Queen Califia's Magical Circle image

Queen Califia's Magical Circle

Tourist attraction Sculpture museum

Walled art space in Kit Carson Park featuring large-scale mosaic sculptures by Niki de Saint Phalle. People often mention hours, open, beautiful,


Address

3333 Bear Valley Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92025

Website

www.escondido.org

Contact

(760) 839-4691

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (372 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 9 AM to 12 PM
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: 9 AM to 12 PM
  • Friday: Closed
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: hours (13) open (7) beautiful (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Miguel J. 2 years ago on Google
    What a beautiful sculpture garden by the talented French Artist Niki De Saint Phalle. Her only demonstration of her talent in the americas. Pay attention to the hours. They are limited. There are people on site with great info. Great place for photos, kids. There is also a pond with ducks that u can entertain after taking this in.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shanita “Nita” J. 1 year ago on Google
    This is one of the most beautiful parks i have ever seen. A hidden gem that my kids loved. We did a nice trail walk to get there and they played for hours. It's free with select hours and certain days do be sure to check before you go but worth the trip.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 TeenaSanFran S. 2 years ago on Google
    Loved! So breathtaking and amazing! Learned from Marty, the docent, that it took the last 3 years of the artist’s life and 1 more year for her team to finish it after her passing. Phalle was so intent on having this sculpture garden done, she offered it for free as long as Escondido gave her the land to build on it. Spectacular. Local gem! Absolutely love that this beautiful art is free and in our northern SD county backyard! Grateful and blessed! Can’t wait to see Phalle’s gigantic version in Tuscany!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mercedes O. 10 months ago on Google
    This place is a must see if your near San Diego!! They are only open certain hours and days. Keep in mind it’s tile and the sun shines rite on it. If we went again I would go as soon as they open to have cooler weather.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 San Diego Family A. 2 years ago on Google
    This one of 3 of these sculpture gardens- however, it is the only one in the US! It starts out with a fun little black and white maze in the entrance before opening to a courtyard full of dazzling sculptures! The walk from the parking lot to the entrance is about a 3 minute walk on a dirt trail! There is also a lake within walking distance. Make sure to check that it is open before you go as it is only open certain days and times!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel J. 7 months ago on Google
    Wonderful place, it’s worth a visit just maybe on a cool day as the path was in direct sun.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mariami B. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing little square for every age person to entertain your self, artist is from Europe as you can see some of it it kinda reminds me of Barcelona….. i think its only open Tuesday and Thursday certain hours. Come enjoy the sculptures and structures decorated and see beautiful art, you and kids will love to see it
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Amber W. 11 months ago on Google
    Small and it is magical, very interesting sculpture garden. It is absolutely a fun place to visit, and the sculptures really are magical and fun. This is meant to be viewing, not playing, so if you have kiddos interested in unique art, its a fun place to explore. It woyld make a fun beetlejuice themed photoshoot arena, and I would highly recommend the area for a shoot with respect to the grounds. The only reason for my low rating is honestly the funky inconvenient hours. I would say how small the place is, but the sculptures are huge foe the area they've been placed in. I know its only opened on a volunteer basis, and I commend anyone willing to sit in the heat and rain. I just wish it were a touch more convenient in hours. If you have time, stop by. Its a beautiful little gem in the midst of a huge park.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tillie M. 11 months ago on Google
    A wonderful hidden gem with limited hours, morning only Tuesday, Thursday and alternate Saturdays. Docents were available and very welcoming. Shady location accessed by dirt trail within the park.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Najmi J. 1 year ago on Google
    An amazing mosaic art sculpture garden in Escondido, in some ways rivaling Park Guell. Surprisingly it is not as well known as some of the other attractions in San Diego.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark B. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is a real treat. We were really surprised how much we enjoyed it. The detail in the sculptures is amazing. Parking was a breeze, and it’s a short walk - about 150 yards - to the circle.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Russ S. 1 year ago on Google
    Contemporary art is the best! This installation is beautiful. It's for people of all ages, but it makes a perfect introduction of art to kids. Be sure to talk to the docents. They can give you loads of interesting facts and context.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tricia B. 1 year ago on Google
    Great places for kids to explore and to get some super unique photos! The vivid colors are super magical and make for a stunning backdrop! It's only open a few hours a week and locked up the rest of the time (I think to prevent vandals) but totally worth the trip! Settled in a large green park on plenty of acreage. Kids playground within walking distance and loads of pathed trails!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Spring 1 year ago on Google
    I had no idea this place was even in Kit Carson Park! So interesting to wander around in. Plan on only a 10-15 minute visit, but it was fun and quirky. The hours are here and there, so plan accordingly!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cheryl M. 1 year ago on Google
    Always fun to walk around here. We were playing disc golf with a couple from out of town. We were walking toward hole 17 on a Saturday around noon when I realized that Queen Califa's was open. We jogged on over for some fun photos and then returned to finish our game. Definitely a great bonus for their visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sue Schecter K. 9 months ago on Google
    Spectacular family friendly experience. Hidden gem that is very worth your time. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t even heard of this. Our 3 year old granddaughter loved it too! Be sure to check for hours as it is only accessible during those times and closed if it rains within 24-48 hours.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 LaShunte W. 6 months ago on Google
    Bueatiful place hidden in Kit Carson Park. My daughter had great time marveling at the statues.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sanaz K. 1 year ago on Google
    It is a small exhibition inside the park. It definitely worths a visit. You may spend 15-30 minutes there.

  • 5/5 Toni Taylor-Helser Barefoot M. 2 years ago on Google
    Whimsical Magic Circle every child of heart should experience, regardless of age. Do yourself a favor and do some research about the mythology around Queen Califa- the spirit of California.

  • 5/5 Pamela R. 1 year ago on Google
    Very interesting art display. Very limited hours and can be changed due to rain. Located in Kit Carson Park with plenty of activities nearby.

  • 5/5 Anna M. 10 months ago on Google
    Hidden gem 30 mins drive from San Diego! Its mosaic statues and passages reminded me of Park Guell in Barcelona. Absolutely unique and worth visiting! The park is small though. It will take you 15-30 minutes to stroll through the whole thing.


Call (760) 839-4691 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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