Discover local events and destinations to soak up the summer sun.
San Diego’s East County is one of the most diverse landscapes the area has to offer. From hiking in the hills to swimming in the lakes, it’s the perfect place to indulge in summer fun. Whether the kids are out of school for the summer or you’re taking a much-earned staycation, there are so many options to soak up the sun that you should create a summer bucket list and check them off as you go.
A bucket list doesn’t need to be filled with life-changing tasks. Sometimes, it can be as simple as hiking your favorite trail during a summer evening or spending a few hours doing something you usually wouldn’t. Sometimes, we put too much pressure on ourselves to have special experiences all the time. By creating a low-stress, local list of summer activities, you’ll feel like you’re getting the most out of your summer.
Get ready to live it up under the sun in San Diego’s East County during the dog days of summer.
Take in Lake Jennings
Location: 9535 Harritt Road, Lakeside
Lake Jennings is a reservoir located in Lakeside, and it’s the perfect spot to spend a summer day. While it’s ideal for swimming, there is more to do than just take in the lake: there are outdoor activities everyone in the family will enjoy.
Camping, boating, fishing, and hiking are all adventures you can take at Lake Jennings. The campground has hookup sites for RVs so that you can beat the summer heat, or you can take a traditional route and pitch a tent in one of the 44 tent spots. Enjoy a bonfire, make s’mores, and take in the beautiful San Diego landscape. There is also a large play structure for the kids.
According to the lake’s website, it is the best freshwater fishing spot in the county. If you want to take up the hobby, you can rent a boat if you don’t have your own. Not into fishing? No problem. You can also rent paddleboats, kayaks, motorboats, and rowboats.
From camping to boating, a visit to Lake Jennings is perfect for your summer bucket list.
Day use and shore fishing are open Monday through Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fishing and boating hours are 6 a.m. to midnight (with entry gates closing at 10 p.m.) Friday and Saturday, and 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. (entry gates close at 6 p.m.).
Visit the gold mines in Julian
Location: 4444 Highway 78, Julian
The Julian Mining Co. is the perfect summer bucket list destination. Julian is known for its incredible apple season, but the town’s Gold Rush history is also exciting. Take a step back in time and take in Julian’s mining culture.
The Julian Mine Co. has historic actors who make the experience feel authentic and fun. Kids and adults alike can pan for gold and sort through dirt for gems. On Saturdays and Sundays, you can purchase a bag of gems for $16.
A new attraction they offer is a mine train. While it’s $3 per person, it takes you through a mine tunnel in a small loop around the park. It’s a perfect adventure for the kids in your life.
The mine is open Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hit the golf course
Location: 3007 Dehesa Rd, El Cajon
San Diego’s East County has many public and semi-private golf courses to choose from. La Mesa and El Cajon are two cities in the county that offer nice courses at reasonable prices.
Singing Hills Golf Club at Sycuan is a resort golf course, the perfect place to spend a summer day on the green. Offering 45 holes, it’s a true golfer’s dream. If you want to unwind after a day of golf, the resort offers a free shuttle to its casino, only three miles away.
Tee times can be booked online, and prices vary depending on the chosen course and the number of holes and players. Expect to pay $22 on the low end and over $100 on the high end.
Take a hike
Location: 12101-, 12153 Campo Rd, El Cajon
East County has some of the best hiking trails. With its rural environment, there are plenty of optimal spots to explore the outdoors. One spot you won’t want to miss this summer is the Sweetwater River Trail.
This three-mile walk is a loop, which makes it a comfortable experience for both seasoned hikers and beginners. It takes roughly one to two hours to complete. Along the way, you’ll take in the local greenery and wildflowers.
Make sure you time your hike right, as the area can become very hot in the summertime. Pack sunscreen and bring plenty of water, and enjoy your time on the trail.
Attend El Cajon’s Music on Main
Location: Downtown El Cajon
Every summer, downtown El Cajon becomes an incredible hub for the community for Music on Main. Originally called Dinner & A Concert, the event brings local businesses together for food, music, and community bonding.
Every Friday from June to August, the Downtown El Cajon Association hosts the event in Prescott Promenade. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., bring your friends, family, and an appetite for an outdoor concert and fine dining at your favorite local restaurants.
See Classic Cars
Location: La Mesa Boulevard, between 4th St. and Spring St., La Mesa
If classic cars excite you, you won’t want to miss the La Mesa Car Show every Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. This event runs until August 27th.
Not into cars? You still should visit the show. Each week, they have a live band. From Beatles cover artists to local groups, it’s a fun place to add to your summer bucket list.
The event is free for all and takes place in La Mesa Village, where you can grab food and drinks.
Enjoy wine country
Location: 8364 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa
East County is the perfect area to grab a good glass of wine. Visiting a winery feels especially luxurious in the summertime. Sitting in the sun and sampling local drinks is a great summer bucket list item.
San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room and Gallery is the place to go in La Mesa during the summer for its SummerVines menu, which includes its famous passionfruit wine. Established in 1976, the vintners handcraft small lots of premium wine. Unique, fruity, and delightful for the summer weather. They even offer wine slushies!
You can visit for a tasting, come in for a glass of your favorite wine, or beat the heat in the gallery. If live music is your thing, they have a free concert series every Saturday.
They are open from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. They have different daily specials listed on their website.
These activities are the perfect way to spend another warm summer in East County!
