East County

San Diego's Backyard.

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.

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

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.

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.

Activities and Things to Do in East County San Diego

A different world unfolds as you head east from San Diego's coast. From the mountains to the deserts, San Diego's East County rugged landscape provides a scenic backdrop as you discover wilderness activities, relaxing desert resorts, and charming historic towns.

5 to Try in San Diego's East County

1. The Great Outdoors
   Hike, mountain bike, rock climb, fish, camp, or meditate with nature in the Cleveland National Forest and the 640,000-acre Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. During the spring, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park explodes with color when wildflowers come in full bloom. Cowles Mountain in Mission Trails Regional Park provides great hiking trails with gorgeous 360 degree views of San Diego County. Backpack along the Pacific Crest Trail, winding through the Mt. Laguna Recreational Area and Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Fish at Lake Jennings, Lake Cuyamaca, Lake Morena, Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve or Lake Murray. Want an eagle view of the area? Try hang gliding and paragliding over Horse Canyon near Buckman Springs, or skysail over panoramic views of Warner Springs.
2. Historic Highways
   Put the top down and head for the open road on California highways 80 and 94. Explore San Diego's roadside history at the Motorsport Museum and Pacific Southwest Railway Museum. Tap into your animal instincts at the California Wolf Center in Julian, or the Lions, Tigers & Bears Animal Preserve and the Sky Hunters Raptor Preserve in Alpine, just off of Highway 80.
3. Wilderness Relaxation
   Discover the rich tannins of Southern California wines in San Diego's East County. Enjoy wine tasting tours in Julian, Ramona, Warner Springs or Campo. If you're looking to relieve aches and pains, or just relax and unwind, soak in therapeutic mineral hot springs found in Jacumba, Agua Caliente or Warner Springs. East County also offers world-class golf courses that blend beautifully into East County's diverse landscape of majestic mountains, rolling foothills, sparkling lakes and expansive desert.
4. Kitchy Fun
   Discover the kitchy charm of East County communities! Hunt for treasure as you explore antique shops in La Mesa Village or rustic Ramona. Pose for pictures at the World's Largest Lemon in Lemon Grove or a sculpture of the legendary Rancheti bigfoot in Ranchita. Put on your cowboy boots and giddy up at the Lakeside and Ramona Rodeos, or go horseback riding and horse camping in the backcountry. Spend a day in Julian exploring a gold mine and sampling their famous apple pies.
5. Deuce it Wild
   Head to one of East County's many casinos, offering Las Vegas-style gaming along with fine and family dining, relaxing spa treatments, world-class golf, outlet-mall shopping and headliner entertainment.

Browse the articles and listings below to discover the unique treasures to explore during your next San Diego East County trip.

Where to Eat in East County San Diego

San Diego’s East County offers delectable options for diners of all types. From roadside cafés and sprawling casino buffets to home-style comfort food, the options are as vast as the vistas of San Diego’s East County.

Historic La Mesa Village offers a wide selection of restaurants and cafés serving up everything from Mexican and Italian cuisine, all-American hamburgers and steaks, to fresh seafood and sushi. For cozy home-cooked meals like mom used to make, head out to Julian, where family-owned restaurants offer weekly fish fry options and other delicious comfort foods. And don’t forget to try the famous Julian apple pie, à la mode of course.  And for the ultimate indulgence, head to one of the Native-American casinos for top-notch all-you-can-eat buffets.

Regardless of where you dine, East County's charming atmosphere and delicious cuisine will keep you filled to the brim with happiness.

Browse the articles and listings below to find unique dining options for your next San Diego vacation.

Find Events in San Diego’s East County

Looking for festive ways to celebrate the great outdoors? Then San Diego’s East County is the place to be!

San Diego’s East County offers a slew of fun and engaging events throughout the year. If you’re a little bit country, then put on your cowboy boots and head out for the rodeos in Lakeside and Ramona. Star gazers look no further than pointing your telescopes in Julian for their annual Starfest. If you enjoy some pickin’ & grinin’ tunes of Bluegrass, head out to Ramona’s annual Bluegrass & Old West Festival. And don’t miss Julian’s annual fall apple harvest, Apple Days, to enjoy with the whole family. The City of El Cajon in San Diego’s East County celebrates the fall with an annual Octoberfest, as well as their festive Earth Day celebration.

Within the vastness of San Diego’s East County, comprising much of San Diego County’s 4,526 sq. miles, you’ll always find fun and exciting ways to celebrate nature’s bounty.

Browse the articles and listings below to fill the itinerary for your next San Diego East County vacation.

Accommodations in San Diego’s East County

For an adventurous wilderness getaway, drive eastward on US Interstate highway 8, towards San Diego’s East County. Revel in nostalgic Americana at one of the many luxurious and quaint boutique hotels, motels, and bed & breakfast inns that dot these California mountain and desert communities. For those on a budget, travel trailer and RV camping is available year round in many of East County’s campgrounds. Browse the list below for great places to stay when visiting San Diego’s East County!

Getting to East County San Diego

By Car:
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. Julian and Borrego Springs can be accessed from Highways 78 (off Interstate 15) and 79 (off Interstate 8).

Public Transportation:
The Orange or Green lines of the San Diego Trolley have multiple stops throughout the area, including Lemon Grove, La Mesa, El Cajon and Santee.