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San Diego Zoo
World-renowned zoo in Balboa Park home to over 12,000 animals of more than 650 species in naturalistic habitats.
19 km · about 20 min drive
North AmericaUnited StatesCalifornia
El Cajon
California, United States · North America
About El Cajon
El Cajon is worth a stop: 10 minutes from Winter Gardens, 19km from San Diego Zoo.
El Cajon is in California, United States, with about 100,000 people. You drive on the right here. The nearest town is Winter Gardens, about 5 km away.
El Cajon ( el kə-HOHN, Spanish pronunciation: [el kaˈxon] ; Spanish: El Cajón, lit. 'the box') is a city in San Diego County, California, United States, 17 mi (27 km) east of downtown San Diego. The city takes its name from Rancho El Cajón, which was named for the box-like shape of the valley that surrounds the city,Read more
and the origin of the city's common nickname "the Box".
As of the 2020 census, El Cajon had a population of 106,215.
Where to Stay in El Cajon
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near El Cajon?
Within an hour or so of El Cajon: San Diego Zoo (19 km), SeaWorld San Diego (25 km), San Diego Zoo Safari Park (34 km), LEGOLAND California (49 km).
Are there any good drives near El Cajon?
The nearest famous roads are Tijuana-Ensenada Scenic Highway.
Where is El Cajon?
El Cajon is in California, United States, about 5 km from Winter Gardens.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 103,679
- Continent
- North America
- Country
- United States
- Region
- California
- Timezone
- America/Los_Angeles
- Coordinates
- 32.7948, -116.9625
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United States
AAA roadside assistance: 1-800-222-4357. Right turn on red is legal in most states unless signed otherwise.
Full driving guide for United StatesTags
Worth the detour from El Cajon
4 notable places within an hour's drive.
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SeaWorld San Diego
Southern California's marine life park offering animal experiences, aquarium exhibits, and amusement rides.
25 km · about 30 min drive
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San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Expansive wildlife sanctuary in Escondido where animals roam in vast open-range enclosures mimicking their native habitats.
34 km · about 40 min drive
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LEGOLAND California
Carlsbad theme park designed for families with children aged 2–12, featuring over 60 LEGO-themed rides and attractions.
49 km · about 55 min drive
Driving roads near El Cajon
- 79 kmTijuana-Ensenada Scenic HighwayBaja's toll road 1D hugs Pacific cliffs for 100 km between Tijuana and Ensenada, with surf breaks, seafood stops and sweeping ocean panoramas the whole way.
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