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Welcome to

East County

San Diego's wild and 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

Get outside and discover your wild side

In sharp contrast to San Diego's beaches to the west, the rolling hills, majestic mountains, sparkling lakes and deep canyons make east county one of the most diverse areas in San Diego County to explore. The area 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. For flower lovers, don’t miss the spring wildflower bloom in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, where a blanket of color covers the desert floor.  

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 this California wilderness country.

A favorite day trip in East San Diego is to the historic mining town of Julian. Set against the backdrop of the Cuyamaca Mountains and countless apple orchards, this friendly, walk-back-in-time town is as famous for its apple pie as it is for its collection of gold mines (several offer tours geared toward children). Julian has a variety of restaurants, bed & breakfast hideaways, antique stores, art galleries, nearby hiking and nature walks, along with the California Wolf Center for conservation.

Find a place to stay

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.

Discover East County

What's Hot|
What's On|

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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Annual Lakeside Rodeo

Apr 25 - Apr 28, 2024

See you at the Lakeside Rodeo!

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FIGHT INFLATION on This Elevated Wine Tasting

Mar 11 - ongoing

We call ourselves “The Inflation Fighters”. We LOVE to bring you a high-end; VIP wine tasting experience for a low price. We haven’t changed our all inclusive pricing since 2010!

You get door-to-door transportation; ample pours of wine; wine tour; and a winery meal included in ONE-LOW-PRICE!

 

You deserve the very best! Book your deluxe, elevated experience NOW!

Available Wed through Sundays, for 2 to 100 guests. Single guests welcome.

 

WHY CHOOSE US?

“TASTE and SEE the best of San Diego’s wine, food and sights for one low price!”

• Enjoy local San Diego County wineries (the original California Wine Country) not Temecula.

• With thousands of 5-STAR reviews, you’ll receive a top-notch adventure!

• Serving tens of thousands of happy guests since 2010.

 BOOK NOW: https://sandiegobeerwinespiritstours.com/tours/chauffeured-vineyard-adventure/

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Fireside at the Lake!

Mar 23, 2024

Get read to get cozy under the stars by the campfire! Come join us on Saturday, March 23rd from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for fire pit rentals right on the lake in Hermit Cove. Rentals include wood, firestarter, and Adirondack chairs with the option of purchasing one of our campfire add-on packages! One of our rangers will stand by to help with lighting and extinguishing fires as needed. Advance reservations required. Call (619) 596-1306 or click the link below!

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Cajon Classic Cruise

Apr 10 - ongoing


The famous Cajon Classic Cruise Car Shows are back again! One of El Cajon’s premier events is back again this year for another stay in the center of Downtown El Cajon at Magnolia and Main St.

Thousands of people from all over Southern California visit this display of classic cars from all over. Join us Wednesday evenings to view the best of classic cars. There are great restaurants along the street, so why not take an evening to join in the fun?

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What's Hot

View All

San Diego Casinos

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Explore Julian

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Wine Tasting in Ramona

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What's On

View All

Annual Lakeside Rodeo

Apr 25 - Apr 28, 2024
Discover

FIGHT INFLATION on This Elevated Wine Tasting

Mar 11 - ongoing
Discover

Fireside at the Lake!

Mar 23, 2024
Discover

Cajon Classic Cruise

Apr 10 - ongoing
Discover

East County on Instagram

 

Deals just for you

Team Building

Wine Tours $8 Off September and Oct. Crush!

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Valid: Sep 1 - Oct 31, 2024

Can you smell it? Can you see it? Can you feel the Crush nearing? Ah, the sweet scent of cabernet grapes in the air make it hard not to stop and smell the rosé. As summer meets fall, the grapes...

Team Building

San Diego’s Fang-tastic Chauffeured Winery Tour

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Valid: Oct 1 - Oct 31, 2024

Howl you doin’, good lookin’? Trying to come on down to San Diego this October for a spook-tacular winery tour? If you are bone to be wild this October – keep reading:  We...

Activities

For a Great Time this Memorial Day- Just Add Wine!

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Valid: Feb 21 - ongoing

BOOK YOUR CHAUFFEURED VINEYARD ADVENTURE this month and receive a FREE souvenier tote bag when you mention this ad.  Sun & sip your way through ample tastings and large pours of local...

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