Queen Califia’s Magical Circle Garden

**Check out our article on Hidden Gems in Escondido!**

About Queen Califia’s Magical Circle Garden

Queen Califia’s Magical Circle Garden was created by the late, internationally famous Niki de Saint Phalle. It is one of the four large-scale sculptural environments designed and built by the artist and her studio collaborators, and the only one located in the United States.

The garden is a joint effort by Saint Phalle, who financed the sculpture project, and the city of Escondido, which acquired the land and is responsible for landscaping, maintenance and operation.

**While you’re in the area, make sure to check out Sikes Historic Adobe Farmstead nearby!**

Saint Phalle chose as her subject the mythical Queen Califia, an Amazon warrior for whom the state of California is named. This amazing creature, first popularized in a 16th century romance novel, is believed to have ruled a terrestrial island paradise of gold and riches “on the right hand of the Indies.

This spot is tucked away behind Kit Carson Park. Look for the huge snake and you’re headed in the right direction:

We took our baby here for her first outing ever!