Plan Your Visit

If you are coming to the Ranch for a visit, the Escondido/Valley Center area is a rural, agrarian community that has a lot to offer for a quiet afternoon. From authentic Mexican cuisine to great wineries for fun in the countryside, the ABI crew can lead you in the right direction if you are looking to make a day of it.

Favorite lunch spots in Valley Center

Cocina Tex Mex

Just 15 minutes down the road, this restaurant took the place of Smokey’s Lake Wohlford Cafe. It has a huge menu, everything from burgers to enchiladas. Vegetarian options available.

25484 Lake Wohlford Road
Escondido, CA 92027

The Yellow Deli – Valley Center

A little bit further, but well worth the drive, this gorgeous café has a serene setting in the oak trees. Great sandwiches and homemade drinks. It’s closed on Saturdays.

32011 Lilac Rd
Valley Center, CA 92082
760-742-2064

Portino’s

A small Italian spot in Valley Center. It’s near and dear to our heart as we once got a free extra pizza after chasing around one of our falcons for hours who got spooked by crows during one of her first free flights. We still talk about how good it tasted.

28746 Valley Center Rd
Valley Center, CA 92082
760-751-0077

Other Local Add Ons for Your Weekend Visit

The Daley Ranch

3024 La Honda Drive
Escondido, CA 92027
760-839-4680
OPEN DAILY FROM DAWN TO DUSK

Great place for hiking and birding if you are eager for more trails.

Wild Wonders

Complementary mission driven animal facility in Bonsall
https://wildwonders.org/

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd
Escondido, CA 92027
https://www.sdzsafaripark.org/

About 25 minutes from the ABI ranch