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El Cajon lies in a broad valley in eastern San Diego County, ringed by mountains about 15 miles east of downtown San Diego. Its name means the box in Spanish, after the valley's shape, and the land was once part of a Spanish mission rancho. The town grew around farms and vineyards in the late 1800s and was incorporated as a city in 1912.
Today El Cajon is a busy, diverse city with one of the largest Chaldean and Iraqi communities in the United States, giving it excellent Middle Eastern bakeries, markets and restaurants. Downtown along Main Street has the Magnolia Performing Arts Center, the historic Knox House Museum and events such as classic car shows.
Aviation fans head to Gillespie Field, home to an annex of the San Diego Air and Space Museum, while Mount Helix offers sweeping views over the valley. Eucalyptus County Park and the mountains of East County provide green space and trails close by.
El Cajon's revitalized downtown along Main Street, with restaurants, bakeries, cafes, small shops and public art, centered on Prescott Promenade. Many businesses are run by the city's large Chaldean and Middle Eastern community. Walk Main Street in the evening when the restaurants are busiest.
A pedestrian plaza on Main Street in downtown El Cajon with lawns, fountains, seating and a stage. It hosts free summer concerts, movie nights, holiday events and gatherings. Bring a chair or blanket for the concerts, and grab dinner from one of the nearby restaurants beforehand.
A shady county park on the edge of El Cajon with tall eucalyptus trees, lawns, playgrounds, a sports field and picnic areas. It is a popular local spot for family gatherings and casual games. Reserve a group picnic site for big parties, and come on weekday afternoons for quieter grounds.
A county park in an oak-shaded canyon east of El Cajon with picnic areas, a creek, playgrounds, a horseshoe pit and trails into the hills. It also has a small campground. It is cooler under the trees than the city in summer; pay the small parking fee and bring food for a picnic.
A weekly classic car show held on Wednesday evenings from spring to fall in downtown El Cajon, with hot rods, muscle cars and vintage trucks parked along Main Street, plus music and food. It is free to walk around. Arrive around sunset to see most cars, and check theme nights on the event schedule.
A renovated theater downtown known as The Magnolia, with about 1,100 seats. It hosts concerts, comedy, tribute bands, dance and community shows. The building was modernized for good sound and comfort. Check upcoming shows online, and use the nearby city parking structure, which is usually easy to find.
A restored house built around 1876 that served as a hotel for travelers to the Julian gold mines and is now El Cajon's oldest commercial building. The Historical Society keeps period rooms and displays on local pioneer life. It opens only on limited days, so check hours before visiting.
El Cajon has one of the largest Chaldean and Iraqi communities in the United States, so the city is full of restaurants, bakeries and markets selling kebabs, shawarma, fresh flatbread, dolma and sweets. Look along Main Street and East Main for busy family places, and try the bread hot from the oven.
An annex of the San Diego Air and Space Museum at Gillespie Field airport, where volunteers restore historic aircraft. Visitors can see planes in the workshop and on display, and learn about the restoration process. It is open on limited days, so check the schedule; admission is low cost.
A hill just west of El Cajon topped by Mount Helix Park, with an outdoor amphitheater, a large cross and wide views of San Diego County, the mountains and the ocean on clear days. It is famous for its Easter sunrise service. The road up is narrow and parking is limited, so go early for sunset.
A large resort owned by the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, in the hills east of El Cajon. It has a casino, hotel, many restaurants, a live entertainment theater and a nearby golf resort. Guests must be 21 or older for the gaming floor; check the events calendar for concerts and comedy.
El Cajon's main indoor shopping mall, with department stores, chain stores, a food court and a movie theater. It is easy to reach from Interstate 8 and Highway 67. Parking is free, and the mall is a good place to stay cool on hot inland summer afternoons.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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Photo: Animalrescue, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Animalrescue, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
