landmark
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Expansive wildlife sanctuary in Escondido where animals roam in vast open-range enclosures mimicking their native habitats.
45 km · about 50 min drive
North AmericaUnited StatesCalifornia
Descanso
California, United States · North America
About Descanso
Descanso sits on the route: 15 minutes from Pine Valley, 45km from San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
Descanso is in California, United States, with about 1,400 people. You drive on the right here. The nearest town is Pine Valley, about 9 km away.
Descanso (Spanish for "Rest") is a small unincorporated community in the Cuyamaca Mountains, within the Mountain Empire area of southeastern San Diego County, California. The community's name is a Spanish word meaning "rest from labor".
The population was 1,499 at the 2020 census, up from 1,423 at the 2010 census. ForRead more
statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau categorizes Descanso as a census-designated place. It is in California's 48th congressional district.
Descanso is located east of Alpine and west of Pine Valley. At a 3,450 feet (1,050 m) elevation, it is located at the south entrance to Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and also borders Cleveland National Forest to the west and east.
The area was heavily threatened by the 2003 Cedar Fire. The community consists of many small ranches and newer homes of San Diego commuters. Horseback riding and hiking are frequent pastimes due to the proximity to San Diego's back-country recreation areas. It is approximately a 50-minute commute from downtown San Diego. The majority of residents generally commute to San Diego as the local job market is limited. Community radio station KNSJ operates out of Descanso.
The Descanso Fire Station of the United States Forest Service is home to the Laguna Hotshots. Descanso is home to many firefighters, and many local teenagers join either the Forest Service or the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (which also provides direct fire and EMS protection to the community).
The ZIP Code is 91916, and the community is inside area code 619.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Descanso?
Within an hour or so of Descanso: San Diego Zoo Safari Park (45 km), San Diego Zoo (52 km), SeaWorld San Diego (58 km).
Are there any good drives near Descanso?
The nearest famous roads are Tijuana-Ensenada Scenic Highway.
Where is Descanso?
Descanso is in California, United States, about 9 km from Pine Valley.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 1,423
- Continent
- North America
- Country
- United States
- Region
- California
- Timezone
- America/Los_Angeles
- Coordinates
- 32.8528, -116.6158
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United States
AAA roadside assistance: 1-800-222-4357. Right turn on red is legal in most states unless signed otherwise.
Full driving guide for United StatesTags
Worth the detour from Descanso
3 notable places within an hour's drive.
landmark
San Diego Zoo
World-renowned zoo in Balboa Park home to over 12,000 animals of more than 650 species in naturalistic habitats.
52 km · about 60 min drive
landmark
SeaWorld San Diego
Southern California's marine life park offering animal experiences, aquarium exhibits, and amusement rides.
58 km · about 65 min drive
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