Alpine, part of San Diego County, is in the Cuyamaca Mountains, bordering two reservations and the outskirts of El Cajon, California. It's also nearly completely surrounded by the Cleveland National Forest. In the Alpine area, you'll see commercial development, but you'll also see the traditional small farms and horse ranches of the area, and you can take in the rich beauty of the hills and canyons.
Before Colonial times, the Alpine area had been occupied by the Kumeyaay Native Americans, possibly for as long as 12,000 years. Reservations in the area are home to the Kumeyaay, the Viejas, and the Sycuan.
Alpine is about 30 miles from San Diego and the Pacific Ocean coastline. You can enjoy beautiful views and recreation in the Cleveland National Forest and get in a nice hike on the Viejas Mountain Trail or the Corral Hollow Trail. Head to Lions, Tigers & Bears to see an exotic animal sanctuary. If you want to get indoors, shop at the Viejas Outlets, where you can also go bowling and enjoy ice skating in winter. There's so much to see and do in Alpine, but you're also close enough to El Cajon, San Diego, and the ocean to make some cool day trips.
When are the best times to visit Alpine, California?
The best times to visit Alpine for good weather are in May through October, although the busiest times will be in the summer months of June through September. Summer highs range from the low to upper 80s. You'll also see the highest prices for hotel rooms in summer, so you'll want to book early to try to save a little and to make sure the hotel you want has vacancies.
If you travel in late spring or early fall, you might see both more availability and slightly lower prices, and daytime temperatures will be in the 70s. Early spring and late fall provide comfortable highs in the low 70s and affordable room rates. Your hotel will be the most budget-friendly in the winter months, when highs are mildly cool in the 60s and lows are above freezing.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Alpine, CA:
Alpine by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean price patterns by star rating class in Alpine, CA. You can use these illustrations to determine the cheapest months to make a reservation in Alpine throughout the year.
What are the luxury hotels in Alpine, CA?
4 Star Average Prices: $155.76
For luxury and entertainment, try the Viejas Casino & Willows Hotel in Alpine. Rooms feature refrigerators, LCD televisions, and free wired and wireless internet access. The hotel provides an outdoor pool, a spa tub, and a terrace. Choose from four restaurants, a coffee shop, and a bar. The hotel offers business and fitness facilities and a game room. You might also like the adults-only Willow Hotel & Spa tower that permits only guests who are 21 or older and offers the special Allure Pool. The elegant rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and premium amenities, and tantalizing suites culminate in a penthouse suite.
Try your luck at the Viejas Casino or shop at the Viejas Outlets, both accessible with a quick ride from the free hotel shuttle. The world-class casino features many table games, an elegant bingo room, and thousands of slot machines, as well as off-track betting. The outlet store has top stores, lots of restaurants, the Viejas Bowl, and the biggest outdoor skating rink in Southern California.
The Courtyard by Marriott San Diego El Cajon offers rooms and suites with premium comfort and thoughtful touches. You'll have a refrigerator, microwave, 32-inch LCD television, coffee/tea maker, Paul Mitchell beauty products, and free wired and wireless internet access. Cool off in the luxurious outdoor pool or relax in the spa tub. The hotel, which features a bright contemporary design with bold pops of color, focuses on business with flexible workspaces and a business center. Guests can get information in the lobby on the GoBoard Touchscreens. The hotel also features a restaurant, a convenience store, and a fitness center.
What are the budget hotels near Alpine, CA?
3 Star Average Prices: $147.79
Save money on your trip by booking a room at the affordable Super 8 by Wyndham El Cajon CA, about 12 miles from Alpine. Your in-room microwave and refrigerator will also help you keep costs down, along with the complimentary continental breakfast. Enjoy free coffee in your room and in the lobby, too. You can watch your favorite shows on the LCD television or use the free Wi-Fi to keep in touch with folks back home.
Another budget-friendly El Cajon hotel is Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego-East/El Cajon, which also features refrigerators, microwaves, and free continental breakfast. You'll enjoy a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi in your room. The hotel also offers an outdoor pool and a business center.
2 Star Average Prices: $67.38
What are the best hotels in Alpine, CA for discounts?
Seniors, AAA members, government employees, and members of the military can take advantage of discounted rates at Best Western Continental Inn in El Cajon. The hotel is right in the business district, so you'll be near many dining and shopping options. Your spacious room will feature a refrigerator, microwave, flat-screen television with HBO, coffee/tea maker, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms come with sofa beds and balconies. The hotel offers an outdoor pool, spa, business services, and free full breakfast.
