15 Best Things To Do In El Cajon, California

things to do in el cajon california
Marina
Marina 
Updated
| 4 min read

Nestled in a picturesque valley, El Cajon is a wonderful city surrounded by mountains and unique scenery. Equally appreciated and cherished by both travelers and locals, the gorgeous city is also edged by the beautiful coast of San Diego. As the pumping heart of San Diego’s East County, El Cajon is quite a cozy place filled with great shopping and recreational areas, dining establishments as well as many worthwhile tourist spots. Here are the best things to do in El Cajon, California.

1. Dive into the aviation world at San Diego Air & Space Museum Gillespie Field Annex

Ryan X-13 at the San Diego Air & Space Museum annex 1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jim1138 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Thinking of fun things to do during your El Cajon visit? Why not check out San Diego Air & Space Museum Gillespie Field Annex? It is a fascinating destination for science geeks and those who have an interest in the aviation world. It showcases stunning exhibits of restored aircraft and equipment that are relevant to space exploration. San Diego Air & Space Museum Gillespie Field Annex has special exhibits that include American Women of Flight and SPACE: Our Greatest Adventure. Plus, it has an International Air & Space Hall of Fame that commemorates the contributions of notable servicemen and women.

San Diego Air & Space Museum Gillespie Field Annex

Address: 335 Kenney St, El Cajon, CA 92020, United States

Website: San Diego Air & Space Museum Gillespie Field Annex

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2. Take a break from touristy spots at Wells Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Wells Park on Monday, July 18, 2016

If you are looking for serene places to unwind and escape to, Wells Park is a lovely public park in El Cajon that is a paradise for people who wish to relax for a while. It boasts an 18-acre (7 hectares) of land with shady trees and picnic shelters. Everyone is welcome in the park, even pets. Some people like to go on a walk at Wells Park together with their furry best friends. It also has an off-leash play area for dogs. Additionally, this park has sports fields and a fitness course for those who like physical activities. Kids will surely love the playground at Wells Park.

Wells Park

Address: 1153 E Madison Ave, El Cajon, CA 92021, United States

Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)

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3. Travel back in time at Knox House Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by ECHS Knox House Museum on Wednesday, January 10, 2018

History buffs will surely have a field day at Knox House Museum. Founded in 1876, this museum used to be a part of a hotel that was the first commercial building constructed in town. Today, this two-story edifice features rooms that try to showcase the city lifestyle during the Civil War. It houses a bedroom, a sewing room, a kitchen, a dining room, a children’s room, and a porch. All these rooms are equipped with vintage furniture and decors. As you explore the museum, you will feel like you have traveled back in time.

Knox House Museum

Address: 280 N Magnolia Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020, United States

Website: [Knox House Museum](https://elcajonhistory.org/

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4. Bond with your loved ones at Bill Beck City Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

200+ volunteers at the ribbon cutting of the third KaBOOM! Playground in El Cajon - June 2015

Posted by Bill Beck Park on Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Open 24 hours daily, Bill Beck City Park is a public park well-trafficked by tourists and locals alike. Its vast green space features a multitude of amenities, including a fitness course and a beautiful playground with swings and slides. It also has picnic shelters with tables and seatings. Restrooms are present in the park, convenient for visitors. Bill Beck City Park is also a popular venue for community events in El Cajon.

Bill Beck City Park

Address: 543 North Pierce Street, El Cajon, California

Website: Bill Beck City Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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5. Check out the paintings at Olaf Wieghorst Museum & Western Heritage Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Historic Olaf Wieghorst Ranch House located on the Museum property in El Cajon, CA.

Posted by Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center on Wednesday, August 7, 2013

A breathtaking paradise and a fascinating hub for art enthusiasts, Olaf Wieghorst Museum & Western Heritage Center is an attraction that you shouldn’t dare miss on your El Cajon holiday. Outside the rustic property, an enchanting cactus garden will catch your attention. It features different species of cacti and succulents with a seating area for guests’ relaxation. The main attraction is the museum that showcases the breathtaking artworks of Olaf Wieghorst. Most of his masterpieces feature western-themed aesthetics and cowboy details.

Olaf Wieghorst Museum & Western Heritage Center

Address: 131 Rea Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020, United States

Website: Olaf Wieghorst Museum & Western Heritage Center

Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed from Sun - Thu)

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6. Go for a morning walk at Mt. Helix Park

Mt. Helix Nature Theater
Source: Photo by Flickr user Michael W Murphy used under CC BY 2.0

The prominent Mt. Helix Park, which also features an outdoor amphitheater, is indeed one of the most spectacular San Diego Country’s landmarks within the region. People come here to take a leisurely walk while contemplating the splendid views of the surroundings. If you’d want to break free from the busy city and take in some fresh air, then come around and explore the wonderful Mt. Helix Park. Besides, many seasonal events are held here.

Mt. Helix Park

Address: 4905 Mt Helix Dr, 91941 La Mesa, CA

Website: Mt. Helix Park

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7. Play arcade games at Parkway Boardwalk

Bump cars
Source: Pixabay

It’s time to meet the famous Parkway Boardwalk! It’s an indoor amusement park located in El Cajon, CA, offering a whole lot of entertainment ideas and options: arcade games, laser tag, cosmic bowling, bumper cars and more await you and your lovely tourist group at the exciting Parkway Boardwalk! Besides, there’s a great variety of party packages as well.

