California Center for the Arts, Escondido
California Center for the Arts, Escondido
California Center for the Arts, Escondido
4.5
Tuesday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Friday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
With a mission of bringing people together to discover, create and celebrate both the visual and performing arts, the California Center for the Arts, Escondido is the cultural center of North San Diego County. The Center's unique campus includes a 1,500-seat concert hall, a 400-seat theater, a contemporary art museum, art and dance studios, and a full-service conference center with meeting and banquet facilities ready to host corporate gatherings, weddings and other special life events. The Center also runs an extensive education program and produces free community events, such as the Jazz Jam Sessions, 4th of July celebration, Day of the Dead Festival, Holiday Tree Lighting and WOW First Wednesdays performances.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
147 reviews
Excellent
92
Very good
39
Average
8
Poor
5
Terrible
3
Harla T
1 contribution
Jun 2024 • Couples
Although we were only there briefly, the part of Escondido that we saw was a bit on the rundown side. We stayed at the Springhill Suites by Marriott, which was a decent hotel with a very mediocre complimentary breakfast. It was the highest rated in the town. For a one night stay and amenities offered, I thought the price was too high. Attended the Old Crow Medicine Show concert at the California Center for the Arts Escondido. This venue is "curated" in that it is a bit older and could use some updating. They advertise it as a "world class sound system." I have listened to live music around the country and was disappointed in the quality of the sound for this show. The volume was too high and the imbalance between instrumentation and vocal made it hard to hear the words to the songs. It was better when they played acoustic. At $75/seat the show was a good value for this band, but, given the sound I would likely pass on future shows at this venue.
Written 16 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robyn P
Sun City, AZ1,115 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
This review is not met to reflect the venue, but the Shen Yun production. I am truly amazed that this show 'sells out" year after year. The Advertisement Campaigns would lead you to believe this is a Chinese Cirque du Soleil type of production- I certainly thought that is what I was buying tickets for. There is some dancing and acrobatics- but that is NOT the focus of the show.
The focal point of this show is to promote the oppression of Falun Gong, a Chinese group who practices mediation and has strong spiritual beliefs. It certainly seems like Falun Gong members has been mistreated in China, according to information on the internet. What I object to is the false advertising component. The 'show' contains narrative and parables depicting the persecution and beliefs of Falun Gong members that has dancing mixed in. Please do your research prior to buying tickets.
The focal point of this show is to promote the oppression of Falun Gong, a Chinese group who practices mediation and has strong spiritual beliefs. It certainly seems like Falun Gong members has been mistreated in China, according to information on the internet. What I object to is the false advertising component. The 'show' contains narrative and parables depicting the persecution and beliefs of Falun Gong members that has dancing mixed in. Please do your research prior to buying tickets.
Written 2 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fallbrookian
San Diego, CA296 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
When we were here for a Christmas Kenny Loggins concert, we had good seats on the floor looking up at the stage, and enjoyed the evening, immensely.
Since then, we returned for a Lyle Lovell/Robert Earl Keen concert, and while the performers were excellent, our balcony seats were terrible. We sat in a row directly in front of the sound/lighting engineers, and that was no problem, but the configuration of the seating rows was. My seat was directly behind the seat in front of me, instead of being staggered so that your head would be between the heads of the folks in front of you. A man of about 6 feet in height with a hipster bouffant hairstyle sat in front of me, and since my head was directly behind his, the only way I could see the stage was to lean far to my right or to my left. I have spine issues, so I could only endure that position for seconds at a time, so I missed being able to enjoy the concert, visually. I may as well have been listening to the radio.
I seriously considered going to the lobby to ask if they had a booster seat---since there were no seats behind me, I would not have blocked anyone. The problem was that our seats were in the center, so I'd have had to interrupt the concert for all the folks I'd have to pass in front of to take my leave. They really need to reconfigure the seating for the balcony. When the stage is at an elevation above you (seats on the main floor), it's terrific, but when you're at an elevation above the stage the rows need to either be staggered so that they aren't directly behind one another, or gradually elevated so that you can see over the head immediately in front of your head.
I was so disappointed to have spent so much on tickets to a live concert and not be able to see the performers. I will never return if I can't get seats on the main floor.
Since then, we returned for a Lyle Lovell/Robert Earl Keen concert, and while the performers were excellent, our balcony seats were terrible. We sat in a row directly in front of the sound/lighting engineers, and that was no problem, but the configuration of the seating rows was. My seat was directly behind the seat in front of me, instead of being staggered so that your head would be between the heads of the folks in front of you. A man of about 6 feet in height with a hipster bouffant hairstyle sat in front of me, and since my head was directly behind his, the only way I could see the stage was to lean far to my right or to my left. I have spine issues, so I could only endure that position for seconds at a time, so I missed being able to enjoy the concert, visually. I may as well have been listening to the radio.
I seriously considered going to the lobby to ask if they had a booster seat---since there were no seats behind me, I would not have blocked anyone. The problem was that our seats were in the center, so I'd have had to interrupt the concert for all the folks I'd have to pass in front of to take my leave. They really need to reconfigure the seating for the balcony. When the stage is at an elevation above you (seats on the main floor), it's terrific, but when you're at an elevation above the stage the rows need to either be staggered so that they aren't directly behind one another, or gradually elevated so that you can see over the head immediately in front of your head.
I was so disappointed to have spent so much on tickets to a live concert and not be able to see the performers. I will never return if I can't get seats on the main floor.
Written 14 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
russ w
San Diego, CA47 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Avoid this place!!!!
Homeless and drug addicts living in cars and loitering in the parking lot and surrounding areas. Old buildings with a musty smell. The smell and sight of Human waste, litter and drug paraphernalia between the parking lot and venue.
The whole city as well, hotels are horrible with the same issue. Cars are frequently broken into or having their catalytic converters stolen.
There are much better venues in San Diego….
Homeless and drug addicts living in cars and loitering in the parking lot and surrounding areas. Old buildings with a musty smell. The smell and sight of Human waste, litter and drug paraphernalia between the parking lot and venue.
The whole city as well, hotels are horrible with the same issue. Cars are frequently broken into or having their catalytic converters stolen.
There are much better venues in San Diego….
Written 2 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sunchildrecords
12 contributions
May 2019 • Family
Beautiful and Great Sound.
It seems as every seat is a good seat.
Next time I would love to have my daughters see a show from one of the many small balcony that are high above the audience.
It seems as every seat is a good seat.
Next time I would love to have my daughters see a show from one of the many small balcony that are high above the audience.
Written 9 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Manuel_Bravo
San Diego, CA55 contributions
Feb 2019 • Friends
First time in this venue. You have an excellent view pretty much from anywhere in the theater, the acoustic is fine and the accommodations comfortable. Only two inconveniences I may add: Long lines to get into the elevators for they are small and few, so if you are unable to use the stairs, it means long waiting time, and the rows are too narrow, so the separation with the seats in front of you is challenging, mainly when you have people already seated and you are trying to access your seat on the top rows you get height sickness. You are also unable to stretch your legs due to the limitation in space. One good advantage is that parking is free and there is plenty of room for everyone. There are lots of restaurant surrounding the place, so you will not go hungry.
Written 10 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hairup
El Segundo, CA242 contributions
Jan 2019 • Business
What an excellent place for a beer festival! The staff was very friendly and helpful! There were 80 breweries represented and food trucks outside on the lawn.
Written 27 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert G
San Diego, CA309 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
The facility is interesting but not at the first level of concert environments. I felt the acoustics were off with some distortion and some of the key moments. Overall the Ry Cooder of it was quite nice but the audio distortion and some of the Dissonance in the concert hall was interesting considering it look like it was scientifically structured. I would advise the mixing crew to continue to have the highest level acoustic And electronic equipment possible that provides not just a two dimensional but a three dimensional sound
Written 20 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
92075
San Diego624 contributions
Jul 2018 • Friends
We visited the international watercolor exhibit.
It was quite small but well laid out.
Senior rates for the over 55s.
Plentiful parking is free and located next to the complex.
Certainly an unexpected gem in the center of Escondido with a varied program of concerts, activities and exhibits.
It was quite small but well laid out.
Senior rates for the over 55s.
Plentiful parking is free and located next to the complex.
Certainly an unexpected gem in the center of Escondido with a varied program of concerts, activities and exhibits.
Written 29 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelernottourist
Mission Viejo, CA688 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
We had tickets for Pink Martini and loved the show and space. Seats are very generous in width compared to many theaters. The sound is fantastic. The seating is designed with ore Hester’s seating then multiple tiers and box seats. Did not look to be a bad seat in the house. We were in a Row D and when I saw speakers nearby worried about sound but it was great. Love that there is free parking and pleasant walk to theater. Mostly fast food restaurants close by. Bars were set up once doors opened and some snacks available. Restrooms are downstairs but staircase and elevators readily available.
Written 8 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
actionapp
Palm Springs, California
Do you sell gift certificates that can be used to purchase show tickets?
Written 16 December 2016
Don't see any mention of gift cards on their website. Use Gift Rocket, though, where you can choose either email or an actual card to be sent to the recipient, suggest in the message that they might like to attend an event at the C Center for the Arts, and then, they get the intent and can do so if they like. They move the amount of the Gift Rocket into their bank account or onto their credit card, and after a couple of days to clear, they can use as they wish (maybe they can't attend any of the events or maybe they don't like the ones coming up, but they get the intent and they also get flexibility). A great way to give a gift. Go to GiftRocket's web site to see a real easy explanation of 'how it works'.
Written 16 December 2016
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