El Cajon
The Best Things You Can Do in El Cajon
The El Cajon commercial municipality was founded in the early days of its modern development. These two historical names are "The Big Box Valley", as well as "The Corners." Its growth can be directly linked to its role as the San Diego County's first agrarian heartland.
In the early 19th century, mission padres were searching for pasture land. This led to them finding the El Cajon Valley. The foothills acted as a barrier for any straying animals and a watershed, allowing the valley floor to receive the few rains. The mission and its native Indian converts had their cattle herds on the pasture land for years.
The Spanish Dons started to envy the huge holdings of Roman Catholic missions after independence from Spain. California Governor Pio Pico in 1845 took Mission San Diego de Alcala's land and granted El Cajon Valley's El Cajon League to Dona Maria Anton Estudillo to repay a $500 government loan.
The grant generally covered the present communities at Lakeside, Santee and Bostonia, Glenview. Johnstown, El Cajon and a part of Grossmont.
There is no evidence in recorded history that would support the idea of a permanent Spanish/American community in the Valley. The Petronas were able to remain in San Diego, while their absentee owners did little to promote economic development.
A few scattered homes of adobe building were constructed in the area in mid-19th-century, but it is not clear if their permanent occupancy was possible. The establishment of six schools in 1870 at Park and Magnolia proved that the United States had established a permanent settlement.
What were the key elements that shaped El Cajon’s fate? First, El Cajon was given over to the Pedrorenas.
This allowed the so-called best and highest land use in commercial terms. The natural corridors also made Main & Magnolia the crossroads connecting San Diego to the east and to Julian's gold mining operations.
Third, Issac Lakershim, an entrepreneur from San Francisco, was the one who initiated real estate developments in the aftermath of the Civil War. Amaziah Lennox, a New Englander emigrant, had the native instincts to realize the economic value in the corner lot. This led to the construction of El Cajon’s first commercial building on Magnolia and Main in 1876. Finally, the growth phenomenon paved a way for post-1945's rapid urbanization along Mission Valley and El Cajon, through La Mesa.
After the American Civil War ended, waves of settlers began to seek homesteads on West-owned public lands. Pio Pico's Rancho Cajon land gift to the Pedrorenas, however, was not clearly defined and was subject to considerable dispute. These pioneering homesteaders are frequently referred to as "squatters", in historical accounts.
Lankershim acquired the majority of Pedrorena’s Rancho Cajon holdings from Major Levi Chase in 1868. Chase was his attorney. Seven years of litigation elapsed before the title was released and settlements were reached between the settlers and Lankershim. Lankershim subdivided the land and sold large tracts for wheat farming.
It was quickly discovered that the climate and soil can support almost any crop. Within a matter of years, the Big Box Valley was a vibrant produce center for grapes as well as avocados. The favorable climate for drying raisins was a key selling point in real estate.
The Julian gold mining operations drew a steady stream in freight traffic transporting equipment, supplies and ore from San Diego to Julian. The natural drift line led teamsters down the Mussey old grade (now covered with San Vicente Reservoir), to the present site Magnolia and Main, and then west through Grossmont Pass into San Diego.
Knox had moved into Valley in 1869 to construct Lankershim’s home and manage his wheat-farm. Aware of the teamsters' tendency to camp overnight at the present location of Main, Magnolia, Knox built a seven-room house as a combination residence/hotel on its southwest corner in1876. A large two-story annexe was added. 1882.
Knox's Corner became El Cajon's core business district for the following seventy years. Two hotels, two general shops, a market for meat, a mail office, and a pharmacy were found along Main Street. Also, there was a blacksmith shop, a harness shop, and other smaller shops and offices.
At the general election on November 12, 1912, 123 of 158 electors voted to incorporate a one-quarter-square-mile area centering on the historic corners of Main and Magnolia. The board of five trustees met on the following week in order to elect one of their members as president and appoint city attorney.
Regular meetings were held on the first Wednesday of each months. However, special arrangements were made to operate and organize the administration were not often.
Salaries were fixed by ordinances, resolutions, and bills were passed to fix salaries or other payments, provide for the grading, sprinkling, and construction of bridges, as well as mapping the City. For Streets, Alleys, Lights, Finance, Licenses, Health, Morals, and Sanitation, there were several committees.
Apart from the elected positions Treasurer/Clerk, appointments were made as Marshal/Tax Collector and Engineer, Recorder, Superintendent and Streets, two Marshals, a Fire Chief, and two Deputy Marshalls.
El Cajon remained in orderly development for the following thirty years. By 1940, the population had almost doubled to 1471. The winds changed dramatically in the five following World War II. The population increased to 5,600, despite the slight increase in land area to 1.67 acres.
