San Diego’s Escondido neighborhood is often considered one of the main cultural centers in the county, in large part thanks to its famous performing arts center, the California Center for the Arts.
This theater and concert venue holds a special place in the heart of our site’s founder, Todd. His daughter is a dancer at City Ballet, and she performs in the California Center for the Arts’ annual staging of The Nutcracker Ballet.
Nutcracker at the CA Center for the Arts, Escondido
Over 30 Years of Showcasing the Arts
Since its earliest days, the California Center for the Arts has showcased the importance of accessible art. It has been not just a playhouse or performance stage, but also a community hub.
In its three decades of operation since its founding in 1994, it’s followed through on its mission to broaden cultural horizons for San Diegan residents and visitors alike.
Inside Theater at the CA Center for the Arts, Escondido
The Center’s Stages
There are two main stages at the Center for the Arts.
The Concert Hall stage, which is typically used for musical acts or song and dance troupe performances, is larger with over 1,500 seats. Most plays and similar productions are held at the Center Theater which, while far smaller than the Concert Hall, still boasts an impressive 400 seats.
The California Center for the Arts campus also includes a conference center that can be rented out for events.
Grassy Area at the CA Center for the Arts, Escondido
Contemporary Art Museum
The California Center for the Arts is unique among San Diego’s theaters and art venues in that it isn’t just a stage for performers of all kinds, but also an informative resource.
Attached to the Center is a museum that preserves the history of the arts in Southern California and showcases the biggest events in contemporary art.
Alongside its permanent collection, the museum houses rotating exhibits that draw back the curtain on the artmaking process and draw attention to notable artists in the contemporary scene.
Great Beer!
The headquarters for Stone Brewing is located in Escondido. Just adjacent to the brewery is the Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens. It features their great beer and delicious food.