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By Alyssa Hiestand
May 26, 2024 (El Cajon) -- Just fifteen minutes from Downtown San Diego lies El Cajon, bustling with small businesses, delicious eateries, and more to make any day or night well-spent. Offering an insider perspective, here’s what we’d recommend doing for the ultimate day on Main Street in El Cajon:
- Begin your day at Surje Coffee at the Gallery – a delightful fusion of your favorite cup of joe and the elegance of art! This unique stop along Main Street, open Thursday through Sunday, offers a one-of-a-kind way to start your day in El Cajon.
- Spend your morning and early afternoon at The Weighorst Museum and The Water Conservation Garden, two prime examples of how El Cajon celebrates nature, art, and history. The Weighorst Museum pays homage to Olaf Wieghorst, renowned for his depictions of the nineteenth-century American West, including the cowboys, Native Americans, and settlers who shaped the Western landscape. The Water Conservation Garden showcases drought-tolerant plants, a butterfly pavilion, a soil erosion exhibit, and more, offering a unique perspective on environmental conservation.
- Moving to lunchtime, we recommend Por Favor. It has served traditional Mexican fare to El Cajon since 1974, making it a popular destination for enchiladas, tacos, tostadas, burritos, Punta de Filete, Arroz con pollo, Carnitas and Fajitas. Happy hour runs daily from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and all day on Mondays!
- Another option is Mal Al Sham Mediterranean Food, offering a modern interpretation of classic dishes. Also found along Main Street, a stop at this local eatery is a must, allowing guests to indulge in options like Mal Al Sham Falafel, Chicken Tikka, Hummus, and a variety of Kabobs!
- Head to Burning Beard Brewery before the evening hits, a brewing operation local to El Cajon. It focuses on instilling quality, craftsmanship, and service into every bite and sip. Proudly serving their Burning Beard Hazy IPA is local venue The Magnolia – a nighttime staple for any great day in El Cajon!
- End your day with a concert at The Magnolia. It’s the entertainment epicenter for connecting not only El Cajon but all of San Diego with diverse performers, including A-list concert artists, comedians, community events, live podcasts, and more! Following a multimillion-dollar renovation in 2019, The Magnolia includes free parking, pre-show happenings in an expansive outdoor plaza, a completely refurbished lobby bar serving craft beer and cocktails, a brand-new VIP Lounge, updated guest amenities, and stunning audio and visual capabilities. Upcoming performers include Iron & Wine, Joe Jackson, Whitney Cummings!