My wife and I are going to San Diego for a week in mid-March. We were wondering how long it takes to drive to places such as Escondido, Borrego Springs, Palm Springs, the Salton Sea and Joshua Tree National Park. When are the best times to drive trafficwise?
Has anyone heard of the Kings Inn on Hotel Circle? Is it any good? Of course we are spending most of our time in San Diego and maybe a short visit to Tijuana.
Thanks for your help!

Neil,
I've only visited San Diego (I live in Orange County), but here's my .02 worth...

The drive to Escondido isn't bad. I would say about 45 mins to an hour without traffic. Borrego Springs is a little bit out there, and if going there I would recommend staying there - it's not a one day trip. Palm Springs would be a long drive from San Diego, plus you could not do it in one day. Joshua Tree is on the way to Las Vegas, and is probably the farthest destination you mentioned. It seems that you are very interested in the desert sites, so why stay in San Diego. SD is a great city with lots to do, but if you and your wife are more into the desert thing, you would be better off staying in a desert community and making that your base. (maybe spend part of the week in SD and part in the desert??)

I don't know about the Kings Inn, but hotel circle is just that: a long circular route of hotels and motels with a few casual dining places included. The hotels/motels are usually a good price, and I've stayed in hotels/motels twice there. It was OK providing I left in the evening or didn't prefer to do much in the evening. Just depends on what kind of nightlife you and your wife enjoy.

Maybe some one else can give you more/better advice or opinions than I.

Good luck!

I live in San Diego.

I disagree with the previous post regarding day trips to the places you have asked about. All are within a reasonable driving distance except for Joshua Tree National Monument.

Escondido - 32 miles

Palm Springs - 130 - 140 miles depending on the route.

Borrego Springs - 80 - 90 miles depending on the route.

Salton Sea - 120 - 125 miles depending on the route.

Joshua - 210 miles

You can do Borrego Springs and Salton Sea at the same time. There is not a lot to stop for so this would not be a bad day trip dpending on your tolerance for driving.

I would do Palm Springs as a loop. You may want to stay the night in Palm Springs so that you have some time to see some of the sights. Unfortunately I do not believe that the tram is open yet but you should check this. The tram up San Jacinto Mountain is a definite "must do" if it is back in operation. You could also include Joshua in your Palm Springs trip if you allowed at least a couple of days. If you are interested, I can give you some details on a good loop route to Palm Springs.

One other alternative would be to do Borrego Springs, Salton Sea, Palm Springs, and Joshua as one trip as it can be done in a fairly convenient loop. You will need at least 2 days ( 3 preferably ) to do it. If you break them up them into individual trips then they are all doable as day trips except for Joshua. You woud combine Salton Sea and Borrego Springs as one trip. Bear in mind that you will be mostly sightseeing from the car except for Palm Springs as there is really not too much to stop for at the other spots.

Accomodations are tough to get in Palm Springs during March so plan ahead.

The best times to drive trafficwise in the San Diego area is 9:30 am - 3:30 pm and 7:00 pm to 6:00 am. It also depends on where you are going. If you are going out of the city then 6:00 am - 9:30 am is OK.

I would not recommend staying at any property on Hotel Circle ( Mission Valley ). There is nothing really wrong with the area except it is definitely not oriented towards the tourist. My choice would be to stay in downtown San Diego where you have lots of places to see all within wasy walking distnce. Great choice of restaurants and fun things.

I noticed that you wanted driving times as well. Just figure on 50 - 60 MPH and you will be pretty close for all of the destinations if you avoid commute time in the city.

Thanks to Michele and SDSam for giving my wife and me very helpful information.

We live in Northern Ontario so this vacation should bring great relief from our cold weather. I have some more questions because I find this forum provides excellent information from a cross-section of people.

Where we live, we are used to driving great distances so we do not mind long drives. We really want to see some of the interesting natural environment around San Diego.(coast, mountains, desert,even agriculture, etc.) Are there any places you would recommend?

