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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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Museum Month

Feb 1 - Feb 28, 2019

Locals and visitors to San Diego area are in for a special treat this February! Pick up your Museum Month discount pass at a San Diego City or County libraries to enjoy half-off admission at more than 40 San Diego Museum Council (SDMC) member museums. The pass can be used to visit multiple museums across the region.

Whether you are an art aficionado, history buff, or nature lover, the SDMC has a variety of member organizations that are bound to capture your interest.

Take advantage of the program to visit both old favorites and new attractions you have never even heard of!

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Historical Skits

Feb 2, 2019 - ongoing

Julian Doves & Desperados

In town every Sunday the famed Julian Doves & Desperados, weather permitting, will perform a skit at 2pm in front of the Historic Julian Jail. Fun for all ages. Meet the characters, Captain Cooper, Sadie Cashman, Doc Hopkins, Snake, Abigail Scott and Gypsy Davenporte. Sponsored by the Julian Chamber of Commerce. For Information: (760) 765-1857

*Weather permitting.

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Wine Tasting

Feb 6 - ongoing

We are open for tasting EVERY Saturday between 12pm-sunset.

The tasting room is air conditioned so that you can escape the summer heat.

Bring food and make it a pinic - we do not sell food, only WINE =)

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Julian Gold Rush Days

Apr 6 - Apr 7, 2019

Julian Gold Rush Days celebrates the discovery of gold in this mountain community and invites visitors to learn more about its history with a weekend of entertainment including gold panning, tomahawk throwing, candle dipping and more. Located at The Julian Farm and Orchard in Wynola, the old fashioned mining camp will offer re-enactors, an arts and crafts market, food and drink, old fashioned laundry, free parking and plenty of family fun.

ADMISSION is FREE.

Activities Include:
Gold Panning
Hayride
Archery
Tomahawk Throwing
Candle Making

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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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Museum Month

Feb 1 - Feb 28, 2019

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Historical Skits

Feb 2, 2019 - ongoing

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Wine Tasting

Feb 6 - ongoing

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Julian Gold Rush Days

Apr 6 - Apr 7, 2019

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East County on Instagram

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Accommodation

Save on Arts & Culture with Hilton

Hilton Hotels & Resorts

Valid: Jan 31 - Mar 31, 2019

Come see why San Diego is earning a reputation as a vibrant, culturally rich and culture-loving destination. Book our Experience the City Package and save on admission to the city’s must-see...

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Breweries

10% off Culinary Tour

Epicurean San Diego Culinary Tours & Events

Valid: Nov 15, 2018 - ongoing

Enjoy 10% off your culinary tour with San Diego's premiere Culinary Tour and Farm to Table events company! We build completely custom experiences unique to YOU! We tell the story of our local...

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Group & Charter Transportation

10% off for Senior Citizens

Five Star Tours & Charter Bus Company

Valid: Feb 8 - 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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