If you think San Diego is all beaches and tourists, spend a day or two exploring its neighborhoods, and you will quickly change your mind. East County and Old Town offer some of the most interesting food, entertainment, and local culture in the whole metro. And the best part? When you stay at San Diego RV Resort, you are close to all of it.
We are talking about La Mesa, El Cajon, and Old Town San Diego. Three spots with very different personalities, but each one is worth a visit on its own. Whether you want to cruise through a classic car show, eat your way through some seriously good BBQ, or grab a margarita in a historic open-air plaza, this corner of San Diego has it covered. And when you are done, your rig is waiting back at the resort. No re-routing, no hunting for new parking, no hassle.
Here is a look at what awaits you in each area, including upcoming events to add to your calendar.
La Mesa: The Village You Did Not Know You Needed
La Mesa does not always get the spotlight, but locals know it well. The downtown strip along La Mesa Boulevard has a walkable, small-town feel that is rare in a city this size. There are good restaurants, local shops, and a weekly farmers market that draws a real crowd.
On the food side, Limoncello is a polished Italian option that still feels like a neighborhood spot and a strong choice for a real sit-down dinner. If you are in the mood for something with a little more ambiance, the Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room consistently comes up as one of the top picks in the area for a special-occasion night out. For Mexican food fans, Hacienda Cazadores is a reliable pick for bold flavors in a sit-down setting. And if you want something newer and a little more eclectic, Scena Fusion Kitchen and Bar has been getting attention as a higher-end dining option that the East County area really needed.
Beyond the restaurants, La Mesa Village has a great event calendar throughout the summer. The La Mesa Village Farmers Market runs every Friday along La Mesa Boulevard between 4th Street and Palm Avenue, with over 90 vendors covering everything from fresh produce and fish to hot foods, baked goods, live entertainment, and local artisans. If you are in town on a Thursday evening this summer, do not miss the car show. The 32nd Annual La Mesa Classic Car Show runs every Thursday from June 4 through August 27, 5 to 8 p.m., along La Mesa Boulevard between 4th and Spring Street, featuring pre-1974 cars, trucks, and vans, plus live music from local bands playing on the iconic La Mesa Lumber truck stage, a DJ, and weekly car awards. It is a free, easy night out that RVers and their families tend to love.
The fun does not stop at food and cars either. The La Mesa Village Association also hosts Bingo in the Village, a walk-and-play evening where you stroll through local businesses and complete fun tasks for the chance to win prizes. It is a good one for kids and adults alike.
El Cajon: More Than You Are Expecting
El Cajon gets overlooked, which is a shame. It is a real city with a diverse food scene, a surprisingly good live music venue, and a downtown area that has been working hard on its revitalization.
For food, Buckboard’s Barbecue and Brew is consistently one of the top-rated spots in El Cajon, and the reviews back it up. The tri-tip, brisket, and smoked jalapeño BBQ sauce have their own fan club. Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse is another crowd favorite, along with Mal Al Sham, which brings Syrian and Lebanese flavors to the East County food scene. If you want something on the lighter side, Crafted Greens is a popular pick for a healthier lunch or dinner.
El Cajon also has one of the better mid-size music venues in the county. The Magnolia Performing Arts Center has a solid lineup running through summer 2026, with shows covering everything from tribute acts to touring national artists. Check their calendar before you head out, there is almost always something worth catching.
On the community events side, El Cajon’s Parks and Recreation Department runs a summer Movies in the Park series from June through August at several city parks, featuring family-friendly films, games, crafts, and activities. They also host America on Main Street, 4th of July Fireworks, and other free, family-focused events throughout the summer. Downtown El Cajon also hosts its own seasonal farmers market, so it is worth checking the Downtown El Cajon Association website for upcoming events during your stay. Be sure to visit our Summer activities page here to see the top attractions in the area.
If you would like to learn more about Downtown El Cajon, be sure to visit their official website here.
Old Town San Diego: History, Tacos, and a Trolley Ride Away
Old Town San Diego is one of those places that earns its hype. It is the birthplace of California, and it manages to balance genuine history with great food, open-air shopping, and weekend entertainment that feels unmanufactured.
Getting there from San Diego RV Resort is easy. The MTS Green Line trolley runs from El Cajon through Mission Valley and directly into Old Town, operating every 15 minutes. That means you can leave your rig parked, hop on the trolley, and walk into Old Town without dealing with traffic or parking. It is one of the more underrated transit options in San Diego and is worth taking advantage of.
For food, you have a few classics that are worth knowing. Casa de Reyes sits in the heart of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park with a menu built on traditional Mexican fare and outdoor seating that feels like a tucked-away oasis. Mariachi bands perform in the Fiesta de Reyes plaza every weekend, so you get dinner and a show for the price of your enchiladas.
Cafe Coyote has been holding it down for over 30 years, with fresh ingredients, a massive tequila selection, and a reputation for great margaritas. Old Town Mexican Cafe is right next door and puts honest-to-goodness Mexican cooking front and center, known for its carnitas and handmade tortillas. If you want something a little different, El Agave Restaurant and Tequileria combines a strong tequila program with dishes like fish tacos, octopus, and beef filet tacos.
On the events side, Old Town has something going on almost every weekend. The Fiesta de Reyes stage offers free live entertainment on Friday evenings and on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons and evenings, with Old Town’s mariachi band and folklórico dancers performing regularly. The Harney Street Market runs every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring jewelry, photography, clothing, hand-blown glass, pottery, and more.
If you want a guided experience, the Tequila, Tacos, and Tombstones food tour runs from May through September and covers Old Town history, authentic Mexican cuisine, tequila tastings, and a few stops at genuinely spooky landmarks, including the Whaley House. It is a fun option for a date night or a group outing.
San Diego offers Daily, Weekly, and monthly stays this summer
Make San Diego RV Resort Your Home Base
All three of these areas are close enough to San Diego RV Resort to make day trips easy and stress-free. Stay put, venture out, and come back to your site at the end of the day. Once you are parked, the whole east side of San Diego is yours to explore.
Ready to book your stay? Visit San Diego RV Resort to check availability and lock in your dates.
