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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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Book online or call 1-800-350-6205 to speak with a local 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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Cajon Classic Cruise

Apr 9 - ongoing
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Julian Music Festival

Jun 7, 2025
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Private Chauffeured Vineyards Adventure

Oct 11, 2024 - ongoing
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Romantic Wine Tour - Available Year Round

Oct 8, 2024 - ongoing
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San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
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Romantic Wine & Food Tours-Year Round!

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
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Explore theNeighborhood

Areas of Interest

Where to Stay

Wineries

1. Castelli Family Vineyards

Come taste the family love!

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

2. Lake Jennings

Hike, Boat, Fish, Picnic, and S'more!

Lake Jennings
10108 Bass Road
Lakeside, CA 92040
(619) 390-1623
Neighborhood: East County
Associations & Organizations

3. St. Madeleine Sophie's Center

St. Madeleine Sophie's Center
2119 E Madison Avenue
El Cajon, CA 92019
(619) 442-5129
Neighborhood: East County
Galleries & Museums

4. Pacific Southwest Railway Museum

Railway Excursion Rides

Pacific Southwest Railway Museum
750 Depot Street
Campo, CA 91906
(619) 465-7776
Neighborhood: East County
Venues

5. 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
Camping & RV Parks

6. 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
Associations & Organizations

7. 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
Associations & Organizations

8. Visit Julian

Fun all Day . . . Fun all Year

Visit Julian
PO Box 1866
Julian, CA 92036
(760) 765-1857
Neighborhood: East County
Associations & Organizations

9. Ramona Chamber of Commerce

Ramona Chamber of Commerce
1306 Main Street #103
Ramona, CA 92065
(760) 789-1311
Neighborhood: East County
History & Heritage

10. Santa Ysabel Store & Backcountry Visitor Center

Santa Ysabel Store & Backcountry Visitor Center
30275 Highway 78
Ramona, CA 92070
(760) 765-1270
Neighborhood: East County
Action Sports

11. The Hub

Pickleball, All Day, Everyday!

The Hub
9545 Campo Road
Spring Valley, CA 91977
(833) 484-3482
Neighborhood: East County
Galleries & Museums

12. La Mesa Railway Depot Museum Organization

The La Mesa Depot Museum, La Mesa, CA

La Mesa Railway Depot Museum Organization
4695 Nebo Drive
La Mesa, CA 92020
(619) 465-7776
Neighborhood: East County
Action Sports

13. Sky Falconry

Fly Birds of Prey

Sky Falconry
Sky Falconry
Alpine, CA 91901
(619) 722-0092
Neighborhood: East County
Parks & Gardens

14. Mission Trails Regional Park

Mission Trails Regional Park
One Father Junipero Serra Trail
San Diego, CA 92119-1008
(619) 668-3281
Neighborhood: East County
Family Services and Equipment Rental

15. Sitterwise

Event Childcare & On-Call Babysitting

Sitterwise
(619) 303-4379
Neighborhood: East County

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