Descanso, CA

Travel Guide

Beautiful flower blossom at Descanso Garden
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.
Sycuan Casino Resort

Sycuan Casino Resort

4 out of 5
5469 Casino Way El Cajon CA
$128 nightly
The price is $140 total per night from Feb 9 to Feb 10
$140 total
Feb 9 - Feb 10
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! (1,705 reviews)
Quiet and clean rooms, great friendly staff, great restaurants on site. Most importantly, clean and pleasant casino.

Reviewed on Feb 4, 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 Feb 19 to Feb 20
$182 total
Feb 19 - Feb 20
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! (1,353 reviews)
The room was very clean, updated, and staff was very friendly.

Reviewed on Jan 23, 2026

Lamplighter Inn & Suites at SDSU
Rancho Bernardo Inn

Rancho Bernardo Inn

4 out of 5
17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr San Diego CA
$303 nightly
The price is $345 total per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
$345 total
Feb 22 - Feb 23
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury resort in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (997 reviews)
Great property with attentive staff. Would definitely stay again!

Reviewed on Feb 3, 2026

Rancho Bernardo Inn
See all 1,086 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (253 reviews)
Wonderful stay!

Reviewed on Feb 2, 2026

San Diego Country Estates
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! (48 reviews)
Great stay

Reviewed on Jan 30, 2026

Jamul's Jewel: 10ACRES,Hilltop,Heated*Salt Pool,Spa*,City & Mtn.Views,B-Ball Court*,Grill,Horseshoes
Private Suite with Pool - Newly Decorated - Centrally Located

Private Suite with Pool - Newly Decorated - Centrally Located

San Diego CA
Stay at this vacation home in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Balboa Park and Snapdragon Stadium are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (87 reviews)
Terrific experience! Lovely hosts, a great space, wonderful neighborhood, and no shortage of parking :-)

Reviewed on Dec 27, 2025

Private Suite with Pool - Newly Decorated - Centrally Located
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

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

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

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
Salem Puzzling Adventure

Julian Puzzling Adventure

$35
per traveler
Julian Puzzling Adventure
See all activities in Descanso

Reviews of Descanso

4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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4 - Good
1
4 - Good 100%
3 - Okay
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3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
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2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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4/5 - Good

Kea

Love the small time country feel and the great outdoors.

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