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

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!

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

Enjoy a scenic overlook as you drive by Lake Wohlford.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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.

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.

• 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

• Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour
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• App & Tour Download
• Flexible Usage (unlimited access within 30-days)
• Downloadable Content (pre-download tour to save data)

• A Smartphone
• Admission to Attractions
• Transportation

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Thanks for booking!

To get started, please follow the instructions below.

BEFORE YOU GO:

1) Download the Drives & Detours mobile app:
iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drives-detours/id6443681888
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mytoursapp.android.app6506

2) Open app, tap “Driving Tours”, then tap “Apple Pies & Desert Skies”

3) Enter Code (on iPhone tap “Login to Download” then “Login”)
** Your Access Code: 2WY42E **

4) Tap “Download Tour”

STARTING THE TOUR:

1) Go to starting point: 3440 Del Lago Blvd, Escondido, CA 92029
2) Open the Drives & Detours app
3) Tap “Driving Tours”, then tap “Apple Pies & Desert Skies”
3) Tap “Start Tour”

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We hope you enjoy the tour! If you have any questions, please email support@drivesanddetours.com

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Drives & Detours.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at America/Los_Angeles.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• This Tour is Rated 5 Stars based on 10 valid reviews on VIATOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 5 Travelers is accepted for booking.