Parkway Boardwalk

Address: 1280 Fletcher Pkwy, 92020 El Cajon, CA

Website: Boardwalk

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8. Experience controlling a racing airplane at Sky Combat Ace

Pilot for a day
Source: Pixabay

Well, if you’re a bit of a daredevil, then you absolutely must experience the amazing Sky Combat Ace! So what exactly makes it such a great adventure? Thanks to the unique Sky Combat Ace, you can either be the pilot, or the participant. Have you ever dreamed of becoming a pilot? You sure have. Then don’t waste more time in hesitations and just make the most of your short trip to El Cajon, California!

Sky Combat Ace

Address: 2015 N Marshall Ave, 92020 El Cajon, CA

Website: Sky Combat Ace

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9. Explore the great outdoors at Big Rock Park

Hiking Trail
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tony Webster used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Situated nearby Santee, CA, the recognized Big Rock Park is quite famous for its adventurous hiking trail, known as the Big Rock Trailhead. As curious as it sounds, the lovely Big Rock Park is about 7 kilometers (4.2 miles) long as it enables visitors to explore the wildlife almost to perfection. The trail is also deeply cherished by mountain bikers and nature-lovers in general.

Big Rock Park

Address: 8125 Arlette St, 92071 Santee, CA

Facebook page: Big Rock Park

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10. Set up a photoshoot at Steele Canyon Bridge

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Here we are with another exceptional location in the lovely El Cajon, California. You may not know this, but the famous Sweetwater Bridge, nestled in the Steele Canyon Valley in San Diego Country, is actually an extremely significant landmark both culturally and historically. The bridge is quite a curious tourist spot since it’s not really connected to a road.

Steele Canyon Bridge

Address: 12151 Campo Rd, 92019 El Cajon, CA

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11. Try out a variety of activities at Boomers! El Cajon

Editor’s Note: Amusement center is permanently closed.

Welcome to the Boomers El Cajon theme park! In truth, El Cajon is heavily packed with great indoor and outdoor activities that once you come around, you’ll never stop dreaming of it! Indeed, it’s an amusement center offering unique adventures and unforgettable memories for everyone. Besides, it’s pretty much perfect for any visitor no matter the age.

Boomers! El Cajon

Address: 1155 Graves Ave, 92021 El Cajon, CA

Website: Boomers! El Cajon

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12. Spend quality time with family at Louis Stelzer County Park

Horseshoe Pit
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Virginia State Parks used under CC BY 2.0

The Louis Stelzer Country Park is a 124-hectare (310-acre) wooded park that offers barbecues, horseshoe pits, and multi-use trails. The lovely area boasts picturesque scenery, making it such an ideal spot at the peak of hotness. The trails are nice and wonderfully maintained as they’re neither way too long nor steep. The park features many playgrounds for the kids and the campsite down the valley offers lots of room for everybody.

Louis Stelzer County Park

Address: 11470 Wildcat Canyon Rd, 92040 Lakeside, CA

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13. Visit themed gardens at Water Conservation Park

Butterfly Pavilion
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user KimonBerlin used under CC BY-SA 2.0

With its 2.4 hectares (6 acres) of displays, the beautiful Water Conservation Garden is definitely a fine location to visit. Its mission is to inspire our society by making us all believe in the positive change of the environment. In truth, all newcomers are simply mind-blown by the rich water conservation created through wonderful gardens and parks. As such, the park has grown into a splendid recreational area enriched with themed areas, such as native plant and vegetable gardens. Alongside this, Water Conservation Park boasts a native butterfly pavilion, which could be visited in spring and summer.

Water Conservation Park

Address: 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W, 92019 El Cajon, CA

Website: Water Conservation Park

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14. Learn more about the local culture at Balboa Park

Best Things To Do In El Cajon, California
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Sandiegophotographer used under CC BY-SA 4.0

While being in this lovely area, don’t forget to pay an unforgettable visit to the marvelous Balboa Park as well. As you can see, El Cajon, California, is quite abundant in breathtaking spots that could totally capture the heart with their enigmatic nature and unique vibes. Surely, Balboa Park serves as an ideal example that totally proves it.

Balboa Park

Address: 1549 El Prado, 92101 San Diego, California

Website: Balboa Park

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15. Experience a variety of laser tag activities at Equinox Laser Tag

Lasertag
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jeff Keyzer used under CC BY-SA 2.0

And last, but certainly not least, allow us to meet you with the most curious and unique tourist spots within El Cajon, California. Surely, it’s the most exciting and compelling part of your short Californian vacation. Actually, Equinox is a Personal Experience Company deeply specialized in Equinox Mobile Laser Tag Events. And as such, the personal mission of these guys is to provide any enthusiastic traveler with an exceptional experience and a unique adventure.

Equinox Laser Tag

Address: 771 Jamacha Road, 92019 El Cajon, CA

Website: Equinox Laser Tag

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What to expect

Now that we’ve provided you with the basic list of marvelous adventures and activities you should try out in El Cajon, California, it’s time to experience all of them right away! Just pack the suitcase and get ready to have some serious fun in the lovely El Cajon!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Marina Yoveva is a creative thinker, adventurer, and a poetry lover. In her spare time, she loves reading, writing on her personal blog and spending time with her family and friends. She's also a...Read more

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