Descanso, CA

Travel Guide

Beautiful flower blossom at Descanso Garden
Cuyamaca Peak and the city of El Cajon, as seen from Mt. Helix Park in La Mesa, located in San Diego, California.; Shutterstock ID 425823196
Found out about this hike from one of the hotel staff as I do with most of my hikes. This was a fairly easy easy hike with only about 750 ft of elevation gain pretty much all on the way out. It was about a 4 mile round trip and was a really pleasant hike except for the rain that kept plaguing us every time I pulled out my camera... ran into very few people on the trail which was nice but I’m sure that had to do with the fact it was raining.. anyway this is a nice hike and would recommend for anyone wanting to kill a couple of hours...
This is a great hike! lots of boulders to jump around on, This waterfall is at the top of the sisters and if it hasn't rained in a while... there's no water! I took this pic today straight after it rained this week! hike takes 3-4 hrs from car to falls and back, but leave an hour or so for lunch! Enjoy.
Oh my!!! This hike is so incredibly beautiful!! It’s a must!! #LikeALocal
Sycuan Casino Resort

Sycuan Casino Resort

4 out of 5
5469 Casino Way El Cajon CA
$94 nightly
The price is $103 total per night from Apr 6 to Apr 7
$103 total
Apr 6 - Apr 7
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in El Cajon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,792 reviews)
Need some love music or something when you walk in

Reviewed on Mar 20, 2026

Sycuan Casino Resort
Lamplighter Inn & Suites at SDSU

Lamplighter Inn & Suites at SDSU

2.5 out of 5
6474 El Cajon Blvd San Diego CA
$161 nightly
The price is $182 total per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
$182 total
Mar 22 - Mar 23
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,365 reviews)
The room was clean and staff was friendly. The breakfast was excellent. The only problem is the noise. I strongly recommend a sound machine as the outside node and rooms around us was very loud.

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2026

Lamplighter Inn & Suites at SDSU
Motel 6 El Cajon, CA - San Diego

Motel 6 El Cajon, CA - San Diego

2 out of 5
550 Montrose Court El Cajon CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$77 nightly
The price is $85 total per night from Mar 29 to Mar 30
$85 total
Mar 29 - Mar 30
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in El Cajon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,590 reviews)
Rough neighborhood, prostitutes and drug addicts around openly. Staff not friendly, choose a different place to stay than this place.

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2026

Motel 6 El Cajon, CA - San Diego
See all 1,081 properties in Descanso
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
San Diego Country Estates

San Diego Country Estates

2.5 out of 5
15501 Davis Cup Ln, Bldg 8, Unit 5501 Ramona CA
Book a stay at this golf condo in Ramona. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and onsite spa services. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (261 reviews)
Two bed room was huge. Nice furnishings. Only downside is that the pool facility was at the golf club and not on site. This didn't bother us though.

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2026

San Diego Country Estates
Stagecoach Trails RV Resort

Stagecoach Trails RV Resort

2 out of 5
7878 Great Southern Overland Julian CA
Stay at this campground in Julian. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attraction Yaqui Well is located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (49 reviews)
Campground was easily accessible, the site was well maintained. No check-in was possible on Monday due to the office being closed, but our friends connected up with the camp host to let them know of our arrival. Overall, the camping and use of amenities (showers, restrooms, etc.) was very nice. Restrooms ...

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2026

Stagecoach Trails RV Resort
Jamul's Jewel: 10ACRES,Hilltop,Heated*Salt Pool,Spa*,City & Mtn.Views,B-Ball Court*,Grill,Horseshoes

Jamul's Jewel: 10ACRES,Hilltop,Heated*Salt Pool,Spa*,City & Mtn.Views,B-Ball Court*,Grill,Horseshoes

Jamul CA
Book a stay at this golf villa in Jamul. Enjoy private pools, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sycuan Casino and Jamul Casino are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (52 reviews)
Great view

Reviewed on Mar 13, 2026

Jamul's Jewel: 10ACRES,Hilltop,Heated*Salt Pool,Spa*,City & Mtn.Views,B-Ball Court*,Grill,Horseshoes
See all properties in Descanso
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Descanso Branch San Diego County Library

Descanso Branch San Diego County Library is just one of the places to see in Descanso, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Make some time to visit the shops while you're in the area.

Descanso Branch San Diego County Library

Cuyamaca Meadow Nature Preserve

You can take time to visit Cuyamaca Meadow Nature Preserve during your travels to Descanso. Make some time to visit the shops while you're in the area.

Cuyamaca Meadow Nature Preserve

Things to do

Intro to Wild Clay/Earthenware Pottery Workshop

Intro to Wild Clay/Earthenware Pottery Workshop

$72
per adult
Intro to Wild Clay/Earthenware Pottery Workshop
Main Street in Julian

Pies & Pickaxes: A Historic Walking Tour of Julian, CA

$8
per adult
Pies & Pickaxes: A Historic Walking Tour of Julian, CA
See all activities in Descanso

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