The city of Escondido has a deeply-rooted history, starting with a change of ownership in 1800s. As the area was a haven for gold miners in 1860, Escondido became a Mexican land grant, titled Recon del Diablo or “corner of the devil.” It was later bought by the Escondido Land and Town Co. in 1886.

After the purchase, the Escondido Land and Town Co. promoted the growth of grapes, because the fruit could thrive with minimal irrigation. But once water was available, the area became a city in 1888, and a whole new industry of agribusiness flourished. With the rise of the Bear Valley Dam, which constructed Lake Wohlford, grapes were the initial cash crop, as the planting of citrus and avocados later followed.

In the last five years, the city of Escondido has updated its image with capital improvements, business revamping and cultural growth.

Best known as the home to the San Diego Wild Animal Park and Orfila Vineyards, Escondido is a hybrid of rural settlings and modern advancement, nestled 18 miles inland, and 30 miles northeast of San Diego.