El Cajon vacation rentals

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Top-rated vacation rentals in El Cajon

Guests agree: these vacation rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

Guest favorite

Guesthouse in El Cajon

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 148 reviews

Modern mountain guest house. Incredible views

Neighboring San Diego, quaint country living with incredible views minutes from everything, breathtaking sunsets, 20 mins to beach, close by hiking trails, and only 3 minutes hop on the freeway. Full Kitchen, Laundry, and Living area and with beautiful furnishings, a perfect home away from home. Whether traveling for work or play we have had guests stay for a conference in San Diego or just to visit friends and hit the beach a few days, we look forward to you loving our home as much as we do.

Aug 23 – 30

R3,268 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Guest suite in Santee

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 247 reviews

Spacious 1 bedroom unit w/ king bed & parking

Come relax in this bright & spacious 1 bedroom detached unit with private entrance. This room has a king bed, full bathroom, table & chairs, mini fridge/freezer, microwave, closet w/ hangers, dresser, Tv and beautiful mountain views. La Jolla Beaches, downtown San Diego, the Zoo, and Sea World are 25 minutes away. Santee Lakes is just a short drive away where you can enjoy fishing, paddle boating, splash park, biking and picnic area. Mission Gorge Trails is also located just 5 minutes away.

Jun 13 – 20

R1,617 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in El Cajon

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 129 reviews

Mt Helix Studio Loft with Mountain Views

Mountain Views: Freshly renovated, quiet and spacious studio loft in private neighborhood. Close to coffee shops, grocery stores, and quick access to major highways. 500 sqft open concept. Laundry, Fast Internet, Cable TV and streaming services. Additionally, if you like oranges and avocados we grow them on the property (Seasonal of course). We also have a chicken coop and fresh eggs on request. Security Deposit Hold and Signed Short-term Rental Agreement Required as we live on the property.

Jun 16 – 23

R3,204 ZAR per night

Popular amenities for El Cajon vacation rentals

Stay near El Cajon's top sights

Parkway Plaza Mall26 locals recommend
In-N-Out Burger3 locals recommend
Trader Joe's52 locals recommend
Casa De Pico32 locals recommend
Brigantine Seafood Restaurant100 locals recommend
Sharp Grossmont Hospital7 locals recommend

Other great vacation rentals in El Cajon

Guest favorite

Guest suite in Spring Valley

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 117 reviews

🤲🏼 Handmade hideaway Mt. Helix - AC/Laundry/Parking

May 4 – 11

R2,258 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Guest suite in La Mesa

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 114 reviews

Private & cozy getaway 8min from downtown SD

Oct 23 – 30

R2,103 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in La Mesa

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 204 reviews

Fig Tree Bungalow

Jun 16 – 23

R2,380 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in La Mesa

4.87 out of 5 average rating, 180 reviews

(2) US Entire upstairs Apartment MT HELIX

Jul 25 – Aug 1

R2,719 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in La Mesa

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 242 reviews

Spacious, private Mt. Helix country style studio

Jul 15 – 22

R2,773 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in La Mesa

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 140 reviews

La Cabana

Jun 3 – 10

R2,968 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Home in El Cajon

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 84 reviews

Suite Charles Way: A Cozy Fletcher Hills Studio

Sep 8 – 15

R2,120 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in El Cajon

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 51 reviews

Hilltop Casita Mount Helix

Jun 10 – 17

R1,856 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in El Cajon

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 91 reviews

Farmhouse Cottage Retreat with Mountain View’s

Apr 7 – 14

R2,463 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Farm stay in El Cajon

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 39 reviews

Modern Farmhouse Hideaway near San Diego

Apr 26 – May 3

R2,800 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in El Cajon

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 69 reviews

Guest House & Pool in East San Diego County

Jun 2 – 9

R2,263 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Home in La Mesa

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 52 reviews

Cozy, Single Bedroom, Detached Guest House

Oct 15 – 22

R2,597 ZAR per night

Other great vacation rentals in El Cajon

Guest favorite

Guesthouse in La Mesa

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 37 reviews

Beautiful Bright Mt. Helix Studio

Dec 13 – 20

R2,525 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in El Cajon

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 32 reviews

Studio on 2 ACRES

Oct 16 – 23

R2,202 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in La Mesa

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 45 reviews

ino Mt. Helix

Oct 4 – 11

R2,668 ZAR per night
Superhost

Home in Lakeside

4.84 out of 5 average rating, 38 reviews

Beautiful Ranch House and Garden

Oct 21 – 28

R1,750 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Guest suite in La Mesa

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 30 reviews

Emerald King Wellness Suite w/ Sauna & Workspace

Aug 25 – Sep 1

R2,626 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Home in La Mesa

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 24 reviews

Casita De Grossmont Pool House

Sep 21 – 28

R2,447 ZAR per night
Superhost

Tiny home in La Mesa

4.85 out of 5 average rating, 34 reviews

Tiny House of Tiny Things

Aug 17 – 24

R1,988 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Guest suite in Lakeside