Where would be the best place to go to in Tijuana? We've heard of Avenida Revolucion, Plaza del Rio and Rosarito Beach...but which of these is safest, has good deals and is easy to get to?

Finally, what temperature is the ocean in mid-March and are there any outdoor waterparks open in San Diego that have a wavepool and waterslides?

Thanks again for your help!!

Anyone who need information for Northern Ontario and Canada please write on this forum or e-mail me. I love the travel talk!

It sounds like you are used to driving so you won't have any problem seeing everything.

The ocean temperature in March will be very cool around 62-64. The ocean temperatures are cool even at the warmest time of the year and rarely exceed 70-72. You also have to consider the weather. It can very iffy in March. It can be warm and sunny, chilly, raining or whatever. No snow though except possibly at the higher elevations.

I do not know much about waterparks. There are none in the San Diego area that I know of. I believe that Palm Springs has one.

I can suggest a day trip that will take you through a variety of types of country. First, drive north on I-15 and take the Scripps Poway Parkway exit and go east to Hwy 67. Go north (left) on 67 through Ramona to Hwy 78 and up to Julian. From Julian go down the mountain to the desert and on to the Salton Sea. You then return through Borrego Springs, up the mountain through Ranchita to Palomar Mountain. You can then go up the mountain to the observatory. From Palomar you go through Valley Center, Escondido and back to San Diego. You will be doing a lot of driving which you indicated ia all right. There won't be a lot of time for stopping but there really isn't much to stop for except the observatory at Palomar. This trip will cover everything from farmland, to forested mountains, to desert. Get an early start.

Visiting Tijuana is a different story. I am very familiar with the area and in fact own a business in Tijuana. First, I do NOT recommend driving in Mexico for the first time visitor. Too much of a hassle and can be somewhat dangerous if you don't know where you are going. Also most rental companies will not allow you to drive their cars into Mexico. In your case I would suggest one of two things. There are day trip tours to Tijuana and Rosarito. Those are definitely a viable option and the least trouble. You can also take the San Diego trolley to the border and walk across into Tijuana. You can then walk to Avenida Revolución or take a taxi. There are hundreds of taxis just across the border and the drivers will descend on you like flies. Tijuana can be a very dangerous city if you do not exercise some caution. Do not wnader off the beaten track and visit during the day. My choice of area to visit is the Plaza Del Rio which is a short 5 minute cab ride from the border. It is located in La Zona Del Rio which is the nicest area of Tijuana. It is more Mexican ( not touristy ) and offers some really good shopping and restaurants. Avenida Revolución is the tourist drag with the same old tourist traps.

Dear Neil:
You're getting some great advice. Just a couple of things: If you drive through Julian, be sure to stop for local apple cider and pine (pinyon) nuts. If you see roadside stands advertising "locally grown macadamia nuts," stop and buy some. Macademia nuts thrive in mountainous eastern San Diego County--and they taste better than the Hawaiian kind (and they're healthier because they are roasted in macademia nut oil rather than palm oil). Depending on what route you take, you may also come across a local winery or two. Stop. Their wines are well worth tasting.
Have fun!

Our family went to SD last summer. We stayed at the Dana Marine Inn on Mission Bay. This is not a fancy place but it was great!! They have a marina there where you can rent boats to go out on the bay. Very nice to walk around although to do anything else you will need to drive. Rates were very good. Most other postings I had read recommended staying downtown at the Embassy Suites but they were all booked up when I was making plans. We did go down to the Gaslamp District--ate pizza at Sammy's--it was terrific. Would also recommend spending time in Old Town. Great margaritas and shopping. Have fun!!

Thanks again to everyone for helping us out!
I was wondering, how much time should we take to visit Sea World and the Zoo? Could we see both in the same day?

You could do Sea World and the Zoo in one day, provided you are not with kids and you don't care to see a ton of shows and exhibits. There's a new baby panda at the zoo that will be on display for the first time this week. The zoo may be very crowded and popular during your visit because of this, so try to go during the week, when it's not so crowded.

