Location: Borrego Springs
Top Things to do in Borrego Springs
What to do and see in Borrego Springs, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Borrego Springs is a census-designated place (CDP) in San Diego County, California. The population was 3,429 at the 2010 census, up from 2,535 at the 2000 census, made up of both seasonal and year-round residents. Borrego Springs is completely surrounded by Anza-Borrego State Park, the largest of California's State Parks.
Restaurants in Borrego Springs
1. Galleta Meadows
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 379 reviews
Reviewed By Ollie212 - San Diego, California
These are cool. The dragon is HUGE... continues across the street. Just not my thing. But the kids loved it!
2. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 782 reviews
The largest state park in California is home to amazing flowers and plants which bloom in the early spring.
Reviewed By mntraveler35 - Minneapolis, MN
The visitor center in Borrego Springs is a good place to start for first timers. Good history and flora/fauna display, maps, books, etc. There is everything from easy walk on paved trails to back country off road adventures. If you go in the spring, pray for rain so you will see wild flowers
3. Fonts Point
Overall Ratings
5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By VespagirL55 - Bushnell, Florida
The overlook of the badlands is at the end of a very sandy wash; not hard on dualsport motorcycles, but I'd think a 4WD vehicle would be advisable. Interesting to compare these "badlands" to those of South Dakota. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is full of such a huge variety of terrain; glad we got to experience this bit.
4. Slot Canyon
Overall Ratings
5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By VespagirL55 - Bushnell, Florida
Nice example of a slot canyon. Road was easy for a 2-wheel-drive van in December of 2017. No bathroom at trailhead. Turn at Buttes Pass Road off CA highway 78. Nice to see families out enjoying nature. Very sandy going in the slot, but nice shade from the high walls.
5. Borrego Palm Canyon Nature Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By Bruce M - Carlsbad, California
Starting from the campground near the Visitors' Center, this is the classic park trail. It climbs gently up a canyon to a palm oasis. Rock formations and boulders washed down in former flash floods are worth the trip alone. But the water from springs brings plant life and wildlife worth discovering. Endangered big horn sheep often make an appearance. Outside of winter and early spring, walk early or late, carry lots of water, and wear sun protection. If birds fascinate you, carry binoculars. Footing can be uneven; sturdy footwear or poles can make the walk easier and safer. If you stop to look and wonder, allow three hours for the 3+ miles; otherwise, a steady up and back can be done in half the time. Or so we are told.
6. Hellhole Canyon Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By Wendya01 - Long Beach, California
This is a great hike, but does require some climbing over rocks and several stream crossings toward the top. Expect to take 2 hours going up that includes time for several stops to snap photos along the way.
The trail is fairly easy to follow, but toward the top there are several paths that criss cross and wind up the canyon to the top. None are wrong, but one may be less technical that the other.
Bring at least 3 - 12oz bottles of water and snacks on this hike. We left the trail head at about noon and by the time we got to the falls, I had gone through 32oz of water. My sandwich and snacks were perfect for a picnic at the top where I could relax in the shade and dip my feet in the cool water.
7. Coyote Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Popular day hiking area for desert lovers.
Reviewed By kenmac1 - Spring Valley, California
I have been enjoying Coyote canyon but not the road for over forty years. Imagine my surprise when last weekend (April 12th) I went over in my Jeep expecting ruts and dirt and teeth jarring holes and discovered that someone has bladed the road for several miles! You can take just about any old car almost all the way to the hydro gauge station now! All I can figure is our new State Park superintendent wants everyone to enjoy the flowers that will be there in a few weeks instead of just the 4X4 folks. The ocotillo forest is worth the drive anytime but will be especially spectacular in late March and April.
8. Borrego Art Institute
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By JakeCincinnati99 - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
This desert community has many artists and this is the place to see their stuff. We were lucky enough to see a full display and it was joyous. Spend an hour, not more.
9. Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Chuck B - California
The visitor's center is a "must see", it is a great building all built below ground level, and it is actually very nice inside. Lot's of amount of exhibits displayed give a very nice overview of the Desert park. The volunteer staff are very helpful and tours of the desert are launched from the visitor's center. They were very approachable and happy to answer any questions. Very decent restrooms right off the parking lot. Nice Nature Gardens to stroll through on your way to the building. Nice little gift shop. Also don't forget the donation box.
Bring your off road vehicle, your camera and lots of food and water. There is plenty to see, Sculptures - they are everywhere. Slot Canyon's - Narrows Earth Trail - Village Site - Cactus Loop Trail - Palm Canyon - Stargazing at night in Little Blair Valley - Butts pass - Wildflowers There are all beautiful.
Probably one of the best park in the southern part of So Cal.
Remember dogs must be leashed (no longer than 6 feet). Practice "Leave No Trace". I must say we spent 5 days with a lot of driving both on road and off road and say very little (almost none)trash in the dessert......
As they say "Leave only footprints. Take only memories." I will definitely be back!
10. Desert Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
This landmark in Coyote Canyon is part of Anza Borrego State Park. Popular with day hikers.
Reviewed By IheartZephyr - Fresno, California
We were so thankful to the "Superbloom" because it gave us a chance to know about Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Although we had visited few others desert parks in California like Death Valley National Park and Joshua Tree National Park, and of course many desert parks in Utah and Arizona, Anza-Borrego impressed us still. Maybe because we visited at the time when every plant was blooming and the weather was mild, thus Anza-Borrego became much more pretty and enjoyable in our eyes.
Desert Garden is at the northern part of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. We had quite a good view of the valley below by hiking up the hills. It was great walking among the beautiful ocotillos and cacti, enjoying the flowers and spying for animals. Since the areas can only be reached by driving the dirt road, not many visitors ventured deep into and we could enjoy the nature almost by ourselves. It was really peaceful and relaxed. When flowers bloom, especially the brightly red ocotillos and the purple/green/red/chocolate cacti, the normally dull desert park seems to be livelier and full of life.
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