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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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Pumpkin Express

Oct 1 - Oct 31, 2020

Join the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Association in the Pumpkin Express Halloween Celebration complete with a train ride, pumpkin patch and more.

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Trout Opening Weekend

Nov 7 - Nov 8, 2020

2,500 pounds of Rainbow Trout with large fish up to 12 pounds will be stocked for this upcoming event! There will be prizes for the top 5 largest fish caught over the two-day Trout Opening Event. Greg Even, coordinator for this event, said “This event is great for everyone, including families that want to spend some quality time together. It’s also perfect for sport fishermen because there will be some trophy fish included in the stock”.

You can win a 2-night Cabin Vacation if you catch a trout 5 pounds or larger and you will be entered into a drawing. If you catch a tagged Trout you will win a prize! Prizes include: fishing poles, tackle boxes, bicycles, camping gear and free fishing passes to Santee Lakes.

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Private Halloween Wine and Dinner Party!

Oct 30, 2020

Treat yourself to a SPOOKY HalloWINE Private Party! On Friday October 30th from 6pm - 9pm, we will be hosting a private hallowine party!
Prize for best Costumes - seating is limited and you will need to purchase your seats online.
Only $50 per person and here is what's include
- 1 wine bottle
- Eggplant Spider Web Lasagna
- Eyeball Caesar Salad
- Finger Breadsticks
- Reese's Bats for Dessert
To reserve your seat, visit the link below!

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PRIVATE SUNSET AND NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR

Jun 24, 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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San Diego Casinos

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Explore Julian

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Wine Tasting in Ramona

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Pumpkin Express

Oct 1 - Oct 31, 2020

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Trout Opening Weekend

Nov 7 - Nov 8, 2020

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Private Halloween Wine and Dinner Party!

Oct 30, 2020

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PRIVATE SUNSET AND NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR

Jun 24, 2020 - ongoing

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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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Tours & Sightseeing

Save 20% on an Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Amazing Scavenger Hunts by Urban Adventure Quest

Valid: Jan 1 - 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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Camping & RV Parks

Kids Stay Free at San Diego RV Resort!

San Diego RV Resort

Valid: Oct 1 - Nov 1, 2020

A convenient place to kick back and unwind, San Diego RV Resort is your home away from home during a stay in America’s Finest City. Our resort is only a short trolley ride from the city’s...

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