HONEY, APPLE PIE AND THE SALTON SEA
The route: Los Angeles to the Salton Sea on Interstate 5, California 78 and 79, San Diego County Roads S2 and S22, Borrego Salton Seaway.
Miles: About 410 miles round trip, 380 if you return by way of Palm Springs.
Best time: Spring for blooming wildflowers and temperate weather; summer for heat-seekers.
Why: The drive through backcountry San Diego County descending into the desert is a delight. You’ll climb the hills east of Escondido, drop into the Ramona Valley (www.ramonavalleyvine yards.com) with its farms, ranches and wineries, then plunge thousands of feet to the desert floor and Borrego Springs, continuing on to the Salton Sea (www .parks.ca.gov?page_id=639).
Highlights: Grab some fresh produce and honey from farm stands in the Ramona Valley. Shop for antiques on Main Street in Ramona, and get a Guy Fieriapproved cinnamon roll at the Ramona Café (www.theramona
cafe.com). Pull over along S22 to shoot photos of the striking boulder-filled
landscape and desert vistas. Stop at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (www.parks
.ca.gov/?page_id=638) visitor center to get the skinny on hiking trails and wilderness areas. Check out Ricardo Breceda’s whimsical metal sculptures (prehistoric mammals and more) scattered around Borrego Springs. See the results of millions of years of geologic turmoil on the drive through the Borrego Badlands to the surreal Salton Sea, California’s accidental ocean in the desert.
Memorable stay: Spend a few bucks and stay at La Casa del Zorro (www.lacasadelzorro.com) in Borrego Springs, a sprawling resort with five swimming pools, a spa, tennis courts and a fitness center. Bring some pals and rent a casita with a private pool or spa.
Memorable meal: The unpretentious Red Ocotillo (redocotillo
2.homestead.com) in Borrego Springs serves up a perfect club sandwich and a side of mixed greens at lunch; burgers are popular, and breakfast is a big draw.
Tourist trap or treat: The Julian Pie Co. (www.lat.ms/julianpieco) in Santa Ysabel is definitely a tourist trap — and definitely a delightful treat. The aroma from the baking pies is irresistible, so why resist? Indulge in a slice of one of the many varieties of apple pie.
Plan to spend: L.A. to Escondido is about two hours; the drive from there to the Salton Sea can be done in another two hours — but don’t rush! Slow down, enjoy the scenery, then take a couple of days to decompress from city life.