Join the Excitement
in the
East County San Diego’s El Cajon Art and Entertainment District
Located in the historic heart of El Cajon, California, this collection of quaint shops in old buildings and modern venues for art, entertainment and accommodations is a must see destination. Stroll well-lit streets. Dine in outdoor patios. Take in a concert and see world class art – all within easy walking distance. Ample free parking.
The East County San Diego’s El Cajon Art and Entertainment District welcomes you.
Museums
Olaf Wieghorst Museum & Western Heritage Center
World class art of the American west. Named one of the Top 10 Western Art Museums in the United States. Event venue. Gift shop.
Knox House Museum
El Cajon’s first hotel, the place where El Cajon was born. Built in 1876. Tours.
Art Galleries, Studios and Shops
East County Art Association (ECAA)
The central meeting place for local artists. Gallery. Gift shop. Coffee. Studio. Art classes.
El Cajon Guitars and Music
The number one place for amateurs and professionals – sales, lessons and service.
The Rich Artist – Denise Rich
Home of the Milk Industry’s Happy Cow art. Original Contemporary oil paintings of cows by renowned artist Denise Rich.
Silver Creek Fine Art Gallery & Custom Framing
Fine art or family memorabilia. You need a custom frame.
Sophie’s Art Gallery & Gift Shop
Amazing art by adults with developmental disabilities.
Studio C Gallery
Contemporary Art
White Sage Gallery – Diane Keltner Sculpture
Portrait Sculpture. See yourself in bronze. Commissioned art.
Ruthie’s Klassic Kreations
Beads, Jewelry & Craft Supplies
Arts in Motion
Performance Art Studio. Music and dance. Programs for special needs youth through Arms Wide Open.
Live Music
The Magnolia
Live Music Event Venue. Concerts by LiveNation.
Downtown Café Bar and Grill
Great food, live music. Outdoor dining.
The Prescott Promenade
Outdoor events. Known for the “Dinner and A Concert” Series of live shows by Downtown El Cajon
Restaurants in East County San Diego’s Art and Entertainment District
Downtown Café Bar and Grill
Lunch. Dinner. Banquets. Buffets. Burgers. Craft Beer. Patio Dining and Live Music.
Por Favor Mexican Restaurant
An East County favorite. Traditional and Mexican regional fare. Mexican beers, margaritas and cocktails. Dine in and patio dining.
Mary’s Main Street Donuts & Deli
Fresh donuts. Made-to-order sandwiches. Eat in. Take out.
Mal Al Sham
Mediterranean fare from street food to dishes worthy of a fine dining experience.
Rob’s Brewpoint
Coffee as you like it
Testo Pepesto Italian Restaurant
Pizza. Pasta. Sandwiches. Dine in. Take out. Order on-line.
Sultan Baklava
Turkish cuisine, bakery, coffee bar. Enjoy a pleasant meal in El Cajon’s historic town hall building.
Ali Baba Family Restaurant
A Mediterranean Family Restaurant featuring distinctive decor reminiscent of fabled ancient kings
Accommodations in East County San Diego’s Art and Entertainment District
Courtyard by Marriott – San Diego El Cajon
Well-appointed new hotel with modern décor and luxe amenities. Bistro. Fitness center. Pool and spa. AAA – Three Diamond rated. Rooms and suites. Appreciated for its modern architecture and displays of modern art.
Where are we?
The East County San Diego’s El Cajon Art and Entertainment District is located in downtown El Cajon. It is bounded roughly by Civic Center Way, Main Street, Magnolia Avenue and Sultzfeld Way. Rea Avenue runs through the center of the two block area.
How do you get here?
By Automobile:
Take Interstate 8 to the Main Street or Magnolia Avenue exits. Go east on Main Street or south on Magnolia until you reach the District.
By Public Transportation:
The El Cajon Transit Center at West Main Street and North Marshall Avenue connects local bus routes to the San Diego Trolley. Leave your car in the Transit Center Park and Ride lot, then take the Trolley to San Diego attractions including San Diego State University, Old Town San Diego, the Gaslamp District, Padre Stadium and more.
Catch a bus from the District to the Transit Center at Main Street and Ballantyne or Main Street and Claydelle Avenue. Routes 815 and 888 provide direct service approximately every thirty minutes during daylight hours, then every hour until 10 pm. Check bus schedules for listings.
Additional Information for Tourists and Travelers
Parking in Downtown El Cajon – free public parking lots and on-street parking
An Electric Vehicle Charging Station is available at the Courtyard by Marriott.
Number of Standard 110V Outlets:
of J1772 Connectors: 2
Number of DC Fast Chargers: 0
EV Network: ChargePoint Network
Open 24 Hours