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Offered languages
- English
- English
- Spanish
- Spanish
Explore San Diego’s mountains, desert, and backcountry on a self-guided scenic driving tour from Escondido to Julian via Palomar Mountain and Borrego Springs. This 152-mile route takes you along some of the best backroads in Southern California, with GPS-triggered audio guiding you to overlooks, historic sites, and hidden stops along the way.
Climb to the summit of Palomar Mountain to visit the famous Palomar Observatory, then descend into the desert landscapes of Anza-Borrego. Along the way, you’ll spot Borrego Springs’ iconic metal sculptures, sweeping valley views, and roadside viewpoints worth stopping for. The route finishes in the historic town of Julian—perfect for a slice of its famous apple pie.
This flexible, self-paced tour lets you explore on your own schedule. Allow a full day to take in viewpoints, small towns, and optional short hikes like Borrego Palm Canyon.
Bring water, snacks, and sun protection if you plan to stop and explore.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Use your favorite navigation app to make your way to the parking lot at the Plaza Del Lago shopping center, located at 3440 Del Lago Blvd, Escondido, CA 92029. Once you're there, open the Drives & Detours app and tap "Start Tour".
The tour ends one exit south of where it begins, just off Pomerado Rd.
Itinerary
-
1
Queen Califia's Magical Circle is an outdoor sculpture garden created by artist Niki de Saint Phalle.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Enjoy a scenic overlook as you drive by Lake Wohlford.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Take in the spectacular views of Pauma Valley as we make our way to Palomar Mountain.
Admission ticket free -
2
Stop and visit the Palomar and Observatory and Museum, home to the famous 200-inch Hale Telescope.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
Enjoy spectacular views of San Diego County from Kica Mik Overlook. Downtown San Diego and the Pacific Ocean are visible on clear days.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
Another viewpoint on Palomar's East Grade Road provides breathtaking views of Lake Henshaw and the surrounding meadows.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
Stop and visit out one of southern California's famous mission churches, dating back to 1818.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
Enjoy stunning views of the harsh desert landscape and the Salton Sea from the Montezuma Valley Road Scenic Overlook.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7
Stop 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!
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8
We'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.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
9
Explore 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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Palomar Observatory Closes at 3PM
- Anza Borrego Visitor Center Closes at 5PM
- Mom's Pies in Julian Closes at 5PM
- Eagle Mine in Julian Closes at 4PM
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Palomar Observatory Closes at 3PM
- Anza Borrego Visitor Center Closes at 5PM
- Mom's Pies in Julian Closes at 5PM
- Eagle Mine in Julian Closes at 4PM
- Queen Califia's Has Extremely Limited Hours
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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