The Best Western Santee Lodge in Santee, about 12 miles from Alpine, offers AAA and government/military discounts. Rooms have microwaves, refrigerators, flat-screen televisions, coffee/tea makers, and free Wi-Fi. Spacious suites add kitchenettes and sofa beds. The hotel offers an outdoor pool, spa tub, and free continental breakfast.
What are the best value hotels in Alpine, California?
Ayres Lodge Alpine boasts recently remodeled rooms with contemporary decor. The rooms feature pillowtop beds with premium bedding, iPod docking stations, flat-screen televisions, and free Wi-Fi. Upgrade to a suite for added amenities and more space. Enjoy the outdoor pool and spa tub, and work off that delectable restaurant food in the fitness center. You can get beverages, snacks, and limited food in the on-site convenience store, and the hotel serves a free continental breakfast each morning. Also on-site are a 24-hour business center, barbecue grills, and coffee and tea in common areas.
Riviera Oaks Resort & Racquet Club by Diamond Resorts in Ramona, about 12 miles from Alpine, offers a luxurious stay. Rooms have private patios and feature fireplaces, kitchenettes, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, and free Wi-Fi. Swim in one of two outdoor pools, play tennis on one of 10 outdoor courts, work up a sweat in the sauna, or go to the spa for a massage, body treatment, or facial. The hotel offers fitness facilities, a picnic area with barbecue grills, coffee and tea in common areas, a limo/town car service, a library, and free newspapers.
What are some things to do in Alpine, California?
If you're an avid hiker who likes to get a workout on the trails, you might like the trek to see the stunning Three Sisters Falls, north of Alpine on Boulder Creek Road. You'll find the waterfalls at the end of a moderate to strenuous 5.5-mile trail that has an elevation change of 1,000 feet. Along the way, you'll see scenic mountain views and flowers. The three waterfalls are between tall rocky mountains. If you go here on a hot day, take along a gallon of water per person for the long hike.
Have a rustic visit to the Cleveland National Forest's Descanso District, California's southernmost district. The tree-covered mountains and the wild shrubs represent the native California landscape and are home to many plant and wildlife species, including mule deer, ringtail cats, mountain lions, and bobcats. Mount Laguna offers a large recreational area with trails for hiking, running, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Wildfires are frequent in the area and can spread, so stay informed.
People travel long distances to experience the award-winning Alpine Beer Company, which has been in operation since 1999 and is billed as the "Home of Pure Hoppiness." The tasting room features as many as 30 craft beers on tap. Find out your favorite, and then go down the street to the Alpine Beer Company Pub for a pint and some great barbecue made with meats that are smoked every day with hickory and mesquite wood.
For a novel experience, check out Sky Falconry Ranch in Alpine for hands-on lessons on handling raptors. In the Basic Falconry Lesson, an instructor will teach you how to hold a hawk, cast the bird from your glove, and call it back to you. You'll also learn the history of falconry and more information on raptors. Advanced (and more expensive) lessons include the Hawk Walk, in which you'll free-fly a trained raptor, and the Private Hawk Walk or Private Raptor Experience, which traverses open trails and meadows. The ranch offers spectator rates at half the cost of the hands-on lessons.
You don't have to stay in San Diego to experience Southern California. A visit to Alpine, California, will place you where you can truly see what the region was like hundreds of years ago. Book your trip to the scenic city of Alpine today.
FAQs about hotels in Alpine
How much does a cheap hotel in Alpine cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Alpine can be as cheap as $67.38 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Alpine cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Alpine has been $147.79 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a high-end hotel in Alpine cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Alpine has been $155.76 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Verified reviews of the city: Alpine, CA
Below are reviews of the city of Alpine, CA from an actual visitor's perspective.
"The pine trees, fresh air and Viejas and Sycuan Casinos!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The pine trees, fresh air and Viejas and Sycuan Casinos!
Helen S., from 10-Jun-2024
"Trout Fishing!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Country environment and close to my trout fishing locations.
Charles L., from 29-Dec-2023
"So much to do!"
Score
5.0 / 5
It's in the center of downtown so there's lots to do!
Alfredo S., from 09-Aug-2022
"It’s Very Nice!"
Score
5.0 / 5
It's very nice!
Jose V., from 03-May-2022
The average traveler rating of the city of Alpine, CA shown above is
4.5 out of 5 based on 4 reviews