The Top 5 Can't-Miss Things To Do and See in El Cajon, California
If you’re traveling to El Cajon, California soon, you might be wondering which things you should add to your bucket list. It’s surrounded by mountains and nature, so many of the things you will find to do include outdoorsy things like hiking and climbing.
For those who don’t want to spend the entire time outdoors, there are still plenty of things to keep you occupied including artistic and historic attractions. The best way to explore most of what El Cajon has to offer is to do a good mix of outdoor and indoor attractions.
Heritage of the Americas Museum
If you want to experience the culture and history of El Cajon, you need to visit the Heritage of the Americas Museum. It’s a bunch of different museums combined together, so you will be able to see many different artifacts and artwork all for the price of one.
Most of the museum covers archaeology and anthropology making it a good fit for people who are interested in these topics. You could easily spend a whole day or half a day in this museum depending on how much time you have in El Cajon.
Make sure to check out the exhibitions with Native American artifacts. There are fossilized remains of many different animals. You will also find artwork by Frederic Remington.
Once you’re done in the museum, make sure to spend time in the desert gardens outside. You can tour the gardens and find plants and flowers that are native to this part of California. You can also sit on one of the benches and enjoy the gardens.
El Cajon Bistro & Bakery
Of course, no vacation is complete without eating local food. It’s always fun and sometimes much cheaper to find a place where the local people eat rather than going to places that are solely tourist-based.
El Cajon Bistro & Bakery is locally owned so you will be able to meet tons of locals and try the food that people in this area usually chow down on. It’s located near the downtown area, so you can stop in for a meal after exploring the boutiques and shops downtown.
It’s been around since 2013. While the whole menu is fantastic, most people go for breakfast or a pastry and coffee break. The baked goods are freshly baked every morning.
The service is very friendly and the portions are huge, so you will have enough left over to bring some back to your lodging space to eat later.
If you don’t have time to eat at the restaurant, you can order takeaway. Make sure to try one of the omelets or fruit smoothies. The scones have also been voted the best dessert option.
Mission Trails Regional Park
If you want to explore nature while in the area, the Missions Trails Regional Park is one of the best places in El Cajon to do so. It’s over 7,000 acres and is spread over many different terrains and landscapes.
It’s also a nice place to get away from the crowds that you sometimes find at the museums and other places in El Cajon. One of the top activities here is hiking, so make sure you bring a comfortable pair of hiking boots and some water.
It’s also a popular spot for mountain climbing. Some of the spots are pretty tough, so previous experience is usually needed. You can also choose to go with a mountain climbing company to make sure you are safe and secure while climbing.
Biking and photography are also common. With over 60 miles of trails, you can be sure there is enough to keep you occupied for the whole day if you have the stamina.
There are many different types of trails ranging from easy to difficult. If you have children or are not used to changing altitude, you might want to make sure to stay on the easy or moderate trails.
If you’re fit and love hiking, feel free to hit the rugged trails and get some exercise. If you want to spend the night in the park, you can also go camping. People with fishing licenses are also able to fish at certain docks in the park.
Feel free to stop in the visitor’s center if you want to get a host for any kind of guided activities. They have workers that do nature walks or can show you the trailheads if you need some guidance.
Mount Helix Park
This is another great place to experience the nature of El Cajon. You can also get amazing views of the San Diego skyline from certain parts of the park when hiking and climbing to the tops of hills. It’s a great way to see the city without having to actually drive into San Diego.
Mount Helix Park has one main hiking trail which is very well marked and mostly flat. This makes it a great option for inexperienced hikers or hikers who are bringing their children with them.
Along the trail, you’ll also find shaded places perfect for relaxing, having a picnic, or just lounging around with a good book.
If you’re interested in the plants and animals of the park, make sure to read the plaques around the park that give more information about the habitat.
Burning Beard Brewing Company
If you’re visiting El Cajon in the summer months, make sure to visit the Burning Beard Brewing Company. The hot weather can zap your energy and make it hard to see all the things you want to enjoy in California. A nice cold beer can make the day much more enjoyable.
Burning Beard specializes in craft beer many of which are brewed locally. It’s been around since 2015 and quickly became one of the number one spots for locals and tourists alike. They have a large selection so everyone in your party should be able to find something they like.
The brewing company also has a very comfortable atmosphere where you can relax with friends and family. Make sure to try one of the local IPAs or stouts as these tend to be the most popular choices amongst beer lovers.
Downtown El Cajon also has a number of different breweries if you want to try some different ones while in the area and find your favorite.
Final Thoughts
El Cajon is a popular tourist destination in California because of its close proximity to museums, nature reserves, and state parks. It’s also a popular destination for those who want to go hiking or mountain climbing.
If you are in San Diego for vacation, you can easily take a day trip to El Cajon to get away from the city for a few days. Since El Cajon is closer to the mountains and parks, you will get a serene getaway from some of the more crowded cityscapes of California. Some people also come from Arizona to El Cajon.
Once you have visited El Cajon, you will have a hard time leaving once you experience the beauty and hospitality of this city. You will be sure to schedule another visit as soon as you get more vacation time.
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