1. Lake Hodges
City: Escondido, CA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (619) 668-2050, (619) 465-3474
Address: 20102 Lake Drive off Via Rancho Parkway
Description: The shoreline park on Lake Hodges is a popular place for walking, horseback riding, bike riding, and picnicking. Surround trails pass through open grassland to marshlands and stands of stately oaks, although the park has a decidedly urban feel. This is a wonderful place to see birds and other wildlife. Fish from shore, from float tubes, or from private or rental boats for largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. Swimming isn’t allowed in the lake.The lake and adjoining parking lot are open February or March through October on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from sunrise to sunset. Otherwise, park near trailheads and access the lake trails on foot.
2. San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park And Museum
City: Escondido, CA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (760) 737-2201
Address: 15808 San Pasqual Valley Road
Description: Just about a half mile from the San Diego Wild Animal Park and a million miles away in focus is the San Pasqual Battlefield. It’s a historic park honoring those who participated in the 1846 San Pasqual Battle, called the bloodiest battle of the Mexican-American War. There’s a visitor center, a hiking trail, and the requisite stone marker that describes the historical significance of the area. At the center you’ll find an exhibit and videos. Visit between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. the first Sunday of the month from October through June for Living History Day reenactments, or in December each year for a reenactment of the battle itself. The center is open weekends only, 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Admission is free. There are picnic tables and volunteers on staff to answer questions.
3. Jolt’N Joes
City: Escondido, CA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (760) 743-7665
Address: 717 North Escondido Boulevard
Description: With a full sports bar, grill, and plenty of pool tables at all three locations, you can’t go wrong here. Rates for two people range from $6.00 per hour for daytime hours during the week to $12.00 per hour for weekend nights.
City: Escondido, CA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: 555 North Tulip Street
5. Mr. Paintball
City: Escondido, CA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (760) 737-8870
Address: 25320 Lake Wohlford Road
Description: Owner Mr. Paintball (otherwise known as Stan Burgis) likens the sport to the cops-and-robbers games we played as kids. Mr. Paintball emphasizes safety while ensuring that participants have a good time. Folks can play either on outdoor fields or inside.Play on weekends and most holidays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Full-day admission is $20 for those with their own equipment, or pay $35 to $75 for a package including equipment of varying sophistication.
6. Escondido Sports Center
City: Escondido, CA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (760) 839-5425
Address: 3315 Bear Valley Parkway
Description: The 22,000-square-foot park for board skaters has a good rep with out-of-towners as well as locals. As the park is open daily and lighted for nighttime use, you or your kids will have ample opportunity to check out the miniramp with bowl and spine and the smaller 3-foot ramp, a street course with rails, and other features. For in-line hockey, there are two arenas, and soccer facilities on-site as well. Cost is $4.00 on weekdays and $5.00 on weekends for those with a $19.00 yearly pass, $10.00 for others. It’s best to check the Web site for the rather complicated daily sessions schedule.