Are you ready for some summer fun? We know that summers in El Cajon, California, can be hot, but we also know that you still want to get out and enjoy the season. That's why we put together this list of the best summer activities you can do in and around El Cajon.
Mariposa Homemade Ice Cream
Image by Courtney Cook is licensed with Unsplash License
There's nothing better than a cold, delicious ice cream cone on a hot summer day. When you just need to cool down with a tasty treat, head over to Mariposa Homemade Ice Cream. They've been serving some of the best ice cream around for the last 22 years. In fact, San Diego Magazine and The New York Times have both voted Mariposa a must-visit spot for visitors and locals alike. You'll get fresh, homemade ice cream, and the people who make it also serve it.
Some of the staple flavors on the menu include:
- White chocolate raspberry ripple.
- Banana walnut.
- Heath butter toffee.
- Cookies and mint.
- Black cherry.
There are also rotating flavors on the menu that change often. So, when you go, you may get a chance to try:
- Rocky road.
- Peanut butter fudge.
- Watermelon sorbet.
- Coconut almond fudge.
This is just a sample of the flavors available, so stop in and see for yourself what's on the menu.
San Diego Natural History Museum
If you're looking for a place to go where you can stay cool and maybe even learn something new, then check out the San Diego Natural History Museum. There's always something fascinating to see in this educational museum, which features exhibits about nature in and around San Diego and Southern California. You'll find out about the dinosaurs that once roamed the area, learn things you never knew about the wildlife that comes out at night, and discover a variety of artifacts and fossils that are rotated regularly. This means you can always find something new when you visit.
Murray Reservoir
The dam that created Murray Reservoir was built in 1918, and this spot now offers plenty of activities for local residents to enjoy. When full, the reservoir has 171.1 surface acres and a maximum depth of 95 feet. It's an especially popular spot during the summer when the days are long and hot, and the park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Take your lunch and enjoy a picnic with a view of the water, and, afterward, try your hand at fishing.
You can also rent boats, canoes, or kayaks to get out on the water. It's a great way to cool off on a hot day. There's a concession stand on-site that's often open during busy times where you can get snacks and drinks when you need to.
San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Another unbelievable location close to El Cajon you can go to this summer is the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Encompassing 2,620 acres of land and water, this refuge protects diverse and endangered species that call the bay home. It has two units: Sweetwater Marsh and South San Diego Bay. These areas protect what remains of the historic coastal salt marsh and intertidal mudflat habitat. You can access these areas in a variety of ways, including by bike, bus, and car. Consider taking one of the monthly tours to learn more about how the refuge protects species and habitats.
Sesame Place
If you're looking for a fun family attraction, why not take the kids to Sesame Place? This is a Sesame Street-themed park with rides, attractions, shows, parades, and so much more. Young kids love seeing their favorite Sesame Street characters performing in shows and just walking around. Bring your camera because there are plenty of photo ops. Making this a summer destination is an excellent idea, as they have family-friendly water rides and slides that will cool everyone down and keep your little ones entertained.
Some water rides have a height requirement, but if your child is at least 48 inches tall, they'll get a chance to check out most of the rides and attractions. Cookie's Monster Mixer is a four-person raft ride that takes you down six stories in a tube water slide. Oscar's Rotten Rafts is another family ride that puts everyone in a raft and sends them off on a twisty, watery path. These are just a couple of the fun rides in store for you at Sesame Place.
Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument is at the southern tip of Point Loma, surrounded by the breathtaking Pacific Ocean. It's a bit of a drive from El Cajon, but it's definitely worth it. Try to plan your trip around low tide so you can check out the tide pools. There's always something interesting to see when you gaze down at the rocks that create small pools when the tide is low.
You can also explore the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which has a long and interesting history. The views are incredible, and the temperature is a little cooler thanks to the water on both sides of the park.
Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park is another spot you can go to that's right on the water and offers a refreshing spot to stay cool. It features a playground and water jets that kids can play in when they get too hot from running around. Street parking and paid parking lots are available nearby, and it's also a smoke- and alcohol-free area, making it very family-friendly. So, pack a picnic, put the kids in their swim gear, and take a trip to Waterfront Park.
El Cajon has plenty to offer in the way of summer activities, and, at Team Kia, we think these are some of the best options for you and your family. If you're looking for a new vehicle to get you to some of these outstanding places, check out our new car inventory and see what's available. Otherwise, stop by and have your car serviced by our trained technicians to ensure you can always make it where you're going and, more importantly, back home.
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