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

Drives & Detours
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Cancellation Policy
Up to 24 hours before your scheduled admission.

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!

Departure Point

  • 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
  • The tour ends one exit south of where it begins, just off Pomerado Rd.
Duration4 hours - 6 hoursLanguages Available
  • Audio guide - English
  • Printed guide - English
  • Audio guide - Spanish
  • Printed guide - Spanish

Points of Interest

Stop At: Queen Califia's Magical CircleKit Carson Park, , Escondido, CaliforniaQueen Califia's Magical Circle is an outdoor sculpture garden created by artist Niki de Saint Phalle.Duration: 15 minutesStop At: Lake WohlfordEscondido, CAEnjoy a scenic overlook as you drive by Lake Wohlford.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Pauma ValleyPauma Valley, CaliforniaTake in the spectacular views of Pauma Valley as we make our way to Palomar Mountain.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Palomar Observatory35899 Canfield Road, , Palomar Mountain, CaliforniaStop and visit the Palomar and Observatory and Museum, home to the famous 200-inch Hale Telescope.Duration: 30 minutesStop At: Henshaw Scenic Vista Observation Site27475 East Grade Road, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070Enjoy spectacular views of San Diego County from Kica Mik Overlook. Downtown San Diego and the Pacific Ocean are visible on clear days.Duration: 15 minutesStop At: Santa Ysabel Indian MissionState Route 79, 33° 7'47.72n,116°40'44.86w, Santa Ysabel, CaliforniaAnother viewpoint on Palomar's East Grade Road provides breathtaking views of Lake Henshaw and the surrounding meadows.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center200 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004Stop and visit out one of southern California's famous mission churches, dating back to 1818.Duration: 15 minutesStop At: Borrego Springs Serpent Sculpture1624 Borrego Springs Road, Borrego Springs, CA 92004Enjoy stunning views of the harsh desert landscape and the Salton Sea from the Montezuma Valley Road Scenic Overlook.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: JulianJulian, CaliforniaStop 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!Duration: 15 minutes

Additional Information

  • 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
Inclusions
  • App & Tour Download
  • Flexible Usage (unlimited access within 30-days)
  • Downloadable Content (pre-download tour to save data)
Exclusions
  • A Smartphone
  • Admission to Attractions
  • Transportation
Redemption InstructionsIMPORTANT – YOUR ACCESS CODE IS: JTV517 - PLEASE READ STEPS BELOW - To access your tour, you’ll need the Drives & Detours App. We recommend downloading the tour in advance in case cell service is unreliable.DOWNLOAD THE APP:iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drives-detours/id6443681888Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mytoursapp.android.app6506UNLOCK YOUR TOUR:1. Open app, tap "Driving Tours", then "Apple Pies & Desert Skies"2. Enter Your Access Code (on iPhone tap "Login to Download" then "Login")3. Tap "Download Tour" and wait until complete (1-2 minutes)STARTING THE TOUR:1. Open app, select your tour2. Go to start location shown3. Tap “Start Tour”ADDITIONAL NOTES:Tour is valid for 180 days, no need to rescheduleQuestions? TEXT us at 619.324.9920Voucher InfoMobile or paper ticket accepted

The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the Drives & Detours in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon. This offer is not eligible for promo codes.

Need To Know Info

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts. Learn about Strike-Through Pricing and Savings

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