Escondido, California is named for the Spanish word "hidden" because it is tucked into a shallow valley surrounded by rocky hills. It was founded in 1888 and is one of the oldest cities in San Diego County. The city started out as an agricultural community (centered around grapes) but today it is a diverse community with lots to offer residents and visitors alike.
Downtown Escondido is worth a visit. Over the last few years, the area has experienced a renaissance. There is a large selection of restaurants, entertainment venues and cultural attractions. The California Center for the Arts features two theaters, a visual arts museum, educational complex and a conference center. There are live performances available throughout the year.
The climate in Escondido is extremely mild. Summer temperatures usually on reach a high of around 80F. Winter lows are a pleasant 40F. The winter months of January, February and March are typically the wettest with the average rainfall amounts reaching up around 3 inches. Fall can be the best time to visit the region.
There are cheap flights to Escondido available through the Carlsbad/Palomar Airport (CLD) just a few minutes from the city. Cheap flights from New York are available for around $340 US. Flying in from San Francisco will cost considerably less with cheap airline tickets starting under $150 US.
You can find a wide range of lodging options in the Escondido community - from the plush to the plain and most everything in between. Cheap hotels in Escondido can offer rates starting under $100 US.