1949 saw the City Council examine the feasibility and operation of a council manager form of government in order to meet the planning and administrative needs of an expanding metropolitan area.
The office was established in 1950 by the City Manager to address the most explosive decade of El Cajon's and any comparable community's history. The incorporated area would grow five-fold, to 9.8 acres, and the population sixfold, to 37.618 in 1960.
This remarkable growth did not happen without some trauma. Sorely stretched were fiscal resources for capital investment to keep municipal service abreast of increasing demand.
It was necessary to make substantial capital investments in almost all departments: police, firefighting and sewage treatment.
1959: The Council and Manager commissioned a study to examine the City's possible future and present structure. This study was remarkable in its ability to predict the unexpected developments of double-digit inflation and federal income sharing in the 70s.
El Cajon implemented these projections, research findings, and projections into its master planning process, and it was able to move ahead with many important projects over the next ten year. The acquisition and use of additional fire fighting equipment resulted a significant improvement in insurance ratings.
The Vernon Way property purchase in the early 1950s allowed for the creation of storage and maintenance facilities as well as public works maintenance. Traffic congestion problems began to appear in the incorporated areas with the completion of twelve street improvements projects. A cross-service agreement was reached with the San Diego Metropolitan Sewer District. Additionally, a significant outfall construction project eliminated the need to rely upon septic systems that saturate ground to dangerous levels.
As the city nears the end the 20th century, its growth is more measured and organized than that of the wild fifties. We are guided in fiscally responsible and prudent civic leadership.
It has weathered the rapid growth period with a strong economy and a governmental system that offers complete municipal service. In 1976, El Cajon opened a new civic facility to serve its citizens. This was during the nation's bicentennial.
The Neighborhood Center on Lexington Avenues and the Headquarters Fire Station are our most recent additions. One might pause to wonder about the thoughts and actions of a strong New England emigrant that built El Cajon's first diagonally-oriented commercial structure a century earlier.
Olaf Wieghorst Museum.
Olaf Wieghorst Museum Of Western Heritage Center
The Olaf Wieghorst Museum is named after a regional artist, best known for his paintings of the American West during the 19th century. It is one of El Cajon’s premier cultural attractions.
It is located on Rea Ave in town. It includes a stunning collection of works on horses. Cowboys. Native Americans.
The paintings include oil paintings and watercolors. The venue hosts numerous year-round events that include guest speakers, visiting galleries, and educational opportunities.
The Water Conservation Garden
Despite its population of large cities, Southern California has a dry climate. This makes water conservation very important.
The Water Conservation Garden located at Cuyamaca College Drive El Cajon spans five acres. It contains several distinct cultivated areas along with walking paths and educational exhibits.
In addition to seeing the beautiful trees and flowers, guests will also learn about native plants and how to incorporate them into sustainable home gardens. Guests can take a tour of the grounds or meet up with a docent to guide them.
Sycuan Casino
Although San Diego has many casinos, few of them can be found in such stunning natural surroundings as Sycuan Casino El Cajon.
It's a favorite retreat for locals and tourists from out of state, and it's consistently ranked in the top ten of the region's best gaming options.
It is home to hundreds of slot machines, as well as dozens upon dozens of other table games such poker, blackjack, and even bingo. It is a popular choice for diehard gamblers. If you don't feel like risking your vacation dollars on a roll at the dice, there are plenty of activities. Other options include world class dining, live entertainment, or a spa.
Air Group One Commemorative Air Force Museum
The Air Group One Commemorative Airforce Musuem is a must-see attraction that's located on North Marshal Avenue in an actual Hangar.
It attracts large crowds of active and retired military personnel, but it's also a big hit with kids who find its collection of sleek warbirds especially impressive. The museum also hosts many annual events, including helicopter shows and hot-air-ball rides, live entertainment, face painting booths, and other family-friendly activities. Before you book a memorable holiday, make sure you check their calendar online.
Burning Beard Brewing Company
The heat and dry weather of Southern California's desert-high desert has a strange way of draining energy from those who spend long days outside. There are many choices in and around El Cajon to satisfy craft beer lovers.
Burning Beard Brewing Company, located in El Cajon on Vernon Way. Although it only opened in 2015, it has already attracted a loyal customer base of beer lovers who appreciate its large selection and comfortable atmosphere. There are many beer options available from ales and IPAs all the way to porters & stouts. This should make it easy for you to find a tasty option.
Sky Combat Ace
A long training period at an elite military institution, such as the US Air Force Academy, is required to become a combat ace piloting a high-performance aircraft. But El Cajon residents have an alternative. It's much faster and, according to previous participants, was the most exhilarating part of their vacation.
