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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.

Discover East County

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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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El Cajon Music on Main St

May 1 - May 29, 2025
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El Cajon 4th of July Fireworks

Jul 4, 2025
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Santee Summer Concert Series

Jun 12 - Aug 14, 2025
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Private Chauffeured Vineyards Adventure

Oct 11, 2024 - ongoing
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East County on Instagram

Photo by @slworking
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Deals just for you

Wineries

$10 off-Chauffeured Vineyards Adventure

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

Call 858.551.5115 and get $10 off your booking. Or booking online and enter promo code: 24SDTA5 Join us on the Chauffeured Vineyards Adventure  for award-winning wine tastings and wine...

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...

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:...

Related Articles and Features

Explore theNeighborhood

Areas of Interest

Where to Stay

Family Services and Equipment Rental

1. Access Trax

Making the outdoors accessible for all

Access Trax
(619) 292-8766
Neighborhood: East County
Associations & Organizations

2. Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce

Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce
Borrego Springs WELCOME CENTER, 786 Palm Canyon Drive, PO Box 420
Borrego Springs, CA 92004
(760) 767-5555
Neighborhood: East County
Dance

3. SAMAHAN Filipino American Performing Arts

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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
Associations & Organizations

7. SDSU Global Campus

Explore Hospitality Certificate & Degree Programs

SDSU Global Campus
5250 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182
(619) 594-7700
Neighborhood: East County
History & Heritage

8. The Warner-Carrillo Ranch House

The Warner-Carrillo Ranch House
29181 San Felipe Road
Warner Springs, CA 92086
(619) 297-9327
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
Galleries & Museums

10. Pacific Southwest Railway Museum

Railway Excursion Rides

Pacific Southwest Railway Museum
750 Depot Street
Campo, CA 91906
(619) 465-7776
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
Parks & Gardens

12. Lake Jennings

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

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

13. Singing Hills Golf Resort at Sycuan

Discover a Tranquil Resort Getaway

Singing Hills Golf Resort at Sycuan
3007 Dehesa Rd
El Cajon, CA 92019
(619) 442-3425
Neighborhood: East County
Music

14. Taylor Guitars

Taylor Guitars
1980 Gillespie Way
El Cajon, CA 92020
(619) 258-1207
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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