from 15 $
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Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour

3440 Del Lago Blvd, Escondido, CA 92029, USA
Duration

4 to 6 hours (approx.)

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

5 people

Languages

English

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!

  • Private transfer from Honolulu airport to your Waikiki/Honolulu hotel
  • Travel in the company of just your party: Avoid crowds
  • Pickup is timed to coincide with your flight’s arrival: No waiting around
  • Meet and greet service by chauffeur and 60 minutes’ waiting time

What To Expect

Expand All

Queen Califia’s Magical Circle



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

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lake Wohlford



Enjoy a scenic overlook as you drive by Lake Wohlford.

• Admission Ticket Free

Pauma Valley



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

• Admission Ticket Free

Palomar Observatory



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

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.

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Santa Ysabel Mission



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

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.

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!

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.

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.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Highlights

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Most travelers can participate
  • 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
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Included/Excluded

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

Durations

4 to 6 hours (approx.)

Tour's Location

3440 Del Lago Blvd, Escondido, CA 92029, USA
from 15 $

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