Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour
Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour
Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour
From
Highlights
Explore some of San Diego's unique and off-the-beaten-path attractions while driving some of the best backroads in San Diego County. We'll make our way to the top of Palomar Mountain and visit the Palomar Observatory and Museum. We'll descend down to the desert town of Borrego Springs with its bighorn sheep and iconic metal sculptures dotting the landscape. Finally, we'll make our way back through the historic mountain town of Julian, known for its delicious apple pies.
You'll want to allow a full day for this 152-mile drive. While the drive itself could technically be done in 4 hours, we'll be pointing out several points of interest and places to stop along the way. We'll also share some of the rich history of San Diego's past.
Don't miss out on this unforgettable San Diego drive!
Itinerary
Queen Califia's Magical Circle
15 minsAdmission Ticket FreeQueen Califia's Magical Circle is an outdoor sculpture garden created by artist Niki de Saint Phalle.Lake Wohlford(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeEnjoy a scenic overlook as you drive by Lake Wohlford.Pauma Valley(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeTake in the spectacular views of Pauma Valley as we make our way to Palomar Mountain.Palomar Observatory
30 minsAdmission Ticket FreeStop and visit the Palomar and Observatory and Museum, home to the famous 200-inch Hale Telescope.East Grade Road
15 minsAdmission Ticket FreeEnjoy spectacular views of San Diego County from Kica Mik Overlook. Downtown San Diego and the Pacific Ocean are visible on clear days.Henshaw Scenic Vista Observation Site
5 minsAdmission Ticket FreeAnother viewpoint on Palomar's East Grade Road provides breathtaking views of Lake Henshaw and the surrounding meadows.Santa Ysabel Mission
15 minsAdmission Ticket FreeStop and visit out one of southern California's famous mission churches, dating back to 1818.Montezuma Valley Road
5 minsAdmission Ticket FreeEnjoy stunning views of the harsh desert landscape and the Salton Sea from the Montezuma Valley Road Scenic Overlook.Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center
15 minsAdmission Ticket FreeStop at the Anza Borrego State Park Visitors Center before deciding if you'll take a short hike into Borrego Palm Canyon to see the fan palm oasis and seasonal creek. Be sure to keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, they blend in surprisingly well with the rocks!Borrego Springs Serpent Sculpture
10 minsAdmission Ticket FreeWe'll take you to the some of the most iconic metal sculptures in Borrego Springs. With more than 100 scattered across the desert, you could spend a whole day visiting them.Julian
1 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeExplore the historic mining town of Julian, known today for its apple pies! We'll tell you the best place to go for pie, plus we'll point out several other local attractions worth visiting.
What's included
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
Customer reviews
Additional information
Location
Provider
Drives & Detours
GBP 11.48
Why Pelago?
- Trusted by millions of travellers
- Best price guarantee promise
- Choose from 200,000+ activities
- Earn KrisFlyer miles with every booking
- A Singapore Airlines company