Escape To The Breathtaking San Diego Mountains and Desert Regions

San Diego North has some of America’s most beautiful mountains. These majestic peaks are sure to captivate you and leave you breathless. The San Diego mountain backcountry – rich in American heritage – offers adventure for recreational enthusiasts as well as peaceful romantic getaways. Don't miss the world-renowned Palomar Observatory and the gold-mining town of Julian, which boasts a wealth of history, charming bed-and-breakfast inns, antique shopping, and the best apple pie west of the Mississippi. For fishing and boating, experience beautiful Lakes Cuyamaca and Henshaw.

But these aren’t the only natural wonders in San Diego North that awe and amaze. San Diego deserts are also renowned for their beauty. Dramatic terrain, breathtaking views, and stargazing make them a must. Whether you prefer a bike, dune buggy, jeep, or just a good pair of hiking boots, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park – the nation's largest state park – beckons with beauty and adventure. During the months of April and May, San Diego desert flowers can be seen blooming against the rugged terrain creating a visual surprise. Don't forget to check out the underground Visitors Center.

Learn more about San Diego North’s mountain and deserts regions below:

Julian:
Getting to Julian is easy as apple pie, just a one-hour scenic mountain drive from anywhere in San Diego County. A historic town dating back more than a century, Julian was home to the only gold rush in Southern California. Now an apple growing region, Julian is the home of the best apple pies in Southern California, quaint shops, artful galleries, and many fruit stands which line country lanes surrounding the town. Julian also offers tours of an old mine, wine tasting, a wolf center, brilliant fall color, and dazzling spring flowers. Visitors can take woodland walks, watch wildlife, see starry nights and boat or fish at nearby Lake Cuyamaca. Accommodations include historic hotels and lodges, plus romantic B&Bs and cottages.

Santa Ysabel:
A friendly crossroads village at the intersection of Highways 78 and 79, Santa Ysabel draws thousands of visitors each year who stop to pick up unusual breads baked by Dudley's Bakery or pies from the Julian Pie Company. Equally known among art lovers is the Santa Ysabel Art Gallery, which displays works created by most of the area's famous artists, including James Hubbell, whose sculptures and stained glass can be found in many collections and museums. History lovers will enjoy a visit to the Santa Ysabel Mission, an adobe church erected in the early 1800s.

Borrego Springs:
Borrego Springs is a resort community surrounded by America's largest state park, the 600,000-acre Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Located in eastern San Diego County, the village is nestled in a beautiful valley bordered by mountain peaks climbing nearly 9,000 feet. Borrego Springs' compelling scenic wonders make it far superior to other famous desert resort areas. With little traffic, it has some of the best golf and travel accommodations found anywhere. Play tennis, golf, hike, bike, explore the desert, or just rest in the peacefulness. The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is more than a preserve of scenic desert habitat and scientific research. It includes many nature trails, scenic views, colorful spring wildflowers, and unusual landscapes. The unique visitors center offers lectures, slide presentations, and excursions of the desert. The Borrego Days Festival, which includes a parade and an arts-and-crafts fair, is held the last weekend of October to celebrate the end of summer and to welcome back winter residents. For more information, contact the Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce.

Discover Premier San Diego Desert and Mountain Retreats

Explore the wonder and beauty of San Diego North. Discover vibrant attractions, stunning natural beauty, and fantastic outdoor recreation.