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

11 Reviews 4.00 out of 5 stars Based on 11 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | San Diego, USA

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4 to 6 hours (Approx.)
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Instant Confirmation

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 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!

What's Included

  • App & Tour Download
  • Flexible Usage (unlimited access within 30-days)
  • Downloadable Content (pre-download tour to save data)
  • A Smartphone
  • Admission to Attractions
  • Transportation

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Plaza Del Lago Center, 3440 Del Lago Blvd, Escondido, CA 92029, USA

Open in Google Maps

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".

End point

12450 Highland Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92025, USA

The tour ends one exit south of where it begins, just off Pomerado Rd.

Start Time

Opening Hours

  • 4/17/2023 - 3/24/2026

    Monday - Sunday | 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM

What To Expect

Queen Califia's Magical Circle

Queen Califia's Magical Circle is an outdoor sculpture garden created by artist Niki de Saint Phalle.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lake Wohlford (Pass By)

Enjoy a scenic overlook as you drive by Lake Wohlford.
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Pauma Valley (Pass By)

Take in the spectacular views of Pauma Valley as we make our way to Palomar Mountain.
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Palomar Observatory

Stop and visit the Palomar and Observatory and Museum, home to the famous 200-inch Hale Telescope.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

East Grade Road

Enjoy spectacular views of San Diego County from Kica Mik Overlook. Downtown San Diego and the Pacific Ocean are visible on clear days.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Henshaw Scenic Vista Observation Site

Another viewpoint on Palomar's East Grade Road provides breathtaking views of Lake Henshaw and the surrounding meadows.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Santa Ysabel Mission

Stop and visit out one of southern California's famous mission churches, dating back to 1818.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Montezuma Valley Road

Enjoy stunning views of the harsh desert landscape and the Salton Sea from the Montezuma Valley Road Scenic Overlook.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center

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!
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Borrego Springs Serpent Sculpture

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.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Julian

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.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Show 9 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Mom's Pies in Julian Closes at 5PM
  • Eagle Mine in Julian Closes at 4PM
  • Queen Califia's Has Extremely Limited Hours

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We’re here to help.
Live Chat, Text, Call, or Email our friendly customer support with your questions.

Activity code: C-403897P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.00
11 reviews

Average 4.00 out of 5 stars based on 11 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

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