Descanso (91916) Real Estate

Nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Cuyamaca Mountains, Descanso (91916) is a hidden gem in San Diego County, California. This charming town offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and small-town charm, making it an ideal place for those seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and breathtaking vistas, Descanso is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The area boasts numerous hiking trails, including the popular Pine Creek Trail and the scenic Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, where residents and visitors alike can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. The region is also home to the enchanting Cleveland National Forest, providing ample opportunities for camping, fishing, and wildlife watching.

Descanso's quaint downtown area features a selection of local shops, cozy cafes, and friendly eateries, creating a warm and welcoming community atmosphere. Residents enjoy a slower pace of life, where neighbors know each other by name and community events bring everyone together. The annual Descanso Days festival is a highlight, celebrating the town's rich history and vibrant culture with live music, local crafts, and delicious food.

With its ideal location just a short drive from the bustling city of San Diego, Descanso offers the perfect balance of tranquility and accessibility. Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway or a permanent residence, this charming mountain town invites you to experience its unique blend of natural beauty and community spirit. Discover the allure of Descanso—where every day feels like a breath of fresh air.

Newest Listings in Descanso (91916)

$569,900

2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ PTP2607033 MLS ⋅ Active Status

AMAZING OPPORTUNITY IN DESCANSO. 2 BEDROOM HOME IN NEED OF SOME TLC ON A .76 ACRE LOT AND THIS HOME IS LOADED WITH POTENTIAL AND FEATURES VAULTED EXPOSED WOOD CEILINGS, LIVING ROOM WITH PELLET STOVE FIREPLACE, HUGE FAMILY ROOM WITH EXPANSIVE CEILINGS, DECK TO ENJOY THE VIEWS, SPACIOUS KITCHEN WITH SOLID SURFACE COUNTERS, LARGE BEDROOMS, LOFT AREA, RAISED PANEL DOORS, SOLAR TUBES, VERY LIGHT AND BRIGHT THROUGHOUT, FINISHED OFF ATTIC THAT COULD BE ANOTHER BEDROOM OR ADDITIONAL STORAGE, 1 CAR GARAGE, MULTIPLE SHEDS, RV PARKING, MATURE OAK SURROUND THE PROPERTY AND MUCH MORE.

25077 MANZANITA LN, Descanso

$649,000

2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ PTP2606432 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Tucked along the banks of the Sweetwater River, this cedar-sided mountain retreat delivers the cozy cabin lifestyle backcountry San Diego is known for. Freshly re-roofed and wrapped in warm cedar siding, the 1,344 sq ft home sits on a private 0.72-acre parcel (2 parcels included 4090210100 & 4090212200) in the Bohemia subdivision of Descanso, just minutes from Alpine and the I-8 corridor. Step inside to a living room anchored by a wood-burning fireplace — the kind of feature that makes this place feel like a true cabin getaway rather than just another house in the mountains. The floor plan offers 2 bedrooms and 2 baths per tax records, plus a versatile office currently used as a third bedroom, giving flexibility for guests, family, or a work-from-home setup. Outside, two additional structures round out the property — envision an ADU, detached office, studio, or simply a shaded outdoor hangout space surrounded by oak and sycamore. The home is served by its own working well, and the wraparound deck and river frontage make it easy to see why the same owners have loved calling this place home for nearly three decades. A rare opportunity to own a slice of San Diego mountains with privacy, and room to grow. Some photos have been staged or altered to show the possibilities of the additional structures and outdoor spaces. ****Showings are to be confirmed by LA. Please schedule in showing time. Showings to only be held on Saturdays 10am - 1pm. Contact LA for questions. SHOWINGS MAY OVERLAP DURING THIS PERIOD.****

8314 Old Highway 80, Descanso

$649,000

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ PTP2606267 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Enjoy your own private retreat where gorgeous views, and modern comforts, like paid solar and a whole house water filtration system come together in a lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home. Descanso provides the best of both worlds: far enough away to truly feel like you've gotten away from everything, yet close enough to make everyday commuting a breeze. Inside, the home offers comfortable living spaces along with a cozy fireplace, laundry room and AC mini split unit. Step outside and enjoy the ever-changing scenery, peaceful mornings, and dedicated RV parking! Set against sweeping views of the hills and open meadows to the west and south, this is a setting that is hard to find. If you're looking for a home where you can slow down and reconnect with nature, without giving up convenience, this property is a rare opportunity.

9421 Elm Dr, Descanso

$699,000

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ PTP2606042 MLS ⋅ Active Status

ONE OF A KIND PROPERTY - 100 GALLON PER MINUTE WELL, BEAUTIFUL NATIONAL FOREST FRONTAGE, THREE BEDROOM TWO BATH NEWER HOME AND ADDITIONAL BUILDING SITES. PRIVATE COMPOUND PROPERTY IDEAL FOR ANIMALS, AGRICULTURE AND FAMILIES. Existing home is four years old solar panels, water storage, forced air heat with large 10,000 gallon storage tank. All located on the lower pad near the cul de sac entrance. This home was designed to be the additional home to a future, larger custom home that can be built on an upper site with a great view of Cuyamaca Peak. This property cannot be compared to any other available in the Descanso market. It has size, 8.67 acres, with huge well production 100-200 gallons per minute at 300 ft. and beautiful view with privacy. Priced to sell....

