How to Have the Best Weekend in Borrego Springs, California

Borrego Springs is a charming town in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in Southern California, known for its unique and beautiful scenery, colorful wildflowers, and clear night skies.

We took our first trip there in November and loved it. It’s excellent for people who love nature and outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and stargazing.

You can also go there to relax and enjoy the peaceful environment. I enjoyed the smallness of the town, it never felt overcrowded.

We arrived midday on a Friday and left on Sunday morning, but we were able to squeeze in some awesome attractions and enjoy lots of delicious food. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or just looking for recommendations, here’s a breakdown of how to have a fantastic weekend in Borrego Springs.

Things to do

Galleta Meadows Sculptures

If you only do one thing, visiting the Galleta Meadows Sculptures should be at the top of your list.

Before visiting, I knew I wanted to see the Galleta Meadows sculptures. There are approximately 130 sculptures, and I had no clue how long it would take to see all of them. We split this into two days, taking about 3.5 hours overall to complete.

For details on seeing all the sculptures in a specific order, which ones are at each stop, and a map to guide you, head over to the How to Easily See All of the Galleta Meadows Sculptures.

Slot Canyon Trail

The Slot Canyon Trail is a unique hiking spot that takes you through the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The 2.2-mile trail goes through a canyon with towering rock walls on either side, and it’s quite a fun experience since you have to squeeze through several narrow passages.

Check out How to Hike the Slot Canyon Trail in Borrego Springs for tips and more information about the hike.

Where to eat

Red Ocotillo

Red Ocotillo was our first stop for lunch when we arrived in Borrego Springs. It’s a cute spot in the heart of town just off Christmas Circle. The restaurant has interesting decorations inside and a lovely patio with beautiful mountain views.

The service was excellent, and our food and drinks were delicious.

Carlee’s Place

We walked into Carlee’s Place and were hit by its cool, dark vibe, with a bar in the middle, a jukebox, and a pool table. It’s the kind of place to go “where everybody knows your name.”

When we left around 6:30 p.m., quite a few people were waiting to be seated.

Big Horn Burgers and Shakes

What do you need to cool off in the desert? Adult milkshakes!

Big Horn Burgers and Shakes has lots of old-western charm. The burgers are good, and the spiked milkshakes are a must-try.

It’s also fun to check out the building and the old-town resort across the parking lot.

The Propeller Bar and Grill

The Propeller Bar and Grill was a fun spot with history and fascinating decor. It has expansive views of the airport runway and would be a great place to go when there are air shows, especially if you sit on the top deck.

We’re still a little confused about how it’s operated. It sounds like it used to be a restaurant and changed hands recently. Now, it hosts pop-up events that feature live music with food from various caterers.

We arrived during business hours on a Saturday, and the door was unlocked, but no one was to be found. Shortly after, someone pulled up and told us about the event starting soon, so we stuck around and checked out the venue.

The music and food were excellent. We got to listen to Country Kinship band and enjoy some of the best barbeque brisket we’ve ever had from Pam & Tom’s BBQ Fest.

This place is definitely worth checking out, but I suggest checking their social media pages or calling ahead to ensure they are open before heading over.

Places to stay

Palm Canyon Hotel and RV Resort

This Palm Canyon Hotel and RV Resort resort is across the parking lot from Big Horn Burgers and Shakes, and it’s a fun old-town Wild West hotel.

It would be a great place to stay with kids and has amenities that include a general store, restaurant, bar, pool, and spa.

There are options to stay at their hotel, or you can glamp in a jupe, trailer, or an airstream. If you’re driving your accommodations, they also have RV parking sites with hookups.

La Casa del Zorro Resort & Spa

I had my eye on La Casa del Zorro Resort & Spa for our last trip, but it was sold out. They offer larger rooms and casitas that range from one to four bedrooms.

A plethora of amenities are included in the resort fee, such as a one-mile track for walking and jogging, tennis, pickleball, yoga, and a fitness center. If you like games, they have life-size chess, bocce ball, shuffleboard, ping pong, and more. Then, when it’s time to cool off, they have five pools you can take a dip in.

After burning some calories, you can reward yourself with food and drinks at their bistro and bar. Then, to top off a perfect day, head to the stargazing theatre for some awe and relaxation.

For a more detailed review and pictures, check out La Casa Del Zorro: Your Ultimate Borrego Springs Retreat.

Borrego Valley Inn

Kid free zone! Whether you want to get away from your muchkins or enjoy peace and quiet, Borrego Valley Inn looks like the perfect place.

This resort offers a retreat-like setting and features two pools, one clothing mandatory and one clothing optional. Ooh la la! You can also enjoy continental breakfasts, stargazing, and coffee on demand.

Two-day itinerary

Day 1

• Arrive in Borrego Springs and have lunch at Red Ocotillo
• Visit the Galleta Meadows Sculptures north of Christmas Circle
• Check into your hotel
• Have dinner at Carlee’s Place

Day 2

• Hike the Slot Canyon Trail
• Have lunch at Big Horn Burgers and Shakes
• Visit the Galleta Meadows Sculptures south of Christmas Circle
• Enjoy some pool and spa time at the hotel
• Head to The Propeller Bar and Grill for dinner

Other things to do

• Palm Canyon Trail
• Wind Caves Trail
• Fonts Point Trail
• Take a day trip to the Salton Sea
• Experience the desert wildflowers (typically March-April)
• Star gazing night sky tours
• Off-road through Ocotillo Wells in an ATV

Related posts to help you plan a trip to Borrego Springs

• How to Easily See All of the Galleta Meadows Sculptures
• Wildflowers in Anza-Borrego – A Bucket List Worthy Experience!
• La Casa Del Zorro: Your Ultimate Borrego Springs Retreat
• How to Hike the Slot Canyon Trail in Borrego Springs
• Hiking Borrego Palm Canyon Trail: What You Need to Know