Borrego Springs is the only town in California—and perhaps in the whole United States—completely surrounded by a state park. Its distinctive setting within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park offers exceptionally dark skies for stargazing, not to mention easy access to scenic hiking trails and camping spots.
It takes about 3 hours to reach Borrego Springs by car from Los Angeles, but once you’re there, you’re in for a treat. In fact, the small desert town’s tranquility, art, and outdoor opportunities recently earned a spot on World Atlas‘ list of the best places to live in Southern California in 2025.
From Ricardo Breceda’s towering metal sculptures to the vibrant wildflower blooms in the spring, here’s a brief guide to the top sights and activities in Borrego Springs, California.
What to do in Borrego Springs, California
Stargazing
Borrego Springs was the first location in California recognized as an International Dark Sky Community—an honor awarded to towns that enforce strict lighting regulations to limit light pollution. As a result, it remains one of the darkest spots in Southern California, making it a top destination for stargazing and night-sky photography.
The town regularly hosts star parties and guided night-sky tours, but you can also enjoy incredible views on your own at popular spots like Di Giorgio Road, Fonts Point, and Galleta Meadows. On clear, moonless nights, expect to see the Milky Way, meteor showers, star clusters, and even passing satellites.
Art and sculptures
Borrego Springs is renowned for the Galleta Meadows sculpture collection, a series of over 130 large-scale metal artworks created by artist Ricardo Breceda between 2008 and 2012. Commissioned by philanthropist Dennis Avery, these sculptures are scattered throughout the desert, creating striking photo opportunities at any time of day or night.
The collection features an eclectic mix of subjects, including prehistoric animals like mammoths and dinosaurs, historical figures such as gold miners and Native Americans, and a dramatic 350-foot-long serpent that rises out of the sand.
Outdoor recreation
One of the standout features of Borrego Springs is its location within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, which is the largest state park in California. Spanning more than 585,000 acres of the Colorado Desert in San Diego County, the park completely surrounds the town with an incredible array of landscapes, including palm oases, slot canyons, dry lake beds, rugged badlands, and mountain ranges.
Each spring, the park is especially famous for its vibrant wildflower super blooms, turning the desert floor into a brilliant mosaic of yellows, oranges, and purples. It’s also a refuge for desert wildlife, including endangered Peninsular bighorn sheep, mule deer, kit foxes, iguanas, and roadrunners. With over 100 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, plus 500 miles of dirt roads, there’s endless terrain to explore, including the following…
- Font’s Point – Also known as the “Grand Canyon of California,” Font’s Point has great panoramic views of the Borrego Badlands.
- Borrego Palm Canyon Trail – A popular 3.5-mile trail leading to a lush palm oasis, perfect for spotting bighorn sheep.
- The Slot Canyon – This narrow, winding canyon has stunning rock formations and tight passages.
- The Badlands – A landscape of eroded rock formations with fossils and ample hiking opportunities.
- Visitor Center – A great starting point to learn about the park’s history and Indigenous heritage.
Visiting Borrego Springs
With a population of around 3,000, Borrego Springs retains a quiet, nostalgic charm that is reminiscent of 1950s-era Palm Springs. After World War II, it was developed as a resort town and still offers a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere.
Despite its modest size, Borrego Springs features a mix of local culture, art, and family-friendly activities. Some highlights include the Borrego Springs Chamber Certified Farmers Market, art exhibits at the Borrego Art Institute, and dining options ranging from cozy cafes to upscale grills.
🚗 Driving from Los Angeles: It takes about 3 hours to reach Borrego Springs from Los Angeles by car.
🗓️ Best time to visit: With desert temps soaring in the summer, the best time to visit is from October through April. The annual Borrego Days Desert Festival happens in October, and wildflowers bloom in the spring.
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