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The San Diego East County is the polar opposite of the coastal San Diego by most measures. The eastern suburbs of San Diego slowly give way to a rugged, mountainous environment of wilderness, hiking, and equestrian living then the colorful desert landscape beyond. The untamed East County is known for its family-friendly towns, backcountry attractions, ranching and agricultural lifestyle, and affordable living. In the western portion, you’ll find larger urban cities like La Mesa and El Cajon while the eastern and southern region are home to dozens of small towns and communities best known for their gold mines, ranches, hot springs, and casinos.
Are you thinking about visiting or living in East County San Diego? Here’s everything you have to look forward to!
Table of Contents
Where Is East County San Diego?
There are no official boundaries for East County. CA-125 is a common landmark used to mark the start of East San Diego, although some communities to the east of CA-125 are also part of East County. This broad term can refer to the suburban and rural, unincorporated areas of San Diego County east of the metro area, including the backcountry region known as the Mountain Empire. It may also include the southern part of the Inland Region, most of which is part of North County.
Another way to define East County is the Cuyamaca Mountains and Laguna Mountains plus the Anza-Borrego State Park region along with the east suburbs.
Map of East County San Diego
Below is a general East County San Diego map showing incorporated areas in dark red and unincorporated areas in pink.
East SD County is home to four cities and dozens of CDPs and small unincorporated communities. Here’s just a taste of what these beautiful towns around San Diego have to offer visitors and residents alike.
Rancho San Diego – One of the most unique East County communities, Rancho San Diego is a desirable master-planned community popular with families and only a 30-minute commute from downtown San Diego. There’s a commercial thoroughfare through Rancho San Diego and dozens of neighborhoods with community amenities.
El Cajon – One of the best cities east of San Diego if you want big-city living, El Cajon is the 6th largest of San Diego County cities and home to a diverse population. It’s also one of the most affordable cities in the county with a cost of living far below San Diego.
La Mesa – “The Jewel of the Hills” is only nine miles outside downtown SD known for its wineries, fresh produce, and great outdoor attractions including Lake Murray for fishing and kayaking and hiking at Mount Helix Park.
Santee – Santee Trolley Square connects the city to the San Diego Trolley’s Green Line for light rail service to the city but all the charms of a more rural lifestyle. Santee also offers freeway access and it’s one of the more affordable suburbs of San Diego.
Spring Valley – This family-oriented suburb boasts great schools and an ideal location for getting around the region. It's just a 24-minute commute to get to downtown San Diego with several state highways crossing the community. You’ll love the sweeping views in this hilly town with the Sweetwater Summit Regional Park minutes away.
Lemon Grove – One of the only cities in the San Diego East County region, Lemon Grove is served by two Orange Line trolley stops, family-friendly attractions, and the charm of small-town living.
Ramona – Further into East County, Ramona is still a large enough community to offer shopping and dining options, but it has more of the rural feel the San Diego backcountry is known for. It’s best known for its wineries and grassland preserve but you’ll also spot some fun sights in this agriculture and ranching town: look for the bison and camels at the Oasis Camel Dairy and Star B Bison Ranch!
Lakeside – True to its name, Lakeside is home to the natural Lindo Lake with three nearby reservoirs for all the water recreation you can want. It’s a great place to live or visit for families who want plenty to see and do and it’s close to three casinos for a fun night out.
Alpine – Alpine offers the very best of East County San Diego living. This small town at the foothills of the Cuyamaca Mountains is a gateway to the desert, forests, and mountains. There are also tons of things to do in Alpine CA including one of the region’s top casinos, the Viejas Outlet Center for shopping, spas, bowling, nightlife, and even a falconry school!
Jamul – Best known for its casino, the small town of Jamul is an affluent retiree suburb with a friendly, close-knit community, tons of social activities, and a short drive to downtown San Diego.
Borrego Springs – This small but fun town is home to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the country’s largest desert state park, with world-class hiking and hot spring resorts. More than 640,000 people visit every year!
