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

icon 4 to 6 hours Mobile ticket Free Cancellation
Tickets from € 14.44

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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!
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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
Departure Point

3440 Del Lago Blvd, Escondido, CA 92029, USA 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".

Return Details

12450 Highland Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92025, USA The tour ends one exit south of where it begins, just off Pomerado Rd.

  • Queen Califia's Magical Circle, Escondido, California, United States
    Queen Califia's Magical Circle is an outdoor sculpture garden created by artist Niki de Saint Phalle.
    15 minutes
  • Lake Wohlford, Escondido, CA, USA
    Enjoy a scenic overlook as you drive by Lake Wohlford.
  • Pauma Valley, Pauma Valley, California, United States
    Take in the spectacular views of Pauma Valley as we make our way to Palomar Mountain.
  • Palomar Observatory, Palomar Mountain, California, United States
    Stop and visit the Palomar and Observatory and Museum, home to the famous 200-inch Hale Telescope.
    30 minutes
  • E Grade Rd, California, USA
    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
  • Forest Rte 10S05 - Henshaw Scenic Vista, 27475 E Grade Rd, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070, USA
    Another viewpoint on Palomar's East Grade Road provides breathtaking views of Lake Henshaw and the surrounding meadows.
    5 minutes
  • Santa Ysabel Mission, Santa Ysabel, California, United States
    Stop and visit out one of southern California's famous mission churches, dating back to 1818.
    15 minutes
  • Montezuma Valley Rd, California, USA
    Enjoy stunning views of the harsh desert landscape and the Salton Sea from the Montezuma Valley Road Scenic Overlook.
    5 minutes
  • Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center, 200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004, USA
    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
  • 1624 Borrego Springs Rd, Borrego Springs, CA 92004, USA
    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
  • Julian, Julian, California, United States
    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.
    60 minutes
  • 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
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure 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.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
Pete_M
03 Jun 2023
It’s a cool product. You can see other tours. It took a bit to figure out but it was interesting to hear the history of the area and do it at my pace.
This tour in San Diego is organized by Drives & Detours

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