Visit East County

Our guide to discovering Northeast San Diego County’s hidden charms

By Karen Pearlman and Miriam Raftery

Overview: For many San Diegans, Interstate 15 heading into North County is the proverbial dividing line that separates popular coastal communities from the far less hectic but equally captivating inland areas.


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Our Guide to San Diego’s Rural and Railways Region

A journey through history, nature and hidden gems

By Karen Pearlman

Overview

“Rural and railways” is a phrase that captures the essence of San Diego’s county’s southeast region. It is in these parts that the rustic charm of open landscapes coexists with the enduring legacy of railroads -- a dual identity that defines the area’s character and appeal.

The Rural and Railways region extends from the Interstate 8 corridor south to the Mexican border, from the San Diego-Imperial County line in the east to the communities of Spring Valley, Dulzura, and Jamul at the western boundary.

Taking the roads less traveled, you can enjoy leisurely drives through rolling hills and small towns. Visitors can ride aboard a historic railway, savor local wines, stop by museums filled with railway and Western memorabilia, try their luck at Native American casinos, or take a hike through scenic parks, wilderness areas, and wildlife preserves.


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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Our guide to the Ramona wine region

By Miriam Raftery

Overview

Nestled in the foothills of San Diego’s East County, The Ramona region is nationally recognized as an American Viticultural Region (AVA). You can savor wines at over 40 tasting rooms.  

Ramona is also home to a historic downtown district with shopping, galleries and restaurants, a western museum, a camel dairy, a paint ball range, colorful murals, restaurants , and live music including a theater with concerts. There are also annual events including rodeos, a country fair, hawk watch,  an art and wine festival, and a holiday wine trail to savor.

There are also several county parks in Ramona where you can enjoy hiking trails and scenic views. Ramona’s lodging options range from resorts with golf, tennis and spa facilities to rustic cabins and camping.  


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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

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