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 73 reviews

Cozy, secure, and quiet studio in Lakeside

Sep 30 – Oct 7

R2,127 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in La Mesa

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 35 reviews

Secluded, tranquil 1-bedroom in plumeria paradise

Oct 28 – Nov 4

R2,800 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Apartment in El Cajon

4.85 out of 5 average rating, 26 reviews

Quaint Apt with International decor

Sep 10 – 17

R1,756 ZAR per night
Superhost

Home in El Cajon

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 5 reviews

Cozy 1BR Home with Lovely Front Yard

Apr 18 – 25

R2,180 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Lakeside

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 69 reviews

Guest House

Mar 9 – 16

R2,538 ZAR per night

Quick stats about vacation rentals in El Cajon

Total rentals

370 properties

Rentals with dedicated workspaces

200 properties have a dedicated workspace

Rentals with a pool

150 properties have a pool

Pet-friendly rentals

130 properties allow pets

Family-friendly rentals

180 properties are a good fit for families

Total number of reviews

11K reviews

Your guide to El Cajon

All About El Cajon

A pocket of urban activity with El Monte County Park to the east and Cowles Mountain to the west, the city of El Cajon (The Box) is located in a fertile box-shaped valley known for its robust yields of grapes, citrus, and tomatoes. Succulents dot the mountainous landscape, which coexists with the growing city less than a half-hour east of San Diego. A great way to experience the area’s rugged terrain is to hike or bike the popular El Cajon Mountain Trail, whose 11 miles of dips and climbs are blanketed by wildflowers in spring. The city is home to several museums, including a natural history museum and an aerospace museum that showcases reproductions of famous planes such as the 1901 Wright Glider. Take the downtown trolley to explore El Cajon attractions like the local brewery, sprawling golf course, and community theater.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in El Cajon

The best time to book El Cajon vacation rentals is April through May and October through December, to make the most of mild temperatures and drier weather reminiscent of the Mediterranean. The summer months tend to be marked by searing heat — pack a hat, and bring water for hikes in the sun — while January through March can be wet, so you’ll need a waterproof jacket.

Some big events to watch out for during these times include America on Main Street, held in May, which features rides, food, and arts and crafts. The all-ages Mother Goose Parade, held the Sunday before Thanksgiving, includes floats, marching bands, and giant helium balloons.


Top things to do in El Cajon

San Diego Air & Space Museum & Annex

In the southwestern corner of San Diego’s Balboa Park, you’ll find artifacts of aerospace history, like a replica of the Montgolfier brothers’ hot-air balloon of 1783, the first manned air vehicle, and famous military planes such as the Spitfire, Hellcat, and Skyhawk. The museum also hosts a rich space section, focusing on humanity’s continuing quest for the stars. El Cajon is home to the museum’s Gillespie Field Annex, where you can see historic aircraft being restored to their former glory and precise replicas being crafted.

The Water Conservation Garden

Water conservation is an important topic in Southern California. You can take self-guided or docent-led tours of this five-acre garden to learn about native vegetation and sustainable home gardening practices, including encouraging pollinators and harvesting rainwater. Explore a variety of vegetation across the garden, including succulents and cacti.

Mt. Helix Park

Dotted with California sagebrush and desert mallow, Mt. Helix Park is just 10 minutes south of El Cajon by car. At more than 1,300 feet above sea level, the views of the surrounding area are spectacular, especially at sunrise and sunset. Local events are held at the site’s open-air amphitheater, and the quarter-mile Yawkey Trail features signs listing the mountains and hills you can see from this commanding vantage point.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in El Cajon?

    Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 200 vacation rentals in El Cajon featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

  • Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in El Cajon?

    Four-legged friends are welcome in El Cajon. Choose from more than 130 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.

  • Are there El Cajon vacation rentals on Airbnb with pools?

    Yes! Dive into the perfect getaway at one of over 150 vacation homes with pools in El Cajon, available on Airbnb. Make a splash and soak up the sun in style!

  • Do guesthouse rentals in El Cajon have air conditioning?

    Absolutely! We offer over 30 guesthouse rentals with air conditioning in El Cajon. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Do house rentals in El Cajon have a gym?

    Absolutely! We offer over 20 house rentals with a gym in El Cajon. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Do private suite rentals in El Cajon have wifi?

    Absolutely! We offer over 10 private suite rentals with wifi in El Cajon. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • How much does it cost to stay in villa rentals in El Cajon?

    Experience the best of El Cajon with our villa rentals, starting at about $160 per day, before taxes and fees. Embrace comfort and style while staying within your budget in your home away from home.

  • Do house rentals in El Cajon have a bbq area?

    Absolutely! We offer over 50 house rentals with a bbq area in El Cajon. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Are there family-friendly house rentals in El Cajon?

    El Cajon has more than 130 family-friendly house rentals. Amenities on the property may include high chairs, travel cribs, or strollers.

  • What are the most popular amenities for Guesthouse Rentals in El Cajon?

    Enhance your stay in our Guesthouse Rentals with the most popular amenities: over 40 homes with wifi, over 30 homes with air conditioning, and more. Indulge in the ultimate retreat, tailored to your preferences.

Destinations to explore

  1. Airbnb
  2. United States
  3. California
  4. San Diego County
  5. El Cajon