Diving into nature is easy at Lakeside Linkage County Preserve
At first glance, Winter Gardens is pleasant, if a bit nondescript. Tucked in the scrubby hills of San Diego’s East County region, it lacks the tourist attractions and buzz of the coast. And that’s just fine with locals – a mix of military families, professionals and retirees – who appreciate the area’s quiet beauty and its unsung treasures. The Lakeside Linkage County Preserve, for example, protects a patch of coastal sage scrub, a type of native habitat that has almost disappeared from Southern California thanks to overdevelopment. The preserve is excellent for birdwatching. “You can see hawks and sparrows,” says David Collins, a ranger with San Diego County Parks, "and it's also possible to see a cactus wren and other more threatened birds.” Schools offer special opportunities too. Kindergarteners, for example, get a head start on languages at Winter Gardens Elementary, which offers Mandarin and Spanish immersion learning tracks.
An elevated view of the Lakeside Linkage County Preserve n Winter Gardens.
A view of mountains in the backcountry of Winter Gardens.
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Big skies, mountains views and rugged local parks keep the vibe slightly wild
Tidy mobile communities, single-family ranchers and Mission-style homes climb into the scrubby foothills that overlook Winter Gardens Boulevard, a busy thoroughfare cutting north-south through the neighborhood. Mountain views are common. Apartment buildings, a large condominium complex and several strip malls populate the boulevard, which is also lined with auto repair shops, banks and convenience stores. Manufactured homes range from $50,000 for a two-bedroom fixer-upper to $715,000 for a four-bedroom home built in 2015. Single-family residences range from a two-bedroom rancher built in 1948 at $560,000 to a four-bedroom Spanish Revival at $900,000 to $1.1 million for a four-bedroom home with Craftsman features. Townhomes and condos extend from $310,000 for a one-bedroom to $735,000 for a three-bedroom.
The Rancho Valley Mobile Homes in Winter Gardens.
A Spanish ranch-style home in Winter Gardens.
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Young students can immerse in language studies at Winter Gardens Elementary
Winter Gardens Elementary is notable for its Riverview International Academy, which offers Mandarin and Spanish language immersion tracks for kindergarten and first grade students. Niche grades the school a B-. Lakeside Middle School’s mission is to integrate the arts into each area of the curriculum. Niche grades Lakeside a B+. The River Valley Charter School offers a college-style curriculum: students study independently for three days a week and attend classes the other two. The school earns an A+ from Niche.
The River Valley Charter School in Winter Gardens.
The Lakeside Middle School in Winter Gardens.
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Winter Gardens is a basecamp for workers at nearby military bases
Winter Gardens is a ten-minute drive from El Cajon, the sixth largest city in San Diego County and home to several nationally known corporations. Downtown San Diego is 25 miles southwest of Winter Gardens. The morning commute is normally 25 minutes, but that increases to 45 minutes during rush hour. Many commuters drive to area military bases, including Miramar, Naval Air Station North Island and the 32nd Street Naval Base. San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (SDMTS) Bus 848 connects Winter Gardens with the El Cajon Transit Center, where other buses connect to cities across San Diego County.
Winter Gardens is a ten-minute drive from El Cajon.
MTS Bus 848 connects Winter Gardens with the El Cajon Transit Center.
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For a late-night donut, Mary’s Donuts is the place
Numerous restaurants – Greek, Italian, Vietnamese, Mexican and American – are scattered along Winter Gardens Boulevard. It’s donuts 24/7 just off the Boulevard at Mary’s Donuts, a welcoming stop for donuts, pastries and sandwiches after a walk at nearby Lindo Lake County Park. Complementary focaccia bread is a welcome start to meals at Ottavio's Italian Restaurant, acclaimed for its hearty pastas and delicious pizza. Eastbound Bar & Grill serves pub grub and beer and hosts themed bingo nights. For groceries, locals can stop by the Albertson’s on Winter Gardens Boulevard.
Enjoy a welcome start to meals at Ottavio's Italian Restaurant in Winter Gardens.
Mary’s Donuts, a welcoming stop for donuts near Winter Gardens
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Birdwatchers scan for endangered birds
Local hikers quickly immerse in nature on Lakeside Linkage Preserve Trail, which begins on Los Coches Road then ribbons past native vegetation along scrubby hills, all frequented by a variety of birds. Endangered birds that habitat here include the coastal cactus wren and the California gnatcatcher, which might be heard before it is seen thanks to its unique call, which sounds like a crying kitten. Families converge on Lindo Lake County Park. “Lindo Lake is one of the most active parks,” Collins says. “It has two parks in one. There’s a nature trail around the lake and then you have everything from pickleball, to tennis to the skate park and an exercise trail.” The park is also popular with dog walkers and birdwatchers.
Winter Gardens has a nice view of Rattlesnake Mountain.
Residents enjoy the abundant access to nature in Winter Gardens.
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Seasonal events in Santee celebrate the holidays and classic cars
The nearby city of Santee hosts summer concerts as well as “Lights at the Lakes,'' a drive-thru holiday light show from late November through December. Vintage cars roll into downtown Cajon for the “Cajon Classic Cruise” car show held Wednesday nights from mid-April through October.
Photography Contributed By
Joerg Boetel
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