What to do in Descanso, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

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.

Descanso Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Descanso has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Descanso is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Descanso to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Descanso Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Descanso.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Descanso attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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What to do in Descanso

Discover the most popular places to visit in Descanso

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

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Descanso

Iron Mountain trail with fence in Poway, California.

Ramona

Aerial view of Mountain with snow in Julian, San Diego County, California, in the United States

Julian

Frequently asked questions

Is Descanso worth visiting?
Descanso offers a unique mix of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into the outdoors, history or local culinary flavours, there's a lot you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Descanso?
Begin your day with a visit to Lions, Tigers & Bears and Viejas Bowl. Then, tour different parts of Descanso for local dining and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Descanso?
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is one of the top tourist attractions in Descanso and deserves a spot on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Descanso?
You can easily tick off leading attractions like Lions, Tigers & Bears, Viejas Bowl and Cleveland National Forest with a three-day break in Descanso. On average, many travellers book three days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Chula Vista.
What are some activities to do in Descanso with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, a schedule filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Descanso with kids.

What to do in Descanso for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or fan of Mother Nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Descanso for adults.
Are there free things to do in Descanso?
One of the best ways to learn about free things to do in Descanso is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can visit without opening your wallet. Cleveland National Forest is one spot that doesn't charge an entrance fee.

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