San Diego to Palm Springs Road Trip (What to Know and Where to Go)

The glamorous California city of Palm Springs is a fabulous destination for a relaxing long weekend. If you’ve been considering taking a San Diego to Palm Springs road trip, there are many interesting stops you can make on the route to make your journey extra memorable.

In this blog post, I’ll go over each route and show you some of my favorite things to see and do on your San Diego to Palm Springs road trip!

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Cruise the short route through the pretty town of Escondido and vineyards of Temecula Wine Country and make a detour to Disneyland Resort® in Anaheim.

Alternatively, head deep into Cleveland National Forest to connect with nature along the scenic route. Drive along the picture-postcard Sunrise National Scenic Byway, making pit-stops at the gold rush town of Julian and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park before reaching Palm Springs. 

What to Wear and How to Prepare for Your Road Trip

Whichever driving route you’re taking to Palm Springs, you’ll need to know what to pack and how to prepare for the journey. 

I suggest plenty of snacks and water (it can get hot!) and a good playlist of your favorite tunes. Always make sure you have enough gas in your car, too – essential for the scenic route. 

If you plan to hike the trails in Cleveland National Forest or Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, you’ll need comfortable footwear with a sturdy grip, also consider a hat and plenty of sunscreen. Don’t forget your camera! 

For Palm Springs, in addition to daytime clothing and poolside essentials, swimwear is a must.

If you plan to dine in fancy restaurants in the evening, you’ll want a cool outfit to wear out on the town, too.

Driving the Short Route from San Diego to Palm Springs

Distance: 140 miles (without detours)

Time to Drive: 2 hours 20 minutes

This is one of my favorite driving routes on a San Diego to Palm Springs road trip, and the one I take when I only have a few days on hand.

Departing San Diego on the I-15 towards Escondido, wide open spaces begin to open up. Instantly, you’re greeted with winding back roads, rolling mountains, historic towns, and pretty lakes.

I recommend a stop in Escondido to take in the sights before continuing to Temecula Wine Country. Stay for the evening at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa to sample a fine wine with dinner, and then wake up early for a scenic balloon ride over the vineyards. Gorgeous!

After a late breakfast, you can head north past Diamond Valley Lake with an optional stop at the Western Science Centre, then continue along Route 74 into Mount Jacinto State Park.

Alternatively, take a detour from Temecula and immerse yourself in childlike wonder at Disneyland Resort® in Anaheim for the day before continuing to Palm Springs.

My Top 10 Things to Do on the Short Route

Below I’ve listed my top 10 things to do on this road trip. You can mix and match these attractions depending on how much time you have, and participate in the activities that interest you the most.

1. Pick Up Picnic Items at Poway Market

If you’re departing San Diego early on Saturday morning, stop at the morning market at Poway to pick up some gourmet picnic items. There are over 60 vendors selling everything from artisan produce and street food, to flowers, and there’s live music, too!

2. Enjoy Escondido Attractions

Explore historic downtown Escondido, pop into Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens for brunch (or dinner if traveling Friday evening), visit San Diego Archaeological Center, or photograph wildlife at San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

3. Balance Mind, Body & Spirit at Deer Park Monastery

Book an overnight retreat in Deer Park Monastery, a Buddhist sanctuary with meditations and teachings in idyllic surroundings.

4. Spend Sunny Days at Dixon Lake

Take your picnic along to Dixon Lake. This scenic spot has great fishing; hiking trails, and you can even rent a boat and cruise along the water.

5. See the Stars at Palomar Observatory

Visit Palomar Observatory on Palomar Mountain. During daylight hours between April and October, you can enjoy guided tours, learning all about the constellations, plus, you’ll have the opportunity to look through the 200-inch telescope.

6. Wine Tasting and Balloon Rides in Temecula Wine Country

Temecula Wine Valley is one of my favorite places on a San Diego to Palm Springs road trip.

Partake in wine tastings of California Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah wines, and soar above the vineyards on a magical balloon ride at sunrise.

7. Detour to Disneyland Resort in Anaheim

If you want to make a detour from Temecula, head for the Disneyland Resort® in Anaheim to enjoy a wealth of fun rides, entertainment, and even a hearty American breakfast with Minnie Mouse!

8. Step Back in Time at the Western Science Center

Prefer to give Disneyland a miss? Continue on Route 79 from Temecula to The Western Science Center near Diamond Valley Lake. With a vast collection of Ice Age fossils and Native American relics, it’s a fascinating place to spend an hour or two.

9. Photograph Scenery at Mount San Jacinto State Park

From here, drive through Mount San Jacinto State Park on Route 74, marveling at the lush scenery. Take a break, wander along the hiking trails, or stop to photograph the landscapes.

10. Shop for Designer Bargains at Cabazon Outlets

Follow route 243 back to the I-10 with a stop at Cabazon Outlets to pick up some chic poolside wear for your stay in Palm Springs.

Cruise along the Scenic Route from San Diego to Palm Springs

Distance: 180 miles (without detours)

Time to Drive: 3 hours 55 minutes

If you’re planning a longer San Diego to Palm Springs road trip, consider traveling the scenic route.

This longer journey transports you east of San Diego, through La Mesa on the I-8 towards Cleveland National Forest, and into the enchanting gold rush town of Julian and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

It’s a must-do route for nature lovers with ancient woodlands, mountains, lakes, and far-reaching views to enjoy. Pack your walking shoes and a camera and head off into the wilderness on this breathtaking road journey.

My Top 10 Things to Do on the Scenic Route

1. Connect with Nature at Cleveland National Forest

The vast, ancient forest in SoCal has dozens of walking and mountain biking trails. It’s a haven for plants and wildlife, with over 450,000 acres to discover.

Stay overnight in this picture-postcard lodge near Julian. Some rooms come with four poster beds, plus, there’s a hot tub, spa, and spectacular views over Lake Cuyamaca.

4. Visit the Gold Rush Town of Julian

Set in the foothills of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, here you can see the historic buildings of downtown, enjoy a self-guided history walk, and sample the town’s famous apple pie!

5. Support a Good Wildlife Cause

Embrace your inner spirit animal and visit the wolves at the California Wolf Center. A dedicated team rehabilitates the wolves in this scenic reserve near Julian. Take a tour to support their work and pick up a themed souvenir at the gift shop.

6. See the Sights and Hike in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Head into Anza-Borrego Desert State Park on Route 78 and drive to Borrego Springs. Spend time hiking to Palm Canyon Oasis or see sculptures rising from the desert at Galletta Meadows. At night the skies are clear for stargazing due to the lack of light pollution.

Make a stop at this Highway 74 observation point overlooking Coachella Valley. The scenic views of the desert landscapes are other-worldly, so don’t forget your camera!