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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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San Diego Restaurant Week

Sep 27 - Oct 4, 2020

The Annual San Diego Restaurant Week returns Sunday, September 27 through Sunday, October 4 for a delicious dining experience! With more than 180 participating restaurants offering prix-fixe menu options throughout San Diego County, you’re sure to find the perfect place to satisfy any craving.

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LEARN YOUR CAMERA - PRIVATE TRAINING SESSION

Jun 24, 2020 - ongoing

Raise your photography to the next level with a private photography training session or a photography tour led 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.

The instruction is completely customized to your abilities, interests, and goals; so you get the maximum amount of one-on-one instruction tailored to suit your needs. Personal instruction and the ability to shadow a skilled professional photographer allows you to receive immediate feedback as you shoot and get on-the-spot guidance as to how to improve.

Julie works closely with you before the session 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 and your boost your shooting skills!

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Up-Close and Personal Animal Encounters

Sep 23, 2019 - ongoing

You will enjoy up-close and personal interaction with these beautiful creatures and learn all about them from our experienced animal keepers.

Pick your favorite animal enclosure from Barnyard Alley, Tortoise Landing, Mini Farm, Big Farm, Mini Trio, Two Besties and Camel Oasis and experience a unique and positive connection with our animals from inside the enclosure.

Admission price not included in the up-close and personal experience price.

Price per enclosure $35/person.

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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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San Diego Casinos

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Explore Julian

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Wine Tasting in Ramona

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San Diego Restaurant Week

Sep 27 - Oct 4, 2020

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LEARN YOUR CAMERA - PRIVATE TRAINING SESSION

Jun 24, 2020 - ongoing

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Up-Close and Personal Animal Encounters

Sep 23, 2019 - ongoing

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PRIVATE SHUTTLED COASTAL GEMS TOUR

Jun 24, 2020 - ongoing

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East County on Instagram

Deals just for you

Group & Charter Transportation

10% off for Senior Citizens

Five Star Tours & Charter Bus Company

Valid: Feb 7 - ongoing

Our special offer is for our very special seniors that visit our city of San Diego. Enjoy 10% off any of our exciting tours in San Diego. We offer a wide selection of activities from daily...

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Group & Charter Transportation

3% off our motor coach charter services

Five Star Tours & Charter Bus Company

Valid: Feb 7 - ongoing

Receive 3% off our Motor Coach Charter Services.

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Tours & Sightseeing

Save 20% on an Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Amazing Scavenger Hunts by Urban Adventure Quest

Valid: Aug 12, 2019 - ongoing

Turn San Diego's Old Town or Balboa Park into a giant game board with this fun Scavenger Hunt Adventure. Combine the excitement of the Amazing Race with a three-hour city tour. Guided from any smart...

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Mountain Biking in San Diego

From the coastline to the inland mountains

Mountain biking in San Diego is a celebration of the senses: the sharp tang of sea air, the warm gust of an afternoon breeze, the jitter and bump of a rocky single track, the nurturing patter of a mountain waterfall, the refreshing splash of mud after tearing through a puddle.

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Hiking

The Seven Best Inland Hikes

Panoramic views, oak woodlands, and pastoral valleys

As you move east from San Diego's coast, the landscape takes a turn for the rugged. These seven hikes feature the best characteristics of the inland area.

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Biking

Road Cycling in San Diego

Much of San Diego is best seen from a bike

From South Bay to Oceanside and well into the back country, cycling is a popular sport throughout San Diego county.

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Breweries

10 Stop Brew Hop in East San Diego County

East County craft beer itinerary

Try this eastern loop that takes you through El Cajon, Alpine, Julian, Ramona, La Mesa and Santee. If you want to do the full loop, you'll need the entire day, but you could also break it into just the northern breweries (Ramona and Julian) or just the southern breweries (Santee, Alpine, La Mesa and El Cajon). You might also want to consider booking a brewery tour that will chauffeur you around while you enjoy a few samples at each stop.

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