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

Book Now

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.

Get Directions

Explore

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.

Discover

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.

Discover

Wine Tasting in Ramona

Eight great Ramona Valley wineries that are worth a try.

Discover

View All

Museum Month

Feb 1 - Feb 28, 2023

February remains the perfect month to discover (or re-discover) the story of San Diego during Museum Month with 50% off admission to more than 60 San Diego County museums, historic sites, gardens, zoo/aquariums and more.

Join us every day in February as we explore a rich world of cultural experiences, including virtual activities, behind-the-scenes tours, and other special museum moments you can only find in San Diego. #SDMuseumMonth

Discover

Valentine's Wine Tasting in Mexico!

Jan 17 - Feb 14, 2023

Give your Valentine an experience they will cherish for a lifetime. Enjoy a one, two or three day tour with us and experience the amazing Wine Valley in Mexico. Use the code CUPID23 until February 14th to obtain a 15% discount on our website: https://sandiegobajatours.com/tours/

Discover

HAPPY HOUR!

Dec 9, 2022 - ongoing

Join us for $3 off Loaded Fries, $3 off Brisket Burnt Ends Jalapeno Mac N Cheese, $5 Draft Beers, $1 off Cans & Bottles and $1 off Glasses of Wine! Available for dine-in only.

Discover

THE SECRET LA JOLLA TOUR

Jun 15, 2022 - ongoing

This private tour showcases some of the outstanding yet hidden scenery of the La Jolla area, plus funky, quirky and mind-boggling art. You’ll also experience “San Diego’s newest tourist attraction” – a remarkable treasure that even locals don’t know about!

On this private tour, you’ll stroll through a vast outdoor public art collection specifically designed for the landscape and surroundings. Learn about the origin of the collection, how the artists are chosen, and the meanings of the selected pieces.

The La Jolla area is home to some of the most unique structures in the country, including a Brutalism-style gem with a tie-in to Dr. Suess and an architectural wonder which is one of the American Institute of Architecture’s “31 Buildings That Changed Modern Life.”

But Shhhhh…. don’t tell anyone about these places….they’re secret!

Discover

View All

San Diego Casinos

Discover

Explore Julian

Discover

Wine Tasting in Ramona

Discover

Museum Month

Feb 1 - Feb 28, 2023

Discover

Valentine's Wine Tasting in Mexico!

Jan 17 - Feb 14, 2023

Discover

HAPPY HOUR!

Dec 9, 2022 - ongoing

Discover

THE SECRET LA JOLLA TOUR

Jun 15, 2022 - ongoing

Discover

East County on Instagram

Deals just for you

Caterers

Weekday Lunch Special

Smokey & the Brisket

Valid: Nov 10, 2022 - ongoing

We're the winner of Ranch & Coast's BEST BBQ of 2022. Come see why! Join us every Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday for our Lunch Special. Enjoy your choice of a Chicken Sandwich,...

View this Deal

Caterers

Western Wednesdays & Thirsty Thursdays!

Smokey & the Brisket

Valid: Nov 18, 2022 - ongoing

On Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6pm-close, enjoy a Small Pizza or Smokey's Burger PLUS a Beer for only $15. Plus, enjoy Rotisserie Chicken and Fries for only $12 (this special is to-go only).

View this Deal

Caterers

BBQ Specials for the BIG GAME!

Smokey & the Brisket

Valid: Jan 23 - Feb 12, 2023

Now through Friday, Feb. 10th, place your orders for our BIG GAME specials! Visit our website and choose from five different game day packages!

View this Deal

View More Deals

Stay in touch

Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.