picnic areas, and a section that you can reserve for large parties. There is a hamburger joint on the premises as well. There is a giant gazebo where a young musician was singing her heart out. There is a working old train, you can pay to take a ride around the park. Great spot for photography too, see attached photos.

I absolutely love Old Poway Park! It's located in a really nice, safe neighborhood and has such a…read morecalm, peaceful atmosphere. It's the perfect spot for family picnics, bike rides, or just spending a relaxing afternoon outside. There are also some great, yummy restaurants nearby, which makes it easy to turn your visit into a full day out. I do photography as a hobby, and this is one of my favorite locations to shoot--the scenery is beautiful, so much variety, and has so much character. Overall, it's a charming, relaxing place that I always enjoy coming back to.

Sightseeing in San Diego, California…read more.. I don't remember why I had this place on my List of Things To See, but we stumbled across the Historic Alvarado House when we visited the San Diego County Fair on 6-25-23. The person who actually spotted this exhibit is Emmett T. I thought that the house was a functional structure in a residential area, but no... Not now. It used to be - in 1885 when it was sold for $600 to Don Diego de Jesus. Currently, the house is located near the Garden/landscaping contest displays, the Historic Alvarado House was on the edge of the "Blue Zone" of the Fair. The most recent owner of house donated it to the Del Mar Historical Society. Plans are in the works to move the house somewhere else and present it as a museum. We arrived at the San Diego County Fair around 6pm and the house was closed for tours. Maybe if we return and get there earlier, we would be able to walk through the house and observe the contents? Thanks to Emmett (again) for being a great tour guide!