Overview
Borrego Springs is a town of 3,100 people (2020), in the Inland part of San Diego County, California, in a desert valley forming the westernmost part of the Sonoran Desert. It is the main town in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, which surrounds the valley.
10 places to eat · 8 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Nov–Apr. Summer highs reach about 107°F; winter lows dip to about 41°F. Very hot (May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jan and Feb. (climate data from nearby Salton Sea)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- PSP Palm Springs International Airport, Palm Springs — 41 mi away (major hub). Directions
- CLD McClellan-Palomar Airport, Carlsbad — 53 mi away. Directions
Borrego Springs is about 90 miles (140 km) from downtown San Diego.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Understand
Borrego Springs has pueblo-style, modern architecture and ranch-style house architecture.
The village of Borrego Springs is recognized as a designated International Dark Sky Community by the International Dark-Sky Association. Borrego Springs has no stoplights, and nighttime lighting is kept to a minimum to protect the view of the night sky. It is a center for public astronomy activities throughout the year.
Get in
Borrego Springs is about 90 miles (140 km) from downtown San Diego.
California State Route 78 passes a few miles south of Borrego Springs. Coming from the west on CA-78 (from Julian), turn north on Yaqui Pass Road (S3), which climbs a small ridge to cross into the Borrego Valley. If coming from the east (from Brawley), turn north on Borrego Springs Road.
Another road, the Borrego Salton Seaway (S22), connects Borrego Springs with Salton City directly to the east. This road passes through a variety of washes, small canyons, and boulder fields. Pick up the pamphlet "Erosion Road" from the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park visitor center for a self-guided tour of the geological features along the road.
The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System provides occasional bus service between Borrego Springs and El Cajon on routes 891 and 892. El Cajon is an eastern San Diego suburb with a stop on the San Diego Trolley light rail. However, each service runs only one trip per week, route 891 on Fridays and route 892 on Thursdays.
Do
Borrego Springs serves as a center for numerous sports and wellness activities, aimed at providing relaxation, physical fitness, and wellness retreats in a peaceful desert environment.
Golf
There are some golf courses in the community, each offering distinct landscapes and challenges for golf enthusiasts:
- Rams Hill Golf Club: Known for its stunning scenery and perfect greens.
- The Springs at Borrego RV Resort and Golf Course: Merges the luxury of RV living with the pleasure of golfing.
- de Anza Desert Club: Offers a chance to experience desert golfing, with facilities available for visitors.
Eat
Eat Carlee's Place
Long-standing roadhouse offering burgers, bar bites, breakfast, and other American dishes in festive surroundings.
Eat Los Jilberto's Taco Shop
Mexican eatery serving breakfast, tacos, burritos, and other traditional dishes. A local favorite.
Eat Kendall's Cafe
American cuisine in a casual setting, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Eat The Fox Bistro
Resort casual and fine dining with American cuisine, featuring a patio with desert views. When calling, dial ext. 0.
Eat Coyote Steakhouse
Steakhouse with a refined dining atmosphere, classic cocktails, and a diverse menu.
Eat Pablito's Restaurant
Authentic Mexican cuisine with signature margaritas and a variety of refreshing drinks.
Eat CARMELITA’S MEXICAN GRILL
Authentic Mexican cuisine complemented by signature margaritas and refreshing beverages.
Eat Big Horn Burgers & Shakes
Casual eatery specializing in burgers, hand-cut fries, hand-spun shakes, and house-made sauces.
Eat Rams Hill Restaurant
Upscale, modern American cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients and innovative dishes.
Eat Epicurious Social Club
Offers fresh salads, delicious pasta dishes, and pizzas, perfect for casual gatherings.
Sleep
Nearby
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Park · 1 listings · 2 mi away
Julian
City / town · 70 listings · 17 mi away
Salton City
City / town · 1 listings · 24 mi away
Cleveland National Forest
Park · 25 mi away
La Quinta
City / town · 23 listings · 30 mi away
Coachella
City / town · 1 listings · 32 mi away
Ramona
City / town · 32 mi away
Indian Wells
City / town · 3 listings · 32 mi away
My experience
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