Apple Pies & Desert Skies
The Ultimate Backroad Driving Tour of San Diego County
What to Expect
Take the ultimate driving tour of San Diego County and discover a side of San Diego most visitors (and locals) never see. This full-day loop winds through some of the region’s best backroads, with GPS-triggered audio guiding you from the forested summit of Palomar Mountain to the wide-open desert floor of Borrego Springs, where giant metal sculptures and bighorn sheep dot the landscape. Along the way, you'll hear stories about the area's history, geology, and quirky roadside landmarks that make this route unforgettable.
After soaking up the desert views, the drive climbs back into the mountains for a stop in Julian, a charming Gold Rush town famous for its homemade apple pies. With offline access and optional stops along the way, this tour is perfect for driving enthusiasts who want to explore at their own pace and uncover the hidden character of Southern California’s backcountry.
Ready to go? Book below or download our app and purchase directly from your phone.
📍 Location: San Diego, CA
🚗 Type: Driving tour
⏱ Duration: Approx. 5-8 hours (flexible)
✅ Includes: GPS-triggered audio, helpful tips, discounts
📶 Works Offline: Download ahead of time - no cell service required
🎧 Multiple Languages: English, Spanish
Get Ready for Your San Diego Driving Tour
Set out on an unforgettable journey through some of San Diego County’s most distinctive and lesser-known sights, all while cruising along scenic backroads.
Your route climbs to the summit of Palomar Mountain for a visit to the renowned Palomar Observatory and Museum, then winds down into Borrego Springs—home to roaming bighorn sheep and a striking collection of larger-than-life metal sculptures.
From there, you’ll travel through the charming historic town of Julian, famous for its small-town character and irresistible apple pies.
Plan for a full day on this 152-mile San Diego driving tour—although the drive can be completed in about four hours, you’ll want extra time to enjoy the viewpoints, historical stops, and hidden gems highlighted along the way.
If you’re looking for a memorable way to experience the beauty and history of San Diego, this road trip is one you won’t want to miss.
What You’ll See on Your San Diego Driving Tour
Queen Califia's Magical Circle
Explore this vibrant outdoor sculpture garden created by artist Niki de Saint Phalle, where giant mosaic figures sparkle under the California sun. Its whimsical designs and bold colors make it one of San Diego County’s most unique art installations.
Lake Wohlford
Take in peaceful lakeside views as you pass Lake Wohlford, a longtime local favorite for anglers and birdwatchers. Its calm waters and surrounding hills offer a refreshing scenic break on your drive.
Pauma Valley
Enjoy sweeping vistas of Pauma Valley, a lush agricultural region framed by rolling foothills. The views grow more dramatic as you climb toward Palomar Mountain.
Palomar Observatory
Visit the renowned Palomar Observatory, home to the historic 200-inch Hale Telescope that revolutionized modern astronomy. The small museum onsite offers a fascinating look at decades of celestial discovery.
East Grade Road
Wind along East Grade Road for one of the county’s most breathtaking panoramas, including the Kica Mik Overlook. On clear days, you can see all the way to downtown San Diego and the Pacific beyond.
Henshaw Scenic Vista Observation Site
Pause at this overlook for a wide-open view of Lake Henshaw set against sprawling meadows and rugged terrain. It’s an ideal spot for photos or simply soaking in the mountain serenity.
Santa Ysabel Indian Mission
Visit this historic mission, established in 1818, which still serves as a cultural and spiritual landmark for the area. Its simple adobe architecture reflects early California history and local Indigenous heritage.
Montezuma Valley Road
Travel along Montezuma Valley Road for dramatic views of the desert floor, the Santa Rosa Mountains, and the distant shimmer of the Salton Sea. This overlook highlights the striking contrast between mountain forests and arid desert.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center
Stop at the visitor center to learn about California’s largest state park before exploring its trails or the nearby Borrego Palm Canyon oasis. Keep a lookout for elusive bighorn sheep, perfectly camouflaged among the rocky slopes.
Borrego Springs Serpent Sculpture
See some of Borrego Springs’ iconic metal sculptures, including the massive serpent emerging from the desert floor. With more than 100 artworks spread across the valley, each one adds an imaginative twist to the landscape.
Julian
Wander through the historic gold-mining town of Julian, now famous for its homemade apple pies and charming main street. We'll point out the best pie stops along with notable historic sites worth browsing while you’re there.
Meeting Point
Your San Diego driving tour begins at the Plaza Del Lago Center, located at 3440 Del Lago Blvd, Escondido.
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".
FAQs About Our San Diego Driving Tour
-
Tours are fully refundable up to 24 hours in advance.
If it’s within 24 hours or you had an issue during your tour, email support@drivesanddetours.com. We review all requests individually and will always do our best to make things right.
Our goal is to ensure every traveler has a great experience exploring with Drives & Detours.
-
Yes, downloading the Drives & Detours app will give you full access to the tour you have purchased, as well as many other self-guided tours.
-
Download the tour before you go. Some areas have poor signal, which can make downloading the tour difficult. Once the tour is downloaded, it will work without any cell signal
The tour audio plays automatically as you approach each stop
Want to see more? Tap “View Stop” to see photos and bonus content
To return to the map, tap the small down arrow between the “previous” and “next” buttons
Follow the blue line and audio directions to stay on route
Use audio controls to pause, rewind, or skip—just like a podcast
Safety first: Keep your eyes on the road or sidewalk, follow traffic laws, and stay aware of your surroundings
-
No—download your San Diego tour before you go, and you won't need a cell signal. Drives & Detours’ tours work without any cell signal once they are downloaded to your device.
-
Once you have purchased your San Diego driving tour from Drives & Detours, you can use it whenever you want. You can always take the tour another day if the weather is bad on the day you plan to take it.
-
Unfortunately, Dives & Detours cannot guarantee that the San Diego driving tour is accessible. People with wheelchairs, strollers, or mobility impairments are very welcome, but we recommend checking local websites for detailed information.
Pro Tips for Your Drives & Detours San Diego Driving Tour
Download before you go.
Enable location services—GPS triggers the audio.
Use earbuds, headphones, or your car speakers.
Pause and resume anytime. If you take a break, just reopen the app and head back toward your last stop.
Lost your way? Tap any pin on the map, then tap the right-turn-arrow icon to open your default maps app for turn-by-turn directions to that spot.
Drives & Detours' San Diego Tours
La Jolla Seaside Stroll
Set out on a self-guided journey through La Jolla’s best-kept secrets. From hidden sea caves and playful seals to tales of its famous locals, this tour blends scenic beauty, rich history, and coastal discovery.
Beaches & Bluffs: Coastal San Diego Driving Tour
Experience the best of San Diego's coastline on this self-guided audio driving tour. Stop and hike at Torrey Pines, walk the cove in La Jolla, and enjoy the best views of San Diego from Mt. Soledad and Cabrillo National Monument.
Coronado: Discover the Crown City
Stroll through Coronado Island’s storied past with this self-guided walking experience. Visit its most beloved landmarks, uncover fascinating history, and hear captivating stories of the people who shaped this seaside community.
Discover More About San Diego
Check out some of the most of popular tourist destinations in San Diego. From Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo to Legoland and the USS Midway. We think everything on this list is worth seeing at least once.