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 Pal

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!

From: $0.00

Location: San Diego

What's Included

Community Discussion

Q&A

Q: Is there an age limit for this driving tour? Can kids join?

A: There's no official age limit for the tour, so kids can definitely join! Just keep in mind that it's a long drive, so making sure they’re comfortable in the car is key. There are plenty of interesting stops along the way to keep them entertained, especially the sculptures in Borrego Springs. I took my 8-year-old, and he loved it!

Q: What if there’s bad weather? Can we reschedule?

A: Definitely reach out to Drives & Detours if the weather looks sketchy. They’re pretty flexible with rescheduling if it’s unsafe to drive. Just make sure to keep an eye on the forecast, especially for Palomar Mountain, since it can get pretty foggy up there.

Q: What should we wear and bring for this tour?

A: Dress in layers! It can get chilly on Palomar Mountain but warm in Borrego Springs. Bring comfy shoes for walking around the observatory and Julian, plus a hat and sunscreen for the desert. Don’t forget your phone or camera for pics of those metal sculptures—they're amazing!

Discussions

Just did the Apple Pies & Desert Skies tour—so worth it!

OMG, if you’re thinking about the Apple Pies & Desert Skies tour, DO IT! We just went last weekend, and it was such a fun day. The drive through the backroads was gorgeous, and seeing the bighorn sheep in Borrego Springs was a highlight! Make sure to stop at the Palomar Observatory; the views are to die for. Oh, and Julian’s apple pie? Absolutely delicious. Just a heads up, it took us about 6 hours total with stops, so plan accordingly!

Considering the Apple Pies & Desert Skies experience as a gift!

I’m looking to get this tour for my parents’ anniversary! They love road trips, and I think this would be such a cool experience for them. Any tips on how to make it special? Also, do you think they can handle the driving part? They’re in their late 60s.