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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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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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The Julian Daffodil Show

Mar 22 - Mar 23, 2025
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Romantic Wine Tour - Available Year Round

Oct 8, 2024 - ongoing
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Chauffeured Vineyards Adventures - All year round

Nov 12, 2024 - ongoing
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Step-On Guide Services

Aug 19, 2024 - ongoing
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East County on Instagram

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Wineries

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Related Articles and Features

Explore theNeighborhood

Areas of Interest

Where to Stay

Theatre

1. Historic Balboa Theatre

100 Years in the Historic Gaslamp District

Historic Balboa Theatre
868 Fourth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 615-4000
Neighborhood: Downtown
Theatre

2. The Old Globe

The Tony Award-winning Old Globe

The Old Globe
1363 Old Globe Way
San Diego, CA 92101-1696
(619) 23G-LOBE
Neighborhood: Balboa Park
Galleries & Museums

3. Marston House - SOHO San Diego

Marston House - SOHO San Diego
3525 Seventh Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 297-9327
Neighborhood: Hillcrest
Theatre

4. San Diego Junior Theatre

San Diego Junior Theatre
1650 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 239-8355
Neighborhood: Balboa Park
Galleries & Museums

5. Timken Museum of Art

Always free!

Timken Museum of Art
1500 El Prado Balboa Park
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 239-5548
Neighborhood: Balboa Park
Galleries & Museums

6. San Diego History Center

Explore the history of America's Finest City!

San Diego History Center
1649 El Prado Suite #3
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-6203
Neighborhood: Balboa Park
Theatre

7. Playwrights Project

Where stories take the stage

Playwrights Project
3675 Ruffin Road, Suite 330
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 384-2970
Theatre

8. San Diego Civic Theatre

Theatre, Dance & More in the Heart of Downtown

San Diego Civic Theatre
1100 Third Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 615-4000
Neighborhood: Downtown
Galleries & Museums

9. San Diego Natural History Museum

Come on in. This place is full of life.

San Diego Natural History Museum
1788 El Prado Balboa Park
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-3821
Neighborhood: Balboa Park
Galleries & Museums

10. San Diego Automotive Museum

The Art of the Automobile!

San Diego Automotive Museum
2080 Pan American Plaza
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 231-AUTO
Neighborhood: Balboa Park
Theatre

11. San Diego Repertory Theatre

Downtown San Diego's cultural town hall

San Diego Repertory Theatre
79 Horton Plaza
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 544-1000
Neighborhood: Downtown
Theatre

12. Fern Street Circus

Fern Street Circus
4265 Fairmount Ave, Suite 120-B
San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 320-2055
Neighborhood: Downtown
Galleries & Museums

13. Mingei International Museum

Celebrate Folk Art, Craft, and Design

Mingei International Museum
1439 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 239-0003
Neighborhood: Balboa Park
Theatre

14. California Center for the Arts, Escondido

Discover, Create & Celebrate the Arts

California Center for the Arts, Escondido
340 N Escondido Boulevard
Escondido, CA 92025
(760) 839-4138
Neighborhood: North Inland
Theatre

15. Coronado Playhouse

Coronado Playhouse
1845 Strand Way
Coronado, CA 92118
(619) 435-4856
Neighborhood: Coronado

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