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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

Nov 4, 2020 - ongoing

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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PRIVATE SHUTTLED COASTAL GEMS TOUR

Jun 24, 2020 - ongoing

Breezy palm trees, captivating coastal vistas, postcard perfect cliffs, colorful beach umbrellas, hidden sea caves, picturesque ocean coves, crashing waves... Need we say more? This is the quintessential southern California beach and seascape tour you’ve always wanted to do. On this private tour, check out the affluent lifestyle of La Jolla with its Mediterranean architecture, unmatched coastline and delightful wildlife. Experience primo Southern California beach culture at a bustling three-mile boardwalk filled with skateboarders, runners, inline skaters, bikers, and sun worshippers as well as one of the top surfing spots on our 70 miles of picturesque coastline. Step back in time viewing Coronado’s charming beaches, elegant residences; and partake in other seaside surprises!

Live the California Dream!

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Friday Night Dive-In Movie

May 7 - ongoing

From May through August, Friday Night Dive-In Movie features a different movie out at Retreat Pool & Cabanas every Friday evening from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Guests can enjoy watching the movie from a massive LED screen from inside the pool or a reserved lounge chair, daybed or cabana.

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Military Pool Party

Jul 17, 2021

Attention all LGTQ Active Duty Service members and Veterans – you are invited to report to the San Diego Pride Military Department Pool Party on Saturday, July 17 from 1400 to 1700 (2:00 – 5:00 pm) hours at the Allure Pool at Viejas Resort and Casino (5000 Willows Road in Alpine).

On hand to MC the party is local drag performer Nadya Symone and providing five star entertainment is DJ Drew G. Wear your red, white and blue, pink, yellow and green and come celebrate Pride in military style.

This is a free event sponsored by your San Diego Pride Military Department. Please use the RSVP to sign up.

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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

Nov 4, 2020 - ongoing

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PRIVATE SHUTTLED COASTAL GEMS TOUR

Jun 24, 2020 - ongoing

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Friday Night Dive-In Movie

May 7 - ongoing

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Military Pool Party

Jul 17, 2021

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East County on Instagram

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Tours & Sightseeing

Family Friendly- Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Amazing Scavenger Hunts by Urban Adventure Quest

Valid: Sep 14, 2020 - 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! Covid Friendly outdoor...

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Travel Guides

Weekly Recommendations from a Local Expert

RelayPlay

Valid: Feb 24 - ongoing

Sign up to see what our experts will recommend for you. You can even even make special requests! Just create a free account on https://www.relayplay.com/things-to-do-in-san-diego?lid=7 Sit...

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Camping & RV Parks

Stay More, Save More

San Diego RV Resort

Valid: May 28 - Jun 30, 2021

Save more when you stay longer at San Diego RV Resort! Book by June 30th, 2021 to take advantage of this limited-time offer! Use the promotional codes below to enjoy savings off our Best...

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