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

Enchanted Village

Dec 17 - Dec 22, 2021

The Enchanted Village will welcome thousands of visitors from San Diego and beyond. For the price of a movie ticket, guests will be surrounded by 8-acres of brilliantly lit trees, magical cottages, light tunnels, live entertainers, hundreds of giant candy canes, over 200,000 lights, interactive displays and other festive decorations.

Discover

Private Coastal Wine Tasting Tour

May 4 - ongoing

Cruise South along the San Diego coast in our private van to visit our three Carruth Cellars Tasting Rooms in Carlsbad, Solana Beach and Little Italy; enjoy an in-depth dive into Carruth Cellar's wine, winemaking practices, history and our communities!

$138 non-members | $110 for members
(Members, check your emails for the discount code)

Available for groups of 4-6. Includes a tasting flight and glass of wine (6 tastings + 1 glass), charcuterie board, wood fired pizza, transportation and private tour guide/wine educator. Receive an additional discount on any wine purchases made the day of your tour!

* Please note that tours start at our CARLSBAD VILLAGE Tasting Room! Coming from downtown? We recommend taking the coaster (our Tasting Room backs up to the Carlsbad Coaster Station) or an Uber to Carlsbad!

Discover

Viejas Outlet Center Ice Rink

Nov 12, 2021 - Jan 2, 2022

Lace up your skates and take in the holiday splendor as you relive a cherished piece of your childhood or take your very first spin at the Viejas Ice Rink!

Discover

Santa Train North Pole Limited

Nov 26 - Dec 18, 2021

The fun begins at the lighted Campo Depot. Pick up your tickets from the Ticket Agent in our restored passenger waiting room. We recommend you plan on arriving at the Campo Depot at least 45 minutes before your train departs to allow ample time to park, get your tickets, and pass through our gift shop. Don’t forget to stop by the Hobo Camp next to the Depot to hear tales from railroading’s past.

Once onboard the North Pole Limited, Santa’s elves will sing our favorite Christmas carols, read a popular Christmas story to all of our young ones, and pass out cookies and hot chocolate to all passengers. The North Pole Limited will stop at Santa’s Workshop to pick up Santa and Mrs. Claus who will visit with all passengers on the train on our way back to the Campo Depot.

The train ride lasts for approximately 90 minutes depending on the number of passengers Santa needs to visit with.

Discover

View All

San Diego Casinos

Discover

Explore Julian

Discover

Wine Tasting in Ramona

Discover

Enchanted Village

Dec 17 - Dec 22, 2021

Discover

Private Coastal Wine Tasting Tour

May 4 - ongoing

Discover

Viejas Outlet Center Ice Rink

Nov 12, 2021 - Jan 2, 2022

Discover

Santa Train North Pole Limited

Nov 26 - Dec 18, 2021

Discover

East County on Instagram

Deals just for you

History & Heritage

Save 10% off any San Diego Walks Tour

San Diego Walks

Valid: Mar 24, 2021 - ongoing

We offer tours of Balboa Park, Old Town, Liberty Station and Coronado. Use code BEST10 at time of booking to save 10%

View this Deal

Activities

Receive 10% Off!

Children's Nature Retreat

Valid: Jul 19 - ongoing

Enter the coupon SAN10 at check out and earn 10% off!

View this Deal

Activity

Del Mar Village Dollars

Del Mar Village Association

Valid: Mar 12 - ongoing

Purchase a digital Del Mar Village Dollars eGift card for yourself or a friend. Enjoy and spend your Del Mar Village Dollars while supporting participating Del Mar Village restaurants and retailers....

View this Deal

View More Deals

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Wildblumen das ganze Jahr über

Enjoy the desert climate, explore the rugged terrain, and experience over-sized artwork throughout Galeta Meadows.

Discover

Hiking

Go Climb a Rock!

Taking adventure to the next level

San Diego climbers discovered long ago that the county has amazing climbing and some of the finest bouldering this side of Joshua Tree.

Discover

San Diego East - Mountains

Julian, Laguna and Cuyamaca Mountains

Our favorite family-friendly day trips to East San Diego include the historic mining town of Julian, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and the pine-studded Laguna Mountains.

Discover

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.

Discover

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.