THE 15 BEST Things to Do in El Cajon (Updated 2024)
Things to do in El Cajon

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in El Cajon

Things to Do in El Cajon

Check out must-see sights and activities:
The Water Conservation Garden, Summers Past Farms, Parks, Department Stores.

Explore popular experiences

See what other travellers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.

Book these experiences for a closer look at the region.

Top Attractions in El Cajon

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveller reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

Casino with diverse gaming options including video poker and craps amid a vibrant pool scene, complemented by a restaurant with scenic views and a variety of wildlife.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
1

*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • my82pink
    San Diego, CA2,386 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Free admission second Friday of every month. Suggested donation of $5 per person.

    Parking lot at the main entrance is limited. People started to parallel along the curve but there are additional parking in rear.

    We spent a total of one hour following the dirt path to hit every station. Each area relates to landscaping and gardening. Such as compost, vegetation, irrigation, retaining walls, types of grass, plant size, pot size, etc.

    If you have kids, it’ll take more than an hour because they will enjoy the children dirt play area and games. This place is very educational and has pretty flowers blooming everywhere.

    We enjoyed the butterfly pavilion and saw caterpillars. Also saw turtles eating.

    Pets are allowed. You may bring food and drinks for a picnic. Plenty of shade and tables. They do not sell food.

    On this particular event day, there were vendors with informational booths and hands on activities for the kiddos.

    Cookies and drinks were being offered based on donation.

    There’s an amphitheater and gazebos. You also get free admission to Heritage of the Americas Museum. It’s a short walk across the street by the amphitheater.
    Written July 15, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Becstick
    Chula Vista, CA25 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you’re looking for a fun activity for little ones or seniors, this is a great place to go. We visited on a Sunday during early pumpkin season and were delighted to find a comfortable garden experience with little surprises hidden in corners and plenty of shade and seating. We started with the pumpkin patch and had plenty of photo ops from benches, hay, tractor, old doors, etc. Our granddaughter loved looking for the fairy gardens sprinkled around. There was a sandbox and playhouse near where the adults could sit and enjoy a coffee. And the shop - packed with goodies. Will definitely be back before Christmas. One tip - slow down after passing Grand Ole BBQ on Olde Hwy 80. Both drivers missed the sign to the gardens and had to make Uturns. Parking is free. Admission is free. So be sure to make a purchase in the shop or cafe to keep the owners in business.
    Written October 10, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Angelica S
    San Diego, CA516 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The room was fine, but the restaurants were not the best. My husband and I went to Rank and File. We ordered fries, 1 chili bowl, 1 glass of Zinfandel (small pour), 1 Guinness, 1 spice life and a strawberry lemonade. Price 83.08. HHHMMMMMM not worth it.

    The waitress was nice and did her best to be efficient..but they appeared to be short staffed. Skip this restaurant.
    Written December 26, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Leslee Z
    Sauraha, Nepal13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It's a great local museum. They have many interesting artifacts and the docents are eager to show you around and tell you interesting facts about each item.
    Written March 24, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • C D
    Central Arizona, AZ223 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A lot of different types of airplanes and helicopters. The rocket had my grandchildren just drop jawed.
    Written March 7, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Debra E
    San Diego, CA2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Air and Space Museum is a captivating exploration of humanity's journey beyond Earth's boundaries. From iconic aircraft to historic space artifacts, the museum seamlessly blends education with awe-inspiring exhibits. Visitors are treated to a vivid timeline of aviation and space exploration milestones. The engaging displays and interactive features make it an enthralling experience for all ages. With a wealth of information and a visually stunning collection, the Air and Space Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone fascinated by the wonders of flight and the cosmos.
    Written December 11, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LoveSummerRoadTrips
    Monterey Park, CA128 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I was pleasantly surprised. This museum was amazing to us. The garden was really nice to walk through. Kathy was awesome, giving us a tour of the museum and giving us so much information. There was even an art class in session. I say stop by and learn. You’ll be surprised and who you will find.
    Written March 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Michelle
    Utah3 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A big mall. A nice food court. Bathrooms could be better. This mall pretty much has everything you need.
    Written October 25, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CHris H
    San Diego, CA47 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    San Diego is loaded with great breweries. Burning Beard is tucked away in an industrial area of El Cajon. Burning Beard brew two of my favorite hazy ipa’s in the whole county. The brewery has a small patik for fido and has a small rustic vibe, with a great jukebox and fast, friendly service.
    Written February 12, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JoeNathan9249
    Saint Paul, MN5,969 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Our 3 generation family - ages 11 - 75 - LOVED visiting this place. It's family owned, it's a hidden gem. You get to not only look at but actually PET very friendly alpacas. You get to see families - including mothers and babies.

    You also get to see how their fleece is turned into various commercial projects. And if you're so inclined (and we definitely were), you get to look at and buy wonderful yarn, sweater and stuff alpaca toys.

    This place is located on a hillside high above El Cajon. Make sure you get the exact address and use GPS to find it.

    The family that owns this place is super friendly. This was a major highlight of a week in the San Diego effort. We VERY strongly recommend this to families and to anyone interested in these super friendly animals.
    Written November 1, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • David Miller
    Beaumont, CA5,155 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    When the Sprouts Farmers Market expanded their store a few months ago they added the Oumi Sushi outlet in their Meat & Butcher Department . I use to travel all the way over to the Santee Sprouts Farmers Market, especially on Wednesday's to take advantage of their $5.00 Sushi Rolls Specials. On Wednesday's their Sushi Rolls are all $5.00 each, which is from $2.00 to $5.00 cheaper per roll, depending on which Sushi Rolls you buy, than the regular Sushi Rolls price, all other days of the week. Oumi Sushi Chefs hand make the fresh Sushi Rolls right in front of you. They also supply you with Soy Sauce, Chop Sticks, and Napkins. They have 15 different types of Sushi Rolls they make, and also have 7 different Party Platters they can make for you. Nice addition to the New Sprouts Farmers Market. Check it out !
    Written June 30, 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Falcone Family
    San Diego, CA222 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Ticket prices are so high nowadays that we go during the mornings for $8.25, or Summer children's schedule for $1.00 on Wednesday and Thursdays. The staff is always courteous and helpful. The concession stand is expensive but, it's to be expected. There must be a new manager because the changes they made to recoup money loss is not going to be effective. They just removed the rope line barriers for waiting in a single line, and I can see the mess that'll be on the busy days to wait in line for your tickets. There's 3 ticket booths open and one 'made up' line to wait, well, there's no rope barrier and no one is going respect it, and they shouldn't have to neither; because 3 ticket booths open, MEANS there's 3 SEPARATE lines! Every open ticket booth should be their own line or the barriers should be put back up before there's a fight......:/ And, I can see it happening soon. They took the movie titles off the signs at the entrance of the auditoriums, so now it's just, a number. They must think that way, there won't be unwanted visitors. OOO' and, now they're collecting tickets from customers right after the entrance of the glass doors and for those that go there often know what a back up it'll be on the weekends, actually it was backed up when we went on Wednesday morning. Lol....Good one.
    Written June 14, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above hotel descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
All El Cajon HotelsEl Cajon Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in El Cajon
All things to do in El Cajon
Spas & Wellness in El CajonDay Trips in El CajonCasinos & Gambling in El Cajon
RestaurantsFlightsVacation RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars