Things to Do in El Cajon

Capturing the essence of a city requires time—time to investigate and learn about local landmarks, time to discover hidden nooks and gems, and time to jump from spire to spire on the area’s tallest buildings. Snap Photo Tours affords urban explorers this needed break in day-to-day routines with two information-packed hours that yield dazzling photographic memories that last long after the final flash evaporates into the air.

Peeking out from behind their viewfinders or forehead-mounted etch-a-sketch, tour takers follow the instruction of the company's energized guides, who intersperse facts about passing sights with tips on how to squeeze the most out of every picture snapped along the way. Tour-goers learn about the history that oozes from each street corner in the Gaslamp Quarter, or marvel at the architecture of Balboa Park, where thriving gardens provide colorful backdrops. No matter the tour, San Diego natives and visitors alike walk away more educated about their surroundings and more prepared to immortalize the potential photographs held within.

At the age of 7, Darcy Edwards would shout for her pony, Fiddlesticks. She still remembers rides on the back of her diminutive steed, though she now has more than 25 years of experience and a forest of colorful ribbons and medals to show for her abilities. In lessons she works to pass on the skills she has accrued in western, dressage, and jumper riding. Darcy, who has been profiled in California Riding Magazine, teaches equestrians of all ages the importance of grooming techniques and accounting for daylight savings time when riding off into the sunset. She also leads day camps for young children in hopes of sparking their equine interests, just as Fiddlesticks sparked hers.

Armed with a fleet of Currie Technologies e-bikes, San Diego Fly Rides introduces explorers to beautiful views of the coast and city accessible by easily navigated trails. After a quick introduction to the bikes, a story-telling guide leads groups of cyclists, rolling at about 20 miles per hour to stay ahead of heckling joggers. The visitors hear the secrets of storied surroundings in La Jolla, Little Italy, San Diego Bay, the historic Gaslamp Quarter, and other famed locales. For a more free-form tour experience, guests can opt for rentals of IZIP Zuma bikes, which come with all the materials necessary so renters can guide themselves, including a map, helmet, water, snack, basket, and bike lock. The shop also sells electric bikes, which generate propelling power but also allow riders to pedal to their heart's content or doctor's orders.

In the cerulean blue waters around Mission Beach, jet-powered craft cut through the waves. Affordable Jet Ski's staff members set customers loose at the helm of a three-seat, 1,100cc Yamaha VX 110, a four-seat, 1,200cc Yamaha SUV, or a Sea Doo jet ski—which enables its pilot to ride standing for higher visibility or sitting to dodge low-flying UFOs. They also supply jet boats, whose 270-horsepower twin engines propel drivers and six passengers through the water. Staffers ensure that all their customers can reach the water by providing a tow vehicle with each rental, and can also lead tours of the area for those unfamiliar with its waters.

Though most art studios operate in a set brick-and-mortar locale, Paint and Palate floats to a rotating cache of locations, celebrating creative ingenuity with cuisine and libations available for purchase. Each painting session pivots on a different theme, whether participants invent their own take on a Picasso classic while snacking on bruschetta, perfect soft, Monet-like brush strokes next to a glass of wine, or stack up thick layers in the style of Van Gogh as they listen to constructive criticism from the voices in their heads. Paint and Palate also sets itself apart by donating 10 percent of its proceeds to local charities that address the needs of children and the elderly.