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

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.

Discover

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!

Discover

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!

Discover

Night Fishing

Aug 13, 2020

Join us for a night of fishing in Lakes 1-4. No state fishing license is required, only a permit from the General Store. Adults $10, Jrs & Seniors $6, Extra pole stamp $4.

Bring your lanterns!

Discover

View All

San Diego Casinos

Discover

Explore Julian

Discover

Wine Tasting in Ramona

Discover

San Diego Restaurant Week

Sep 27 - Oct 4, 2020

Discover

LEARN YOUR CAMERA - PRIVATE TRAINING SESSION

Jun 24, 2020 - ongoing

Discover

PRIVATE SUNSET AND NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR

Jun 24, 2020 - ongoing

Discover

Night Fishing

Aug 13, 2020

Discover

East County on Instagram

Deals just for you

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.

View this Deal

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...

View this Deal

Activities

Up to $20 Off on a VIP Chauffeured Winery Tour

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours

Valid: Jul 9, 2020 - ongoing

Safety First! - We have Cov-id Safety Protocol in place for your comfort and Safety. July 1, 2020 - Wineries are open and we take you to the best of the best! BOOK YOUR CHAUFFEURED WINERY...

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.

Visitor planning guide

For the ultimate guide to planning your San Diego vacation, view and download the San Diego Visitor Planning Guide, packed with useful information that will help you plan the perfect San Diego getaway.