Hello,
My wife and I are going to San Diego Aug. 31st and are contemplating whether or not to take a side trip to palm springs and/or joshua tree national park, and possibly the salton sea area. Is it good to go this time of year? Any comments are appreciated.
thanks!!
Greg

Would you plan on spending the night in, say, Palm Springs? Otherwise that would be a lot to do in one very LONG and HOT day.
Palm Springs is way cool and way retro, but it doesn't appeal to everyone. there are a lot of oldsters there, if you catch my drift.
Joshua Tree is a great place to boulder or hike, but it'll be hot in August. Late in the day should be nice, though.

Joshua Tree: rock climbing and hiking paradise, but I sure wouldn't try it in August!
Palm Springs: One of my favorite places in America...but you have to love dry heat at about 105» at that time of the year! Nights are wonderful, super restaurants, shopping on Palm Canyon Drive on east to Palm Desert (though many stores close early/6pm in summer). Yeah, lots of retirees, but many people in their 20's, too. Also, very large sophisticated gay community in P.S.
Late June thru September is too hot for most people to enjoy the areas you're considering. The sunsets will knock you out, though! Marriott Desert Hot Springs: 10+ resort!
Do Salton Sea/desert flower tour (something Borrego area?) in the springtime.
Definitely cannot do it all in a one day trip. And remember to sip Gatorade all day (chased by a chocolate banana milkshake from Ruby's P.S. diner)! Enjoy.

We have a place in Palm Springs, and I never understood why people travel from all over to see it. It is relaxing, but the coast is so much nicer. If you do go you have to pick up a date shake from Hadleys.

Thank you for your responses. I catch your drift(s). We would only have time for a day trip to those parts, so maybe a springtime trip out there is in order to experience the full beauties the area has to offer. Since we've never been to the San Diego area, we'll concentrate on taking in the coastal beauty. thanks again!
Greg

Julian is a cute little town in the hills outside of San Diego. Used to be a perfect daytrip for apple pie. But it's been on fire lately and may not be the place to go right now.

Julian is fine to go to. The town itself was not damaged in the Pines fire, but thousands and thousands of acres of forest, and some homes, outside Julian were destroyed.