About Escondido, CA
Escondido is one of the oldest cities in San Diego County. Incorporated on October 8, 1888, it is located just 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean and 40 miles from the border between the United States and Mexico. The city’s name means “hidden” in Spanish, and some believe it originally alluded to “hidden water” or “hidden treasure.” Escondido is known for its long history and rich culture, and its temperate climate makes it an ideal spot for all types of outdoor activities. Escondido is also recognized as a fast-growing community; as of July 2021, the city’s population was 150,665. The city encompasses a total land area of approximately 37 square miles.
In its early years, Escondido was an agricultural community. Muscat grapes were the first crops, but after the construction of a dam in 1895, Lake Wohlford was formed and large quantities of trees were planted in the area. These included orange, lemon, olive, and walnut trees. Avocados became the next prominent crop in Escondido in the 1960s, but in the following decades, much of the city’s agricultural land was turned into housing tracts. The city is still home to vineyards, avocado orchards, and citrus orchards.
Escondido has much to offer its residents and visitors, with its proximity to the ocean as well as Dixon Lake, a popular fishing spot located in the northern part of the city. Some of the most popular attractions in the Escondido area include the shops, restaurants, and stores in Downtown Escondido, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the Welk Resorts Theatre, Orfila Vineyards & Winery, and the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. Visitors can also take in the scenery by walking across the David Kreitzer Lake Hodges Bicycle Pedestrian Suspension Bridge, which opened in May 2009 and is reportedly the longest bridge of its kind in the world.