23671 Echo Hills Road, Descanso

$239,000

2 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ PTP2605829 MLS ⋅ Active Status

This is a Forest Service Recreational cabin. If you are looking for that long term recreational cabin, this is it. Set up more as a home than a cabin, this home features a comfortable living room with a rock fireplace with insert, open kitchen, inside laundry and two bedrooms. You're going to love the wonderful patio with native rock walls and huge shading oak trees. Quiet area of the National Forest, walk to the post office and store, public library just around the corner.

9800 #13 Oak Grove Drive, Descanso

$699,000

2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ PTP2605325 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Rare opportunity to own 9.84 acres in the peaceful mountain community of Descanso with 2 residences, sweeping mountain views, and privacy. The property features a 1,607 sqft 2-bedroom, 2.25-bath main residence plus an approx. 592 sqft manufactured home, creating added flexibility. The main home features vaulted ceilings, expansive windows, and abundant natural light that bring the surrounding mountain views indoors. An enclosed sunroom provides additional space to relax, work, entertain, or simply enjoy the surrounding scenery year-round. A looped driveway provides convenient access to both residences, with additional parking areas for vehicles, recreational equipment, or guests. The property's mature oak trees and scenic mountain beauty make Descanso such a special place to call home. Property includes a private well with storage tank, septic system, propane service, and SDG&E utilities.

12350 Yucca Road, Descanso

$279,000

PTP2605219 MLS ⋅ Active Status

27 acres bordering Cleveland National Forest. Drilled well. Huge oaks. Secluded, quiet, close to riding and hiking trails. Perfect for weekend getaway of homesite. First time on market in over 50 years!

9779 Deer Valley Trail, Descanso

$589,000

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ PTP2603988 MLS ⋅ Active Status

New. New. New. There isn't much about this single-story, bright 2-bedroom, 2-bath plus den home that isn't new: new appliances, new soft-close kitchen cabinets, new flooring throughout, new kitchen and bathroom sinks, new countertops, new toilets, new vanities, new paint, new doors. At just over 1,000 square feet, this move-in-ready home sits on 0.6 acres in Guatay, CA — room for your toys, animals, garden, or simply relaxing under majestic oak trees with your favorite beverage. Easy I-8 access puts you close to everything, while the setting itself feels worlds away. Make it your primary residence, your retreat, or your work from home nest.

27544 Old Highway 80, Descanso

$295,000

2 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ NDP2604456 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Privacy and independence! Fully off-grid cabin nestled between great oaks and a year-round stream. Property has two APNs, over half an acre: space for homesteading, animals, and projects. Built in 2015 as 500 sqft with vaulted ceilings and a loft bedroom, permit application and construction started to expand to 725 sqft with 620 sqft of decking. Downstairs consists of two living/family rooms plus a bathroom with rock/tile shower and space for composting/cassette toilet. Indoor staircase under construction. Working outhouse, with septic design for the house approved and perc test complete. Powered by a 2.3 kw solar array, fully owned, with 16-battery bank; NO ELECTRIC BILL! Two more dedicated panels for water heater. 5,000 gal water tank, water delivery available, with scanning and research completed for drilling a well. Satellite internet installed (Viasat). Everything needed for rustic living already in place, with major progress toward modernizing. Seller had to stop mid-project for personal reasons, now yours to finish. All this independence doesn't mean being off the map, though. Just minutes from the I-8 freeway, from Descanso's dining, schools, feed store, and entertainment, hardware store in Guatay, groceries and library in Pine Valley. 2.5 miles to nearest fire station. 25 mins to historic Julian, to fishing and kayaking on Lake Cuyamaca, and to views of the superblooms in Anza-Borrego State Park from Mt. Laguna. Property is priced to sell, comes with all plans for septic, well, and finishing construction, some permit fees already paid.

26779 Old Highway 80, Descanso

$2,250,000

NDP2603156 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Acquisition of this multi-unit commercial property requires the simultaneous purchase of the on-site restaurant, as both assets are held under common ownership. The property currently generates $59,000 in annual rent from three tenants. The restaurant — the fourth occupant — operates rent-free under current ownership, but carries an estimated market rent of $42,000 per year, placing potential Gross Scheduled Income at $101,000 annually. Since 2022, the owners have invested $152,000 in targeted capital improvements: $82,000 into the restaurant's outdoor party area, $24,000 upgrading tenant spaces, $18,000 renovating the on-site residence, and $28,000 enhancing parking (65 spots with plans to expand to 88, ADA in process). The property is predominantly zoned C36, with a minor boundary adjustment currently pending. The adjustment will exchange a small residential strip with the adjacent property for a comparable commercial parcel, resulting in uniform C36 zoning across the entire site. No existing structures or tenants are affected by the change. Strategically positioned along a high-traffic corridor serving popular destinations including Julian, Lake Cuyamaca, and Mount Laguna, the property benefits from consistent year-round visibility and limited direct competition in the immediate trade area. The restaurant draws a loyal, repeat clientele further supported by steady destination traffic passing through the region.

8306 Highway 79 Highway, Descanso

$109,900

PTP2404069 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Nice lots with Oak trees. City water available, power pole on property, perc tests have been done but will need to be updated. There are three separate parcels combining .63 of an acre. Quiet area close to Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.

Arrowhead Trail, Descanso

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Based on information from California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as of . This information is for your personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties you may be interested in purchasing. Display of MLS data is usually deemed reliable but is NOT guaranteed accurate by the MLS. Buyers are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all information and should investigate the data themselves or retain appropriate professionals. Information from sources other than the Listing Agent may have been included in the MLS data. Unless otherwise specified in writing, Broker/Agent has not and will not verify any information obtained from other sources. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.