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
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
2. Take a break from touristy spots at Wells Park
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)
3. Travel back in time at Knox House Museum
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/
4. Bond with your loved ones at Bill Beck City Park
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)
5. Check out the paintings at Olaf Wieghorst Museum & Western Heritage Center
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)
6. Go for a morning walk at Mt. Helix Park
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
7. Play arcade games at Parkway Boardwalk
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
8. Experience controlling a racing airplane at Sky Combat Ace
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
9. Explore the great outdoors at Big Rock Park
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
10. Set up a photoshoot at Steele Canyon Bridge
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
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
12. Spend quality time with family at Louis Stelzer County Park
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
13. Visit themed gardens at Water Conservation Park
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
14. Learn more about the local culture at Balboa Park
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
15. Experience a variety of laser tag activities at Equinox Laser Tag
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
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!