Sky Combat Ace was established by an Air Force pilot. Its excursions include military-style terminology and training, making them unique and authentic. You can choose from many packages, including aerobatics and aerial fighting. Your instructor will accompany you at each step.
Crafted Greens
Crafted Greens is a vegetarian restaurant. However, you might be able to deduce from the name that Crafted Greens serves vegan food. It does however offer many homemade comfort foods like soups, steaks, and hearty sandwiches. They pride their selves on using high-quality, fresh ingredients. This results in delicious, healthier meals that you won't find in most restaurants.
These are some of our most popular menu items:
Seared ahi tuna
Caesar salad
Fresh, locally sourced veggies
Baked goods like brownies
Crafted Greens, located on Jamacha Road El Cajon. They also do a fast take-out business for those who like to eat in their hotel rooms at the end of a long, tiring day.
Heritage of the Americas Museum
The Heritage of the Americas Museum, which houses multiple museums, is a great choice if you are looking for value and a way to save money. Its collections cover art, archaeology, anthropology and natural history.
There are items such as Native American artifacts and fossilized remains from rare animals that died in La Brea's tar pits near LA thousands of years ago. Frederic Remington and other artists will be appreciated by guests. There are also desert gardens, quiet outdoor seating and other amenities.
The San Diego Aerospace Museum Reconstruction Facility
San Diego has a long heritage of military aviation. There is one thing that will truly stand out for lovers of classic airborne fighting aircraft like F-86 Sabre Jets. The San Diego Aerospace Museum's Restoration Facility is located El Cajon. It specializes in restoring mothballed fighters and other aircraft to their original condition. It takes thousands of hours of painstaking effort and a lot to make it all happen but visitors tend to agree that it's well worth it.
The museum features finished aircraft suspended from ceilings as if in flight. The staff offers several engaging activities that will allow guests to see behind-the-scenes of the restoration work.
Singing Hills Golf Resort
The year-round temperatures in El Cajon & San Diego are ideal for outdoor activities, such as golf. Singing Hills Golf Resort El Cajon has three 18-hole courses. They're located on nearly 500 acres and are just a few kilometers from the Sycuan Casino. There are free shuttles available for visitors to the casino. Singing Hills will have it all. The course also has a proshop, a driving area, and pre-round putting and chipping areas.
El Cajon Bistro & Bakery
El Cajon Bistro & Bakery are a locally owned restaurant that is located on Jamacha Road in the downtown area. El Cajon was founded 2013 and is known for its delicious fresh baked goods, hearty mornings, and potent espresso. The restaurant's efficient and generous service has been praised by previous guests. El Cajon's modern and comfortable restaurant is also a hit with the busy shopper. Perennial menu favorites include eggs Benedicts, omelets and scones.
Mission Trails Regional Park
Mission Trails Regional Park, covering more than 7,00 acres in some the most beautiful natural areas of San Diego County, deserves to be included on any activity- and nature-oriented traveler who wants to get away. It's the largest municipal parks of its kind in the whole state. It's very popular among bikers. The park is situated approximately 15 kilometers northeast of El Cajon. It features more than 60-miles of trails. While some of these are best left for the adventurous, others are suitable to moderately fit travelers and those traveling with young children. Camping and fishing are both very popular and the park's docents host many guided activities.
Lamplighters Community Theater
Lamplighters Community Theater, located about eight kilometers from El Cajon at Severin Drive is La Mesa, has existed in one form or the other since the 1930s. It has been around for many decades and has undergone many changes, but it remains one of San Diego County’s premier community theatres. Half a dozen shows were presented throughout the year by the theatre's performers and staff. They're always highly anticipated productions that draw theatre lovers from all parts of the country.
Mount Helix Park
Mount Helix can also be found in La Mesa. It is just a stone's Throw from the community mentioned earlier. This is the perfect spot for those who want to see the San Diego skyline from a car or a bus. The park offers a loop trail, which is flat, well marked, and suitable to travelers with children. There are many shaded areas and large open spaces making it ideal for enjoying picnics, jogging, or just a lazy afternoon reading under a tree. Signs displaying interesting facts are located throughout the park and provide information about the animals or plants that call the park home.
San Diego Trolley Tour
There's so much to see in El Cajon. San Diego is a short drive away, but there are many options for those who wish to explore. San Diego Trolley Tours can be a great way to explore the City without having your car jammed. It's a nice escape from El Cajon’s rural setting for many visitors. Tours will take you through several neighborhoods and districts of the city, including shops as well museums and galleries. Trolley tours offer a quick way to get acquainted with the City's layout if you are only staying for a day. San Diego is about 40 miles southwest of El Cajon.
