Borrego Springs

Smack in the middle of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park lies the unpretentious town of Borrego Springs, population 3,429. It’s the only California town that is completely surrounded by a state park, and that’s just one bullet point in its list of bragging rights. 

What Is Borrego Springs Known For?

Ricardo Breceda Sculptures

The creatures pop up alongside Borrego Springs Road: Prehistoric elephants. A saber-tooth cat. An ancient camel. A T. rex and a giant bird of prey. Not the flesh-and-blood kind, but remarkable art pieces—sometimes whimsical, sometimes haunting—are the one-of-a-kind works of sculptor Ricardo Breceda, whose creations delight and surprise drivers near the town of Borrego Springs.

While some creatures are ambitious fantasies, such as a 350-foot-long serpent arcing across the playa, but many of the sculptures represent real-life creatures that once roamed this land. In 2008, Breceda was originally commissioned by local philanthropist Dennis Avery to make sculptures for his extensive desert property known as Galleta Meadows, but the creatures seem to have multiplied around town. To find Breceda’s 130 or so rust-red, scrap-metal sculptures, pick up a detailed map at the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association bookstore in Borrego Springs (also a great place for nature-themed gifts).

Stargazing

Borrego Springs is California's first and the world's second designated International Dark Sky Community, thanks its dedication to protecting the night sky from light pollution and its remote location surrounded by the vast desert of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. 

On clear, moonless nights, visitors can spot thousands of stars, the Milky Way stretching across the sky, and seasonal celestial events such as meteor showers and planetary alignments. Popular viewing spots include the Borrego Palm Canyon campground, Fonts Point, and pullouts along the park's scenic roads. 

The nonprofit organization Borrego Springs Dark Sky Coalition regularly hosts astronomy programs and star parties, where amateur astronomers set up telescopes for public viewing. The area's dry climate and low humidity often produce exceptionally clear night skies.

Buying Ruby Red Grapefruit in Borrego Springs

Then there’s the ruby red grapefruit season, which begins in late December and ends when all the grapefruit are eaten. Some local fruit stands are run on the honor system: Pick up a bag and place your money in the box.

Downtown Borrego Springs

The downtown area has a passel of ice cream shops, restaurants, and lodgings, but the local art scene evokes the most community pride. In addition to the supersize Breceda sculptures, there are galleries with more works by local artists, and the Plein Air Invitational painting event and the Circle of Art Show both take place in the spring. Get your own art on with a watercolor or pottery-making class offered by the nonprofit Borrego Art Institute.

Where to Stay in Borrego Springs

Accommodations here range from upscale desert retreats to budget-friendly motels. La Casa Del Zorro Desert Resort & Spa, a historic resort dating to 1937, offers casitas, multiple pools, tennis courts, a spa, and onsite dining. Adults seeking a quieter stay can check into Borrego Valley Inn, known for its private patios, hot tubs, and proximity to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort provides a more casual, family-friendly option with hotel rooms, cabins, and RV sites, while mid-priced stays such as The Palms at Indian Head and Stanlunds Inn & Suites offer comfortable bases close to downtown Borrego Springs.

Is There Camping in Borrego Springs?

Visitors to Borrego Springs who would like to camp have it especially good—you are allowed to camp for free anywhere in the surrounding Anza-Borrego Desert State Park under the following conditions: 

• Your vehicle is not parked more than one length off the road (though you may walk further in to set up your site)
• Your camp is set up at least 100 yards from any water source
• The prohibition of ground fires is observed (fires in metal containers ok)
• Campers bring their own firewood
• Leave No Trace principles are followed. There are also several campgrounds and RV parks in the area.

Is There Golfing Near Borrego Springs?

Near Borrego Springs, golfers can play de Anza Country Club, an 18-hole private desert course in the foothills, and Rams Hill Golf Club, a public Tom Fazio–designed course known for desert views and stay-and-play packages. The Springs at Borrego RV Resort and Golf Course also offers a local golf option within town. The former Borrego Springs Resort golf course is currently closed.