Towns & Cities in East County San Diego
Community
Population (2020)
Municipality Type
Rancho San Diego
201,858
CDP
El Cajon
106,215
City
La Mesa
61,121
City
Santee
60,037
City
La Presa
35,033
CDP
Spring Valley
30,998
CDP
Lemon Grove
27,627
City
Winter Gardens
22,380
CDP
Ramona
21,468
CDP
Lakeside
21,152
CDP
Casa de Oro-Mount Helix
19,576
CDP
Bostonia
16,882
CDP
Alpine
14,696
CDP
Jamul
6,179
CDP
Harbison Canyon
4,355
CDP
Granite Hills
4,020
CDP
Campo
3,536
CDP
Borrego Springs
3,437
Unincorporated town
Crest
2,720
CDP
Pine Valley
1,611
CDP
Descanso
1,400
Unincorporated town
Julian
1,318
Unincorporated town
Santa Yeabel
<1,000
Unincorporated town
Jacumba Hot Springs
<1,000
CDP
Things to Do in East County San Diego
The untamed rural San Diego area offers endless outdoor recreation and relaxation – but you’ll also find thrills, historic sites, and unique attractions. Here’s what you can look forward to in East SD County.
Unwind @ East County Hot Springs
Did you know the Inland San Diego region and East County are home to several geothermal hot springs? You’ll love spending a day relaxing with a soak in a naturally heated pool and enjoying therapeutic spa treatments.
If you're planning to visit any of the hot springs or resorts in East County San Diego, consider booking a cozy cabin rental for a truly immersive experience. Platforms like Cabinns offer a variety of cabin and holiday rental options, providing the perfect home base for your outdoor adventures.
This Western-style, 2500-acre hot springs resort is close to Lake Henshaw with 250 rooms, an 18-hole championship golf course, horseback riding, and the mineral springs and spa.
This gorgeous 42-acre resort is right at the edge of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park with five outdoor geothermal pools, tennis courts, and pampering spa treatments.
La Casa del Zorro Resort & Spa, 3845 Yaqui Pass Rd, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 (760) 767-0100
DeAnza is one of the largest and the only clothing-optional resorts in San Diego with 500 acres of naturist living and family-friendly outdoor attractions. There are 311 RV sites and dry tent sites plus hiking and trails to enjoy.
DeAnza Springs Resort, 1951 Carrizo Gorge Rd, Jacumba Hot Springs, CA 91934 (619) 766-4301
This 910-acre county park is home to many hot springs and campgrounds about 110 miles east of San Diego and just west of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Enjoy three geothermically heated indoor and outdoor pools!
Agua Caliente County Park, 39555 Great Southern Overland Stage Route of 1849, Julian, CA 92036 (760) 765-1188
Place a Bet @ East San Diego Casinos
You don’t need to make the trip to Las Vegas to hit the slot machines, fine dining, and resort stays. East County is home to five of the best casinos in San Diego!
Frequently voted the best East County San Diego casino, Viejas is one of the many attractions in downtown Alpine CA. Enjoy off-track betting, table games, bingo, and 2,500 slot machines plus the Willows spa, fine dining, and entertainment at multiple venues from top artists.
The ranch-style Barona Resort & Casino offers award-winning golf, a large casino floor, many dining options, and Barona Valley views just 30 minutes outside San Diego.
Plan a thrilling day of paintball or airsoft with friends and family at Velocity Paintball Park in Ramona, CA! There are 14 different playing fields over 40 acres with optional low impact paintball, speedball, and hyperball fields.
Not far from the Barona Casino, it’s the only semi banked 1/4-mile clay oval track in San Diego. The track has exciting race programs every other weekend with a variety of cars and a concessions stand. Plan a day out with the family and bring your own BBQ and cooler!
Take in Culture @ East County Museums & Historic Sites
The San Diego East County area has hundreds of historic and cultural destinations to explore, from Spanish missions and prehistoric cave paintings to museums and gold mines. Here are just a few East County attractions you’ll want to see yourself.
Tour the gold mines in San Diego for a one-of-a-kind experience. Visit Eagle Mining Co. to tour the Eagle and High Peak mines, the Mother Lode of Southern California, with 1,000 feet of underground tunnels. You’ll learn about the old methods of milling and extraction, see original machinery and tools, try your hand at gold planning, and see what life was like for miners.
There are tons of things to do in East County with kids, but few offer the joy of seeing wolves, falcons, tigers, and other wildlife up close. Here are the best zoos, animal parks, and animal rescues in East County San Diego.
This federally licensed falconry school on a 40-acre ranch offers hands-on experiences with raptors with falconry lessons and the opportunity to just observe.
