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The dragon sculpture in Borrego Springs
Viewpoint atop Mount Palomar
Queen Califia's Magical Circle
Borrego Palm Canyon
South Grade Road on Mount Palomar

Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour

By Drives & Detours
4 out of 5
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$24 per adult
See tickets
Features
  • Free cancellation available
  • 6h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Multiple languages
Overview

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 can be done in 3 1/2 hours, we'll be pointing out dozens of 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!

Activity location

  • Queen Califia's Magical Circle
    • Kit Carson Park,
    • Escondido, California, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Plaza Del Lago Center
    • 3440 Del Lago Boulevard
    • 92029, Escondido, California, United States

Check availability

Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour in Multilingual
  • Activity duration is 6 hours6h6h
  • Opening hours: Mon 5:30 am-9:00 pm
  • English
Price details
NZ$24.31 x 1 AdultNZ$24.31
Total
Price is NZ$24.31

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's includedApp & Tour Download
  • What's includedWhat's includedFlexible Usage (unlimited access within 30-days)
  • What's includedWhat's includedDownloadable Content (pre-download tour to save data)
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedA Smartphone
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedAdmission to Attractions
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedTransport

Know before you book

  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activity itinerary

Queen Califia's Magical Circle
  • 15m
Queen Califia's Magical Circle is an outdoor sculpture garden created by artist Niki de Saint Phalle.
Lake Wohlford (Pass by)
Enjoy a scenic overlook as you drive by Lake Wohlford.
Pauma Valley (Pass by)
Take in the spectacular views of Pauma Valley as we make our way to Palomar Mountain.
Palomar Observatory
  • 30m
Stop and visit the Palomar and Observatory and Museum, home to the famous 200-inch Hale Telescope.
East Grade Road
  • 15m
Enjoy spectacular views of San Diego County from Kica Mik Overlook. City centre San Diego and the Pacific Ocean are visible on clear days.
Henshaw Scenic Vista Observation Site
  • 5m
Another viewpoint on Palomar's East Grade Road provides breathtaking views of Lake Henshaw and the surrounding meadows.
Santa Ysabel Mission
  • 15m
Stop and visit out one of southern California's famous mission churches, dating back to 1818.
Montezuma Valley Road
  • 5m
Enjoy 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
  • 15m
Stop at the Anza Borrego State Park Visitors Centre 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
  • 10m
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.
Julian
  • 1h
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.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIESQueen Califia's Magical Circle
    • Kit Carson Park,
    • Escondido, California, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLEPlaza Del Lago Center
    • 3440 Del Lago Boulevard
    • 92029, Escondido, California, United States

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