3 Best Places To See in El Cajon, CA

"The Water Conservation Garden is a 6-acre garden that showcases native plants, sustainable landscaping, and a butterfly pavilion. The garden is owned and operated by a Joint Powers Authority, which consists of the City of San Diego, Helix Water District, Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District, Otay Water District, Sweetwater Authority, and the San Diego County Water Authority. The garden highlights water-wise gardening through a series of beautiful themed exhibits, such as a native plant garden, a sensory garden, a meadow garden, as well as how-to displays, such as mulch and irrigation. The Water Conservation Garden also features a live desert tortoise and butterfly pavilion that is open in the spring and summer each year. The garden offers many programs and services, including workshops on gardening, sustainability, art, wellness, and adult, youth, and community education programs. The garden also hosts large events, such as festivals and plant sales throughout the year, that feature family-friendly activities. The Water Conservation Garden also hosts fundraisers, weddings, and other ceremonies. Free admission is available for children (2 and under) and garden members.

"Gillespie Field Annex is dedicated to aviation and space technology and provides several models and restored aircraft. The museum is located at the northeastern corner of Gillespie Field. Gillespie Field Annex is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is now a Smithsonian affiliate. Visitors can explore various aircraft, including many examples of military jets, private sport aircraft, and small racing planes. The museum brings new additions, which are the S-3 Viking, the P2 Neptune, and Baron Hilton’s Staggerwing. The restoration shop at Gillespie Field Annex is the main museum building, which is staffed by highly skilled volunteers. In addition to repairing various historic aircraft, they can build authentic reproductions. The museum's current projects for the year include the Boeing FB5 and Aeronca L-3. From a small one-hangar beginning, the San Diego Air & Space Museum’s annex at Gillespie Field has grown to become the main part of the museum’s aircraft program. Gillespie Field Annex offers a gift shop, along with snacks and drinks for purchase. Free admission for children under 2.

"Heritage of the Americas Museum has a collection of unique art, artifacts, and natural history specimens. The museum's exhibits are divided into four sections: natural history, archaeology, anthropology, and art. They feature prehistoric and historical works from various cultures and native peoples, as well as more recent immigrants to the area. The museum houses a collection of dynastic jade pieces, including a 2,000-year-old jade burial suit from the Han Dynasty, regarded as one of the finest in the United States. Visitors can marvel at the impressive displays of art, sculptures, and artifacts, which offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Americas. The museum's Chinese artifacts are particularly noteworthy. Visitors can also enjoy engaging and knowledgeable tour guides who enhance the experience with their insights.