Make an appointment to visit and support this nonprofit and see rescued wildlife including mountain lions, bobcats, leopards, tigers, lions, and bears.
With its rolling hills, valleys, and creeks alongside desert and mountain landscapes, East County golf courses are among the best in Southern California! Here are three you’ll want to see for yourself.
Steele Canyon was designed by Gary Player. This nationally recognized golf course has earned prestigious awards and remains one of the best public golf courses in San Diego East County.
This Pete Dye-designed 18-hole championship golf course and country club is one of the best things to do in Santee! Stop by for lunch or play a round and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the San Diego River.
Carlton Oaks Country Club, 9200 Inwood Dr, Santee, CA 92071 (619) 448-4242
Singing Hills is a 425-acre resort in the Dehesa Valley just 20 miles outside downtown San Diego. The resort features a spa, pools, two championship golf courses, and tennis courts.
Singing Hills Golf Resort at Sycuan, 3007 Dehesa Rd, El Cajon, CA 92019 (800) 457-5568
Hike, Swim & Go Horseback Riding @ East County Parks
With several of the largest California state parks and some of the most dramatic scenery in Southern California, these San Diego East County parks are one of the biggest draws of the region. From hiking El Cajon Mountain (El Capitan) overlooking Santee and Lakeside to exploring the desert wilderness of Anza-Borrego, here are must-see parks in the region.
Whether you’re visiting or moving to East County, you’ll find it helpful to download the California State Parks app for GPS tracking and other hiking apps. Especially in the desert region, temperatures can get dangerously high and you need to bring plenty of water. You can also print this Children’s Outdoor Parks Passport for kid-friendly activities and return it to a California State Park ranger for a certificate.
A top attraction in Borrego Springs, this private desert sculpture park features huge metal “Sky Art” creatures like the Dying Dinosaur Sculpture and Serpent Sculpture by artist Ricardo Breceda.
Lake Murray is a popular spot for jogging, cycling, picnicking, fishing, and boating with equestrian areas and campgrounds. It’s just eight miles outside San Diego and referred to as the third Jewel of the San Diego Park System along with Mission Bay Park and Balboa Park.
Mt. Helix is the Crown Jewel of East County with sweeping 360-degree views of San Diego. There’s a nonprofit nature preserve and outdoor amphitheater at 1,400-foot elevation that’s easy to reach without a long hike.
This large dog-friendly park surrounding Lindo Lake is the main recreational center for Lakeside. There’s everything from picnic areas and a playground to horseshoe pits, tennis courts, and a nearby Community Center with events. The 1.5 miles of multi-use trails around the lake have 17 physical fitness stations and a special TRACK Trail for kids with a scavenger hunt.
Spanning over 600,000 acres, California’s largest state park is one of the most scenic and exciting things to do in East County. Explore the desert garden at the visitor center and visit during the late February to early March to see the wildflowers and cacti bloom in force. The park offers camping and tons of trails to explore the peaks, ridges, and canyons.
Every year, more than 760,000 people visit the 190-acre Santee Lakes park with seven lakes stocked year-round with sport fish. A popular fishing destination in East County, the park is also home to rental cabins and campgrounds, playgrounds, and walking trails. Be sure you rent a pedal boat on Lake 5 for a fun day on the water!
Does living in East County San Diego sound like paradise? If you’re ready to embrace the more rural side of San Diego, give us a call at Republic Moving & Storage for help with your upcoming move. Get a free moving estimate today from our friendly movers who will handle all the details and hard work.
Bill Lovejoy
Bill Lovejoy is the president of Republic Moving and Storage. Purchasing the assets of Republic Relocations in May 2008. In 2008, Republic did $700K of business and today is over $15 Million. Republic was named AMSA’s 2010 Agent of the Year for Service Excellence after only two years in business.
Bill is proud that he grew up doing every facet of the business from a local mover, over the road driver, salesperson, operations manager, and general manager. (and just about everything else in between) Before purchasing Republic, Bill was with Bekins Moving and Storage where he served as a Senior Vice President and was a partner. He was responsible for three HHG companies as well as two logistics companies.
A proud Father of six children, and a lovely wife, Carol, Bill constantly works to keep a balance between work and family Life. Bills “stress relieving” hobbies include racket ball, basketball, tennis, and golf.
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