Best Outdoor Activities in El Cajon

"Built in the 1930s, La Jolla’s Children’s Pool was created as a family beach space, but since then it's been descended on by herds of seals and sea lions. Despite the pinnipeds' particularly pungent odor, tourists come in droves to see them larking around, swimming, fighting and mating. Visitors can get extremely close via a concrete platform surrounding the cove, and the seals don't seem to mind – but there's strictly no touching, feeding or selfies to be taken with the seals."

"Location: Harbor Island (across the Street from the San Diego Airport)Water slide: NoAdults only pool: No. This pool is on the list for people who need a San Diego airport hotel but would like a pool, too. Guests may watch yachts meander through the harbor and enjoy water views from the pool at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina."

"This hike will take you through unique rock structures, and at the end, you can enjoy the sunset from the beach (a sometimes nude one). Don’t forget to check out the Mushroom House too while you’re there. More: Photo Guide to Hiking the Ho Chi Minh Trail"

"With shades of orange, red, and avocado, even the hues of the walls at Market are enough to inspire hunger. Follow this introduction up by rendezvousing with the super-fresh sushi menu.[Learn more]"

"Located in the historic Gaslamp neighborhood, Lionfish offers a seafood-centric menu with an emphasis on sustainable, local ingredients. Chef JoJo Ruiz is a homegrown San Diegan who studied under Michelin-starred and celebrity chefs. His dishes are works of art, visually and gastronomically."

"Restaurants in San Diego’s touristy Gaslamp Quarter haven't had to try very hard in the past, but the 2017 opening of the swanky Pendry Hotel infused the neighborhood with new culinary energy. Of the hotel's six drinking and dining venues..."

"Sushi might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a family restaurant. However, if you were to ask my daughter and her friends what their favorite spot is right now they would say Kura. It’s a gamified revolving sushi restaurant where the more plates you empty, the happier the “ninja” is."

"What to know: Prior to the pandemic, wait times were very long for Kura. Now, lines are very short if any as they have a large outdoor dining area!. Also, spaces between tables actually allow for a 6 foot distance between parties."

"They have daily deals for checking in on Facebook which allow you to get their specials. Mini-Mondays is my favorite."

"Studio Diner is open late-night (round-the-clock from Thursday through Sunday and until midnight during the rest of the week) and set on a working studio lot in the Kearny Mesa business district. The menu features a wide array of great selections, made from only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. Try the turkey Reuben sandwich, T-bone steak and eggs, patty melt or other hearty fare but be sure to save room for Yo Mama's apple pie or decadent carrot cake."

"You'll feel like you've gone back in time in this classic movie-themed diner-style restaurant when you walk into Studio Diner. Their menu consists of American classics and even an "East Coast Specials Menu.". So if you find yourself vacationing in SD (or if you already live here) and can't decide what to eat, take some advice from Guy Fieri himself and try out one of these San Diego restaurants."

"OK, now we're talking genuine diner: all steel and chrome and bay windows. Studio Diner is a true roadside diner, located off the beaten path on the grounds of the Stu Segall studios (Veronica Mars). Refurbished with a movie studio theme, Studio Diner is sleek and slightly upscale, featuring comfort food tweaked ever so slightly, in a delicious way."