{"id":213697,"date":"2022-03-30T07:50:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-30T11:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/news\/road-trip-california-deserts-wine\/"},"modified":"2024-05-31T14:19:38","modified_gmt":"2024-05-31T18:19:38","slug":"road-trip-california-deserts-wine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/guide\/destination\/road-trip-california-deserts-wine\/","title":{"rendered":"United States : Road Trip Southern California | Deserts and Vineyards"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Beautiful California” google_fonts=”” el_id=”beautiful_california”][vc_column_text el_class=”checkmarks”]<\/p>\n

I’ve been lucky enough to do a dozen road trips<\/strong> to California over the past ten years.<\/p>\n

And aside from the glitzy part of Los Angeles, no part of California hasn’t dazzled me. From its cities, forests, and mountains to its vineyards, and of course its beaches.<\/p>\n

But it was its deserts<\/strong> that floored me.<\/p>\n

The Palm Springs area is an oasis set in the desert of the Coachella Valley. It is close to the Joshua Tree and the Mojave Desert<\/strong>. They are best visited between January and May due to the extreme heat. It was love at first sight.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”195654″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][vc_column_text]Next, head for the vineyards and hot air ballooning in the Temecula region. A little-known area if we compare it to the wine valleys of Sonoma and Napa near San Francisco, but it surprised us.<\/p>\n

We finish the journey in San Diego.<\/p>\n

Take spring break, for example – this trip represents a five to seven-day trip well done.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”202012″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”]

<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”On the way to the desert” google_fonts=”” el_id=”on_the_way_to_the_desert”][vc_column_text el_class=”checkmarks”]<\/p>\n

There was a time when flights between Montreal and Palm Springs were direct. They are now made with a stopover and one must set aside at least 8 hours to get there.<\/p>\n

The best option is to fly directly to Los Angeles, rent a car, and start the road trip<\/strong> from there.<\/p>\n

Airfare in April 2022 was 23,300 Aeroplan points and $80 in taxes. In cash, it’s $650. The points are therefore optimized at 2.4 cents.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”193016″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

It takes between 2 and 2 and a half hours to get to Palm Springs from LAX on Highway 10. But this is still a rough estimate given the ever-present traffic on the freeways of the most congested city in the United States. But don’t worry, this is the only place you’ll experience this level of traffic.<\/p>\n

Taking the highway will allow you to witness the transitions between the seaside, the mountains, and the lunar landscapes of the desert<\/strong>. When you see the wind farm of San Gorgonio (more than 3,000 giants) on the horizon, you will know you’re on your way to some place different.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”195656″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Stop in San Bernardino National Park” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” google_fonts=”” el_id=”stop_in_san_bernardino_national_park”][vc_column_text el_class=”checkmarks”]<\/p>\n

For the first stop for the night, we suggest you turn off at exit 44 towards the city of San Bernardino. You are now just a few kilometres from the magnificent national park of the same name which you can enjoy the next day.<\/p>\n

Here is a list<\/a> of the most popular list to hike. Accessible to all levels of hikers.<\/p>\n

Lake Arrowhead<\/a> where I stayed is less touristy than its neighbour, Big Bear Lake. Click here to check out the activities offered<\/a>. <\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”195658″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Big Bear Lake<\/a> is the best known. Depending on the season, people go there for skiing, hiking, or water sports. A free trolley service takes you from one point of interest (such as the marina and the public market) to another.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”202017″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][vc_message]<\/p>\n

Five Marriott properties are located in the city of San Bernardino. Residence Inn<\/a>, Fairfield Inn & Suites<\/a>, and TownePlace Suites<\/a> offer overnight stays starting at 15,000 points, including breakfast.<\/p>\n

Do you have Best Western points in the bank? The Best Western Plus Arrowhead Hotel<\/a> has the same night and breakfast offer, starting at 20,000 points.<\/p>\n

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<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Joshua Tree” google_fonts=”” el_id=”joshua_tree”][vc_column_text el_class=”checkmarks”]<\/p>\n

From San Bernardino, take Highway 10 to the intersection of Highway 62 East, which will take you to the Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Fairfield Inn is a good deal. Well situated to spend one or two nights and visit the surrounding area. It’s a few miles from the small town of Joshua Tree. Welcome to the desert.<\/p>\n

The accommodation offer is generous but expensive. Many resorts specialize in spa services because of the underground hot springs in the area. Day passes can be purchased to enjoy their facilities without having to pay the full price of a stay.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”197028″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Joshua Tree National Park” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” google_fonts=”” el_id=”joshua_tree_national_park”][vc_column_text el_class=”checkmarks”]<\/p>\n

There are several activities<\/a> close to the hotel. Park rangers give workshops on the local flora and fauna. You can participate in a guided stargazing activity, but the most popular is the hike suitable for all levels.<\/p>\n

It’s also possible to travel through this part of the desert by car. For a two-hour road trip, you’ll want to stop on these short trails:<\/p>\n