San Diego Scenic Backroads Exploration 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!

Meeting Point

Plaza Del Lago Center

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".

What's included:

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

Not included:

• A Smartphone
• Admission to Attractions
• Transportation

What to expect:

Duration: between 4 hours and 6 hours

Queen Califia's Magical Circle

Kit Carson Park, , Escondido, California

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

15 minutes

Lake Wohlford

Lake Wohlford, Escondido, CA, USA

Enjoy a scenic overlook as you drive by Lake Wohlford.

Pass by without stopping

Pauma Valley

Pauma Valley, California

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

Pass by without stopping

Palomar Observatory

35899 Canfield Road, , Palomar Mountain, 92060, California

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

30 minutes

East Grade Road

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

Henshaw Scenic Vista Observation Site

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 Indian Mission

State Route 79, 33° 7'47.72n,116°40'44.86w, Santa Ysabel, 92036, California

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

15 minutes

Montezuma Valley Road

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

Borrego Springs Serpent Sculpture

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

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