The weather's been phenomenal lately...high 60s nearly every day. I hope it lasts for your trip!

Have been to both Sea World and the San Diego Zoo, and agree with Wendy. You *could* do both in a day, but you would miss many attractions. They are both worthy of a full day. Plus, they're not next door to each other.

Like Marsha, we stayed at the Dana Inn and liked it. (Chose to walk back after Sea World; only 15-20 minutes.)

I just went to the San Diego Zoo today and saw their baby panda and her mother. That scene alone is worth a day at the zoo. That panda is so cute, and the interactions between mother and baby are truly amazing. You won't be sorry you saw these amazing creatures!

I would definitely do the zoo and Sea World on separate days. Doing both in one day will not do justice to either and you will be all worn out.

If you're interested in desert areas, I highly recommend that you make a point of going to Joshua Tree. My husband and I made it the start of a trip to San Diego in December - flew into San Diego, drove straight on to Palm Springs (about 2 1/2 hours), spent the afternoon and night there, visited Joshua Tree the next day (30 - 45 minutes from Palm Springs) and returned to San Diego in the afternoon.
We stayed at the Best Western Las Brisas in Palm Springs - pleasant, good rates, and very convenient. In San Diego we stayed at the Ramada Limited Old Town - also comfortable and convenient with good rates. Old Town is near Hotel Circle, but definitely preferable.

Ann,

If you wouldn't mind, could you please expand on your comments about the Ramada Limited at Old Town? Perhaps share any tips and/or learnings from your stay there? Comments on the quality of the continental breakfast, etc.? Did you feel safe in the hotel? In the neighborhood?

Our 3-kid family and both sets of grandparents currently have reservations for that hotel this summer for our first trip to San Diego. While I actually would have preferred to stay along the beach, our budget warrants an inland stay.

Thanks. -- Rob

Rob:

I live in San Diego so have not stayed at the Ramada Express. However I can assure you that the area is quite safe. Old Town is an interesting area with many fine restaurants. You should be just fine.

Did you check on the prices of the Ramada in downtown San Diego? I would prefer to stay downtown if given a choice. There is much more to see and do all within walking distance.

Rob,
Overall, I was quite happy with the Ramada Limited. It's nothing special, but our 2nd floor room was large, quiet, and comfortable (and they were replacing all the mattesses while we were there.) The continental breakfast is buffet-style - muffins, toast, cereal, etc., and is served in an area off the lobby, although there's an attractive courtyard where you could probably eat (it was too cold when we were there.)
I felt perfectly safe in the hotel and the neighborhood, which I'm not sure would have been the case at night in Old Town.
I don't know what kind of rate you got, but I joined Ramada's frequent-stay club, "Club Ramada," before making my reservation and got a much better rate through them than through the hotel, so it might be worth looking into.

Just a couple of comments: I agree that Sea World and the Zoo are for separate days. I would also point out that the Zoo in located in Balboa Park, home to some fine museums. If you don't feel the Zoo will take your full day, do visit one or more of the museums.
Next, I agree that the trip to Julian is always pleasant.
Finally, just let me say that I live about a mile from the Joshua Tree National Park visitors center, and San Diego is no more than a 3 hour drive from here. But a word of warning -- once you get into the park you do more driving than you expect and everyone we take there ALWAYS wants to spend more time than we've planned, so understand that even if you plan it as a day trip, you may fall in love with it and decide to stay overnight.
If anyone has any questions about JTNP or the surronding area I'm always happy to share info about my home town.

Something about Palm Springs that bears mention since you are from Canada. Palms Springs is full of Canadian "snowbirds" all winter and into early spring, so you will find that some of the local radio stations carry Canadian news broadcasts, financial, weather, and sports reports so that you can keep up on things back home.

Thanks yet again to everyone for all of the information and advice!!

Does anybody know yet if the Anza-Borrego Desert or the desert near Palm Springs are in bloom with flowers?