This downtown City park is the center of activity for Escondido. It is across the street from the Children's Museum and contains the History Center where historic homes have been moved and renovated to tour. The old Escondido Train depot is a part of this as well and contains a small museum as well as a rail car with a model train setup inside. Bounded by City Hall and it's beautiful fountin and the Center for the Arts with theatres and museums this green space is perfect to let the kids play on the equipment or share a picnic on the lawn. There has been a homeless problem in the past but is minor now. There are also public restrooms and a large parking lot in addition to street parking.

Stopped here to eat my lunch and was surprised to see that this somewhat nice park with playground area for kids was crawling with homeless and vagrants. At sat here for maybe 20 mins and was asked for money twice and my food from another. People sleeping in multiple areas middle of day. Would never bring kids here. Would imagine it’s even worse st night.

Grape Day Park is a little gem steps away from City Hall. For the children there are vines to hang from the swings to glide on in the children area. Adult can wander pass the first Escondido Library, and tour an old Victorian house. Docent Mrs. C gave an informative tour. Further down memory lane is a charming old red barn and a large blacksmith shop with week-end demonstrations. The jewel in the crown is the 1888 old Santa Fe railway station that once delivered the mail or shipped out crates of citrus and avocados. This gem is worthy of a detour!

What once was a pristine park in the middle of town has now become a drug dealers paradise along with home to homeless. Being a retired police officer I stop and watch the activities around the bathrooms which are located next to the kids play area. Drug deals occur all the time. I would be concerned having my kids in the area. Yes the historic buildings are a great time and the historians have great stories about the city's history, Id be careful of needles and whatever else gets left behind by these transient homeless people.

There are historical buildings, and lots of old trees, and a convenient location! Every year the Escondido High School reunion of classes who graduated 50+ years ago meets here. Don't miss it if you are an EHS graduate!!