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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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HOME OF THE FAMOUS WINERY TRAIN TOUR OF SAN DIEGO

Nov 12, 2024 - ongoing

TASTE and SEE the best of San Diego’s wine, food and sights! We've been delighting tens of thousands of guests since 2010. 

Join us on a luxury wine tour - The Chauffeured Vineyards Adventure:

- Get picked up and dropped back at your hotel or home.

- Relax, drink and eat at exclusive winery estates picked especially for you!

- Fully-guided FUN and TASTY adventure.

Includes: Ample pours of local wines; appetizers AND full meal (not a boxed lunch); sightseeing; history; culture; behind-the-scenes tour; expert tasting presentation; FUN! All for only 184 per person.

Home of the World-Famous Winery Train Tour! Want to add a train ride to the above package. Call for details: 858-551-5115

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Borrego Springs Film Festival

Jan 15 - Jan 19, 2025

One huge theater, one big screen, and endless community enthusiasm, it's a winning combo. The Borrego Springs Film Festival is a young and popular Southern California juried film festival in the categories of narrative, documentary, animation, latino, and short films.

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A Christmas Carol

Dec 13 - Dec 21, 2024

A tradition of the Julian stage. You’ll be drawn into Dicken’s Victorian supernatural world of Christmas festivity, redemption and love.

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Sparkling Sunshine & Wine!

Oct 7 - Dec 31, 2024

Imagine a sunshiny day with a sparkling glass of local award-wining wine in hand. You're relaxing at an exclusive winery estate after a comfortable chauffeur driven ride. You got to be picked up at your hotel and fun tour guide has chosen the optimal route. Between bites of your meal, prepared on the vineyard grounds with local ingredients, you're entertained and educated with an expert wine tasting presentation. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? You deserve the VERY BEST!

Book your deluxe, elevated experience NOW!

Sells out fast! BOOK NOW! https://sandiegobeerwinespiritstours.com/tours/chauffeured-tours/chauffeured-vineyard-adventure
OR CALL: 858.551.5115

We pick up/drop off at all San Diego hotels and provide ample pours of wine; VIP behind-the-scenes tour; a winery meal and tons of FUN for ONE-LOW-PRICE!

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What's Hot

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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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What's On

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HOME OF THE FAMOUS WINERY TRAIN TOUR OF SAN DIEGO

Nov 12, 2024 - ongoing
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Borrego Springs Film Festival

Jan 15 - Jan 19, 2025
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A Christmas Carol

Dec 13 - Dec 21, 2024
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Sparkling Sunshine & Wine!

Oct 7 - Dec 31, 2024
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East County on Instagram

 

Deals just for you

Camping & RV Parks

Weekend Getaway

San Diego RV Resort
Valid: Mar 19, 2024 - ongoing

Unleash the fun without emptying your wallet. San Diego RV Resort offers affordable family fun with our weekend getaway discount. - For stays of a minimum of 2 nights and a maximum of 5 nights. -...

Activity

Receive 10% Off!

San Diego Animal Sanctuary and Farm
Valid: Jul 9 - ongoing

Mention SanDiego.org when you check in and get 10% off ! 

Activities

Create Memories Any Day-Just Add Wine!

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Valid: Oct 11, 2024 - ongoing

BOOK YOUR CHAUFFEURED VINEYARDS ADVENTURE  and receive a FREE souvenier tote bag when you call and mention this ad.  MEMORIES! What's better than sipping wine with the backdrop of...

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