Downtown Escondido is the cultural center for North County Inland. Here you’ll find the magnificent and beautiful California Center for the Arts, Escondido (8) at 340 N. Escondido Blvd. (760-839-4138). This state-of-the-art complex includes a 1,523-seat concert hall, a 406-seat center theater and a museum.

Within the heart of downtown Escondido’s urban vibe are 27 art galleries, five theaters, live music venues, museums and award-winning restaurants. Coupled with the impressive California Center for the Arts, Escondido (8), downtown Escondido has become the hub of the North County cultural scene.

Here too is the Mingei International Museum, North County (10) at 155 W. Grand Ave. (760-735-3355). It features Southern California’s largest collection of mingei art, which is art of the people from all eras and cultures of the world. The museum features dynamic, changing exhibitions of historical and contemporary folk art, craft and design.

Rarely is a restaurant a major attraction, but this one is just that. This casual Escondido treasure features fantastic seafood entrees served East Coast-style. So discover the Sand Crab Cafe (6) at 2229 Micro Pl. (760-480-2722). Their slogan is “It’s a little out of the way but way out of the ordinary.” Be sure to call for directions. This place is a real winner!

On the other side of the freeway is Dalton’s Roadhouse (2) at 775 Center Dr. (760-746-8340). They specialize in savory steaks, prime rib and barbecue. 

On Centre City Parkway is Mi Guadalajara (5) at 575 W. Second Ave. (760-746-4371). This family-owned restaurant has been serving traditional Mexican cuisine since 1982.

North County Inland’s most visited attraction is the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park (11) at 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd. (760-747-8702). This 1,800-acre park is home to more than 3,500 animals representing 400 species. In the winter, the park opens daily at 9 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m. In the summer, grounds are open 9 a.m.-8 p.m. The admission price includes the Wgasa Bush Line Railway Safari ride and is ($28.50) for adults and ($17.50) for children 3¬-11. Children under 3 are admitted free. Parking is ($8). Prices are subject to change.

En route to or from the Wild Animal Park and Westfield Shoppingtown (6) is Orfila Vineyards and Winery (14) located at 13455 San Pasqual Rd. (760-738-6500). They feature award-winning wines and winery tours. Plus, by using their discount coupon in this book you’ll get a free wine tasting and an Orfila logo wine glass.

One mile east of the Wild Animal Park on Highway 78 is the San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park and Museum (12) (760-737-2201). Here, a Mexican War battle was fought on December 6, 1846, just a few years prior to California’s admission to statehood in 1850. A visitor center allows individuals to relive the battle through its variety of displays and 10-minute film reenactment. The center is open Thurs.-Mon., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Another must-see attraction is Queen Califia's Magical Circle Gardens (13), which is located in Kit Carson Park at the corner of Bear Valley Parkway and Mary Lane at 3333 Bear Valley Pkwy. Inspired by California’s mythical, historical and cultural roots, the garden consists of nine free-standing sculptures. The imposing mosaic sculptures are all within an undulating circular wall measuring 400 feet in length, which surrounds the garden. It is an attraction of unequaled splendor and beauty. Other works by Niki de Saint Phalle can be found in Balboa Park and the University of California, San Diego campus.

Escondido has one of the highest per capita retail sales totals in North County Inland. The biggest contributor is Westfield Shoppingtown North County (6) at 272 E. Via Rancho Pkwy. (760-489-2332), formerly called North County Fair. It has 120 stores in 1.2 million sq. ft., which makes it the largest enclosed shopping mall in the county.

In addition, Escondido boasts a $50-million, 87-acre Auto Park near I-15 and East Valley Parkway. It includes 12 dealerships.

Located in the hills overlooking Escondido is the intimate neighborhood of Chaparral Ridge by Shea Homes (7) (760-233-5769). These beautiful single-family homes offer a combination of country living and city convenience.

Also by Shea Homes is Chaparral Creek (7) (760-233-8038). Just four miles from the heart of Escondido, this tranquil neighborhood features 22 elegant homes. With quiet streets, lots of open space and Escondido’s top school district, Chaparral Creek is ideal for families.

Surprisingly, housing still remains affordable in Escondido, averaging $477,000. The surrounding countryside is incentive enough for living here. The terrain, for example, is marvelously varied with oak-covered hills, lakes, vineyards, avocado groves and citrus orchards. Contact the Escondido Chamber of Commerce at 720 N. Broadway (760-745-2125) for business and personal relocation information