Discover the Fun, Fantastic Historical Julian and Borrego Springs!
We will take you through 4 distinct climate zones, the environment changes with the minutes as we drive you to the celebrated mountain gold mining town of Julian! There is no more gold left unless you are talking about the Apple Pie, this iconic masterpiece delights the palate! Maybe a little vanilla ice cream to go with? Once you have had time to explore and a little shopping, we go down the mountain.
Mission Santa Ysabel was constructed in 1818 and was a way station for travelers and Stagecoaches! It has been lovingly restored and is a historical stop that you cannot miss! Borrego Springs is an artisan and retirement colony and it has some hip works of art, a fun downtown area, and we take you on the Metallic Desert Art tour. This is a fantastic photo op! In the Spring and if we get rain, you will experience the Desert Bloom, this is unbelievably beautiful but it only lasts 3-4 weeks so don’t miss it!
We go back up the hill and make a stop at the famous way station of San Ysabel and have a short break, grab a snack and get some fresh baked bread, the bakery is awesome! Kick back and relax, talk about the trip, and arrive back in Old Town. This is a trip that you will want to take at different times of the year because the experience changes with the seasons.
Itinerary:
7:30 Check-in at Old Town San Diego Transit Center West Parking Lot under the bridge.
* Please bring your Passport and Visas as there is a Border patrol check-point
Depart: 8am Sharp: Depart from Old Town San Diego Transit Center. Go from the coast through the valleys into the Cleveland National Forest, take in the fresh alpine air and the spectacular views on the way to the celebrated western mining town of Julian along with photo ops.
9:30am: Arrive at Santa Ysabel Mission, tour the site and learn about its rich history and how it was important in the development of San Diego County.
11:30am: Arrive Mountain to the Gold town of Julian! While in Julian, tour main street, shop a little, have some pie and ice cream and a beverage
1:00 Depart for the drive down the mountain to Anza-Borrego Springs.
2:00pm: Arrive in Anza-Borrego, have lunch at the iconic places to eat there, take a historical walk around town and then take the Metallic Desert Art tour, lots of fun and funky photos to take along the way.
3:45pm: Time to go back up the hill and head home.
4:45 Stop and Shop in Santa Ysabel at the famous Dudely’s bakery, pastries, coffee, or bathroom stop!
6:30ish: Arrive back at Old Town Transit Center
** This is a Sample itinerary, the order in which the above destinations may vary due to time of year, weather conditions and customizing of excursion.
