Anza Borrego is the largest state park in California. It is located on the eastern side of San Diego County - it is about 150 miles southeast of Los Angeles and about two hours east of San Diego beaches. It is a world apart, worth a visit and quite an unique getaway!
From essential travel tips to delightful discoveries, here's your guide to making the most of your Anza Borrego visit. Whether wise, October to April are the best times to go! March is amazing for wildflowers and the weather is cooler. In the hotter months, most businesses are closed.
Let's break it up into 8 things to plan for.
Tip 1: Choose Your Comfortable Base in Borrego Springs
Borrego Springs is the closest town to Anza Borrego State Park.
According to non-profit website, Visit California:
"It’s the only California town that is completely surrounded by a state park, and that’s just one bullet point in its list of bragging rights. It’s also an official International Dark Sky Community—the first and only one in California—dedicated to protecting the night sky from light pollution."
Opt for family-friendly accommodations in Borrego Springs. Here are some great options:
This would be a really luxious stay - 5 pools, free cabanas, golf, spa and amazing food - the works!
This one is located near The Springs at Borrego Golf Course and Anza Borrego Tennis Center. It also has two pools, cooked-to-order breakfast and is in a good location. It is a dog-friendly hotel.
This is an upscale bed and breakfast. It is closer to the state park and has pools, a free area shuttle and a library.
This motel also has a RV park as well as a pool, a grocery store, a cafe and laundry facilities.
Tip 2: Scenic Routes and Gastronomic Pleasures via Temecula
If you are coming from Los Angeles, plan to come via Temecula, a picturesque wine country offering both vineyard vistas and culinary delights. Temecula is about two hours away from LA.
There are many things you can do in Temecula, besides wine.
And there are several wineries, if wine is the way you go!
Check out a micro-boutique family-owned winery like Doffo, known for its reds. Alternatively, plan to visit a family-friendly winery like Ponte Winery which offers wonderful food as well.
Tip 3: Navigate the Terrain with a Sturdy Vehicle
Most of the roads you will drive on will look this. Pretty straight-forward.
Closer to Anza Borrego, the landscape changes quite a bit. It gets hilly and dry and it starts to look a bit like you are on Mars!
Do you need a SUV for Anza Borrego?
You can get to Anza Borrego without a 4x4 but it is easier to drive and explore the desert terrain with a SUV kind-of-car. The roads are windy, and some areas are accessible only with a 4x4.
Other mini-tips:
Combat motion sickness with gum
Entrust the wheel to a skilled driver
Daytime explorations are best, don't go out late at night as there are no lights and one can easy get lost
Tip 4: Explore Galleta Meadows Artistry and Borrego Art Institute
When in Anza Borrego, Galleta Meadows is a must-do. This area features over 100 metal art sculptures by Ricardo Breceda. You can take your car close to each of these scuptures. Instagrammable moments, for sure!
Suggestion: Pick up a brochure from a nearby gas station to explore intriguing stories behind each sculpture.
After your outdoor adventure, visit the Borrego Art Institute to immerse your family in the world of paintings, photography, and occasional classes.
Tip 5: Sunset Spectacle at Font's Point
Sunset at Font's point is definitely a trip highlight.
The road to the sunset point is challenging - no question about it. You need a heavy-duty vehicle or don't go!
Imagine driving on loose sand on a local beach? Parts of this drive are several times harder than that!
We recommend to not take off on your own. Just follow all the cars on their way in and on their way out. There are no directions once you take the turn for the sunset point, no lights and no markers.
Park where all the other cars are parked and then walk to the point.
It is bit of a hike getting to the top and it is really windy on the top so don't wear any loose hats. Don't forget to bring an extra layer; desert evenings tend to get brisk, even after a scorching day of sun.
Will it be sandy?
Yes. That's my daughter trying to protect her eyes while the photo is being taken.
Despite all this drama - Well worth it.
Tip 6: Embrace Disconnection and Stargazing
Take advantage of the limited cell phone signal as an opportunity to disconnect from the digital world. Equip yourself with physical maps, printed directions, and the Night Sky App for an amazing stargazing experience.
Anza Borrego is recognized as an 'International Dark Sky Park' - Dark skies offer a celestial spectacle, perfect for a memorable family night under the stars.
Note: Astronomer Dennis Mammana organizes Borrego Night Sky Tours, which fills up quickly. We could not make the tour so we parked our car in an open area at a higher elevation and looked up in the sky with our app and saw a ton of cool things. These below are phone snapshots.
Tip 7: Hike to Nature's Oasis on the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail
Hikes can be fun! They can also be strenuous and not for everybody. Decide wisely.
Plan on hiking along the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail that leads to a palm oasis (sometimes closed) and a waterfall. Enjoy the scenic beauty while remaining vigilant for rattlesnakes. Ensure everyone wears suitable footwear and sticks to the marked paths. This trail is rocky and about 3 miles including some areas that require a little climbing. It may take you about 3 hours to complete. Dogs are not allowed. It is usually quite hot so you need sun protection and lots of water!
Where to begin? Start either at the Visitor Center or the Palm Canyon campground. The folks at the visitor center are helpful.
Note: Do not hike on a hot day, start very early - like 5:30 / 6:00 am
Tip 8: Savor Culinary Explorations Tailored for Every Palate
Borrego Springs surprises food enthusiasts with its diverse culinary offerings.
Here are some recommendations:
Relish organic garden-to-table delights at Red Ocotill
Savor late-night meals at Carlee's, offering hearty options for the entire family.
Delight in scrumptious salads, cocktails and sunset at La Casa del Zorro Desert Resort and Spa.
4. Indulge in authentic Mexican cuisine at Pablitos in downtown Borrego Springs, where vegetarian options and irresistible guacamole await. The food almost feels like bar food but YES for vegetarian options. My daughter ordered tofu that she absolutely loved. There were wraps with huge portion sizes and a ton of fried food which often goes well with beer. The service was great and the atmosphere, laid back.
Remember to make dining reservations in advance and definitely call to check if the restaurants are open.
Several spots may limit their hours or even completely shut down during the hotter months.
