Explore the desert

You must travel inland and into the desert in order to fully comprehend California's varied geological landscape. Fortunately, two breathtaking desert vistas can be seen less than three hours between San Diego and Los Angeles. A 800,000-acre paradise, Joshua Tree National Park is a 130-mile drive east of Los Angeles and is home to the rare Joshua tree, which grows exclusively in the American Southwest. The largest state park in California, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, is about 75 miles northeast of San Diego.

It has stunning landscape, including slot canyons and palm oases. There are memorable hiking paths and camping choices available in both of these parks. The 3-mile Ryan Mountain Path and the 1.7-mile Skull Rock loop trail are two of the most popular trails in Joshua Tree among tourists. Additionally, visitors to Anza-Borrego State Park delighted in the 2.3-mile loop Slot path and the more tame 2.6-mile Pictograph Trail. It's recommended to visit the desert in the spring and fall because the summers may be quite hot (daytime highs in the desert can reach above 100 degrees).