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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.

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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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PRIVATE SUNSET AND NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR

Mar 31, 2020

Learn how to capture the essence of the late-day light and magical nighttime beauty of America’s finest city, on an Instagrammable private photography tour. Whether mastering how to shoot our outstanding coastal scenery or our lit-up fairytale-like urban wonders, your private tour will be led personally by Julie Kremen, an award winning professional photographer and certified tour guide. Read the reviews and see why she is top-rated on TripAdvisor, and Yelp.

Julie works closely with you before the tour to nail down exactly what you want to concentrate on so you can get the most out of your experience. Contact us to book a private session, boost your shooting skills and make your friends say “Wow!” when they see your photos!

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Violet Chachki

Apr 21, 2020

About Violet Chachki:

International drag performer and global fashion icon Violet Chachki is debuting her solo show "A Lot More Me" in North America after a sold-out tour across Europe. The multi-talented entertainer will provide fans with the perfect spectacle of all things Violet: part drag, part fashion, part burlesque and part circus.

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Creek to Bay Cleanup

Apr 25, 2020

Our freshwater habitats need your help. We hold this annual event to take care of Los Coaches Creek. We'll provide water, snacks, gloves, and enthusiasm. Bring your energy and an open mind, and together, we can make an impact.

This event is free and all ages are welcome! Day-use parking is $3. Inclement weather may cancel.

For more information, please contact the park at (619) 561-0180.

Flinn Springs County Park
14787 Olde Hwy. 80
El Cajon, CA 92021

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Julian Woman's Club Wildflower Show

May 1 - May 3, 2020

The Julian Wildflower Show has been a historical event for more than 90 years. Because of Julian’s mountain valley location, bordering a national forest and close to the Anza-Borrego State Park, we have 855 species of plants within 25 miles of town, many of which were used for health and healing by Native Americans. The Show is meant to educate club members, local residents, out-of-town visitors and children about the botanical wealth of Julian and its vicinity.

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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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PRIVATE SUNSET AND NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR

Mar 31, 2020

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Violet Chachki

Apr 21, 2020

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Creek to Bay Cleanup

Apr 25, 2020

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Julian Woman's Club Wildflower Show

May 1 - May 3, 2020

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East County on Instagram

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Venues

Drink of the Day

Rockin' Baja Coastal Cantina - Gaslamp

Valid: May 29, 2019 - ongoing

Every Day we offer a delectable exotic cocktail for only $8.99. Changes Seasonally. Always Delicious

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Venues

Oyster Monday

Rockin' Baja Coastal Cantina - Gaslamp

Valid: May 29, 2019 - ongoing

All day on Monday, We serve up freshly shucked Oysters for only $1 each. Minimum of 3, per order. While they last.

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Tours & Sightseeing

Family Friendly- Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Amazing Scavenger Hunts by Urban Adventure Quest

Valid: Aug 12, 2019 - ongoing

Enjoy an Amazing Race type adventure with your family and Save 20% when you use Promo Code SDFUN. Only $39.20 for a Team of 2-5 people. Have fun and do something unique!

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