leuk2

we will be in san diego for a couple days and then driving to palm springs. does any body know the most scenic route. the fastest route looks like the i-15 to i 215 to i 10. is there a more scenic route that can be driven in 4-5 hrs. or less.

happytrailstoyou

There are many scenic roads between San Diego and Palm Springs. This is a good option:

Drive I-8 to 79.
Drive 79 north to Julian (interesting town) and then to 371.
Drive 371 to 74.
Drive 74 into Palm Springs via Palm Desert, or via Banning.

Both ways are scenic. At Julian you could also take a detour to Borrego Springs for lunch at Carlee's Bar and Grill.

HTTY

Dukey1

a variation on the above is to take SR 78 east from Julian OR S22 from Borrego Springs over to SR 86 north if you are interested in also seeing the Salton Sea and then north to Palm Springs.

Tomsd

Have driven this many times to see the In Laws in Palm Desert (10+ miles east of Palm Springs) - and also when they lived up at the artist colony - known as Idyllwyld. The most scenic route is to take the 1st/southernmost exit from Temecula - on 79 toward Acquanga - and then 371 up to Anza and then 74/right - down to Palm Desert/Coachella Valley. If you have time - you can also turn left on 74 and go into Idylwylld - about 20 miles through the woods.

Note - the last part - along 74 from just beyond Anza down to Palm Desert is curvy - but very scenic.

Tomsd

Actually - going through Julian is also very scenic - but that will take a bit longer.

Tomsd

Uno Mas: From San Diego - to the base of 74 in Palm Desert - can be made in about 2 and a half hours. If you drove in to see Idyllwild - add another hour - or longer if you decide to dally a bit there. http://www.idyllwild.com/

Idyllwild is on the back/west side of the peak/mountain where the tram goes up from the Palm Springs/east side.

To be fair - Julian is also fun: http://www.julianca.com/

leuk2

Thank you everyone.

aliced

This past fall we did a 'direct from Carlsbad (north of SD by 25 miles) to Julian and loved the town-- you will need 1-2 hours there. Then, later in the visit we took the 'direct' from I-15 to 10 East into Palm Desert, but came back 'over the mountain' through Borrega Springs and then continued to Idyllwild. Perhaps some years ago it was for 'artists' but the town had absolutely nothing to offer, many shops were closed down, and it was disappointing. We then continued westerly (via San Bernadino Forest?? Tomsd don't jump down my throat pls) and was glad to find civilization when we hit upon Temecula much later. Bit desolate a ride, but glad we did it. Julian was wonderful-- Idyllwild not worth the detour. BTW Palm Springs has a wonderful art museum, don't miss.

Tomsd

leuk2 - It's nice when somebody thanks those who post their advice - without any renumeration of course.

And Aliced: It's been a while since we spent much time in Idyllwild - but loved it when my In-Laws lived there about 15? years ago. Perhaps knowing the local grocers, restaunteers and the like gave it a better "flavor" and sad it has fallen on hard times.