Escondido is a southern California city in San Diego county located just north of San Diego. Meaning "hidden" in Spanish and surrounded by rocky hills, the city has been nicknamed Hidden Valley. Founded in 1888, Escondido has a rich history and was stage to a major battle in the Mexican American War. Located in Kit Carson Park is the only American sculpture garden and the final work of renowned artist Niki de saint Phalle titled Queen Califia's Magic Circle. She chose Escondido location because it "reminded her of Italy".
Downtown Escondido has a diverse business directory and is host to the Mingei International Musuem and the California Center for the Arts as well as "Cruisin' Grand" where the business in the downtown area (centered around Grand Avenue) have the public come to view and show hot rods and exotic cars. North of the city you can visit San Diego Wild Animal Park, sister to the San Diego Zoo and is similar to a wildlife preserve where animals are uncaged and free to roam. Also just north of Escondido is the Deer Park Monastery, a 400 acre buddhist monastery and one of two in the United States which observe the teachings of Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh. The burgeoning community of Valley Center is also located north of Escondido and is home to the Valley View Casino and Key Creek Lavander Farm. Escondido is home to 3 lakes, Dixon Lake, Lake Wohlford and Lake Hodges. Stone Brewing company recently moved its headquarters to Quail Hills of Escondido. All these locations and more have additional information available in the California yellow pages.