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

Escondido, US
80% of travellers recommend this
Very Good (10 reviews)

Highlights

  • Unique and off-the-beaten-path attractions
  • Spectacular views of Pauma Valley
  • Visiting the Palomar Observatory and Museum
  • Stunning views of the desert landscape and Salton Sea
  • Exploring the historic mining town of Julian

Meeting Point

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".

Meeting point

3440 Del Lago Blvd, Escondido, CA 92029 , United States

End point

End Point

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

Meeting point

12450 Highland Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92025 , United States

End point

What to expect

1

Queen Califia's Magical Circle

Queen Califia's Magical Circle is an outdoor sculpture garden created by artist Niki de Saint Phalle.

Duration 15 minutes
2

Lake Wohlford

Enjoy a scenic overlook as you drive by Lake Wohlford.

3

Pauma Valley

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

4

Palomar Observatory

Stop and visit the Palomar and Observatory and Museum, home to the famous 200-inch Hale Telescope.

Duration 30 minutes
5

CA-1

Enjoy spectacular views of San Diego County from Kica Mik Overlook. Downtown San Diego and the Pacific Ocean are visible on clear days.

Duration 15 minutes
6

Henshaw Scenic Vista Observation Site

Another viewpoint on Palomar's East Grade Road provides breathtaking views of Lake Henshaw and the surrounding meadows.

Duration 5 minutes
7

Santa Ysabel Mission

Stop and visit out one of southern California's famous mission churches, dating back to 1818.

Duration 15 minutes
8

Montezuma Valley Rd

Enjoy stunning views of the harsh desert landscape and the Salton Sea from the Montezuma Valley Road Scenic Overlook.

Duration 5 minutes
9

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!

Duration 15 minutes
10

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.

Duration 10 minutes
11

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.

Duration 60 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    Palomar Observatory Closes at 3PM
  • Additional information
    Anza Borrego Visitor Center Closes at 5PM
  • Additional information
    Mom's Pies in Julian Closes at 5PM
  • Additional information
    Eagle Mine in Julian Closes at 4PM
  • Additional information
    Queen Califia's Has Extremely Limited Hours
Provided by Drives & Detours

What our experts say

  • icon
    Visit Mom's Pies in Julian before 5 PM
  • icon
    Check Palomar Observatory hours; closes at 3 PM
  • icon
    Bring water for hikes in Anza Borrego
  • icon
    Stop for photos at Kica Mik Overlook
  • icon
    Make time for Queen Califia's Circle

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