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Welcome to East County San Diego

Our Wild & Wonderful Backyard

San Diego's East County wilderness is one of the most diverse areas in the county featuring rolling hills, majestic mountains, sparkling lakes, deep canyons and desert landscapes plus Indian casino gaming. 

Photo By Lou Mora

San Diego East County - Get Outside and Discover your Wild Side

 In contrast to the serene coastal landscape to the west, San Diego's East County wilderness is one of the most diverse areas in the county. The region boasts a beauty all its own, with rolling hills, majestic mountains, sparkling lakes, and deep canyons. With the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Cleveland National Forest nestled in the region, outdoor lovers of all types will revel in a wondrous natural playground to explore and discover. From San Diego mountains to San Diego Deserts, East Country has a variety of landscape options.

East San Diego Hiking and Outdoor Adventures

East San Diego County offers hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, fishing and camping in the vast and beautiful wilderness. Adventure to the San Diego Mountains. Spend an afternoon hiking Cowles Mountain, mountain biking through Mission Trails Regional Park, strolling along Lake Murray or fishing on El Capitan Reservoir.

East San Diego County Entertainment

In addition to outdoor adventures, East San Diego County boasts plenty of entertainment. Sizzling Las Vegas-style Native American casinos, luxurious resorts tucked right into the rugged landscape, challenging golf courses built around natural obstacles, historic sites and highways, and annual festivals and rodeos can be enjoyed, all within the expansive landscape of California's wilderness country.

East San Diego Day Trip to Julian

One of our favorite day trips to East San Diego is the historic mining town of Julian. Set against the backdrop of the Cuyamaca Mountains and countless apple orchards, this quaint town is as famous for its apple pie as it is for its collection of gold mines (several offer tours geared toward children). Julian offers a variety of restaurants, bed & breakfast hideaways, antique stores, art galleries and nearby hiking and nature walks.

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Call 1-800-350-6205 to speak with a local travel expert

Getting to East County

East County is an expansive region, encompassing more than three quarters of San Diego County. The area can be accessed by heading east on Interstate 8, and California highways 94 and 52, 78 and 76. If you have a few hours, head up to the mountains and into the desert - Julian and Borrego Springs can be accessed from Highways 78 (off Interstate 15) and 79 (off Interstate 8). A bit closer to the city center, Lemon Grove, La Mesa, El Cajon and Santee can be reached via the Orange or Green lines of the San Diego Trolley.

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San Diego Casinos

Try your had with lady luck at one of the many Indian Las Vegas style gaming casinos.

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Explore Julian

This historic mountain hideaway is rich with natural beauty and entertaining adventures, whether you want to take a day trip in search of sublime apple pie or get away for a romantic weekend in the tranquility of the great outdoors.

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Wine Tasting in Ramona

Eight great Ramona Valley wineries that are worth a try.

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San Diego Casinos

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Explore Julian

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Wine Tasting in Ramona

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Romantic Wine Tour - Available Year Round

Oct 8, 2024 - ongoing
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Mother's Day Winery Tour (available all May)

May 1 - May 31, 2025
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Sparkling Sunshine & Wine!

Jan 9 - ongoing
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Cajon Classic Cruise

Apr 9 - ongoing
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East County on Instagram

Photo by @slworking
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Deals just for you

Wineries

Wine Tour Gift Certificates Make Great Gifts!

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Valid: Oct 9, 2024 - ongoing

Delight your loved ones with the gift of unforgettable experiences in San Diego! Our exclusive gift certificates are now available with a fantastic 10% discount.  Call for your discount:...

Wineries

Romantic Wine & Food Tours-Year Round!

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Valid: Jan 9 - ongoing

PERFECT FOR VALENTINES DAY OR ANY DAY! Receive a gift for your Loved One  when you sign up for this deluxe, romantic tour! Give your love the gift of adventure aboard the ...

Tours & Sightseeing

Save 20% on an Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Amazing Scavenger Hunts by Urban Adventure Quest
Valid: Jan 30, 2025 - ongoing

Turn San Diego's Old Town or Balboa Park into a giant game board with this fun Scavenger Hunt Adventure. Combine the excitement of the Amazing Race with a three-hour city tour. Guided from any smart...

Related Articles and Features

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Areas of Interest

Where to Stay

Camping & RV Parks

1. San Diego RV Resort

The Perfect Backdrop to Your Vacation!

San Diego RV Resort
7407 Alvarado Road
La Mesa, CA 91942
(858) 365-5880
Neighborhood: East County
Music

2. Center for World Music

Bringing the Best of World Music to San Diego

Center for World Music
(619) 363-3007
Neighborhood: East County
Camping & RV Parks

3. Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

Santee Lakes offers something for everyone!

Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
9310 Fanita Pkwy
Santee, CA 92071
(619) 596-3141
Neighborhood: East County
Dance

4. SAMAHAN Filipino American Performing Arts

SAMAHAN Filipino American Performing Arts
1442 Hillsmont Drive
El Cajon, CA 92020
(619) 422-3695
Neighborhood: East County
Music

5. San Diego Women's Chorus

San Diego Women's Chorus
P.O. Box 632794
San Diego, CA 92163
(619) 291-3366
Neighborhood: East County
Group & Charter Transportation

6. Damaris Express Inc

We Do The Driving, You Just Relax!

Damaris Express Inc
9172 Birch St
Spring Valley, CA 91977
(619) 202-1840
Neighborhood: East County
Wineries

7. Castelli Family Vineyards

Come taste the family love!

Castelli Family Vineyards
17872 Oak Grove Road
Ramona, CA 92065
(619) 997-5141
Neighborhood: East County
Venues

8. The Magnolia - Live Nation

San Diego County's Newest Home For Entertainment

The Magnolia - Live Nation
210 E Main Street
El Cajon, CA 92020
(619) 651-2004
Neighborhood: East County
Galleries & Museums

9. Barona Cultural Center & Museum

Barona Cultural Center & Museum
1095 Barona Road
Lakeside, CA 92040
(619) 443-7003
Neighborhood: East County
Music

10. Taylor Guitars

Taylor Guitars
1980 Gillespie Way
El Cajon, CA 92020
(619) 258-1207
Neighborhood: East County
Family Services and Equipment Rental

11. Access Trax

Making the outdoors accessible for all

Access Trax
(619) 292-8766
Neighborhood: East County
Parks & Gardens

12. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
200 Palm Canyon Dr
Borrego Springs, CA 92004
(760) 767-5311
Neighborhood: East County
Caterers

13. Fargos BBQ and Jamaican Cuisine

The best of Jamaican cuisine

Fargos BBQ and Jamaican Cuisine
7909 Jamacha Road
San Diego, CA 92114
(619) 300-0735
Neighborhood: East County
Parks & Gardens

14. San Diego Animal Sanctuary and Farm

Sustainable farm home to over 200 rescued animals

San Diego Animal Sanctuary and Farm
5178 Japatul Spur
Alpine, CA 91901
(619) 320-4942
Neighborhood: East County
Associations & Organizations

15. East County Economic Development Council

East County Economic Development Council
127 East Lexington Avenue, Suite A
El Cajon, CA 92020
(619) 258-3670
Neighborhood: East County

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