Explore Anza-Borrego Desert State Park on your next trip to Coronado! Take a break from the sandy beaches and visit a different type of nature: this stunning desert state park. Find out all about what you can expect when you take a day trip to visit this beautiful state park.
Where is Anza-Borrego Desert State Park?
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in California, with over 500 miles of dirt roads, 12 wilderness areas, and miles of great hiking trails. It’s located on the east side of San Diego County and has plenty to see and do. The park is named after Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza and borrego, which is the Spanish name for bighorn sheep. This state park’s mission is to “protect and preserve the natural landscapes, wildlife habitat and cultural heritage of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and its surrounding region for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.”
What can you expect to do there?
For all people who enjoy adventuring outdoors, there is plenty to do at Anza-Borrego! Explore the expansive dirt roads and hiking trails, either by hiking, biking, or planning a desert tour in an off-road vehicle.
There is also plenty of wildlife living at the park. While the State Park is named for the bighorn sheep, they’re one of the trickiest animals to spot! But during your visit you might see roadrunners, black-tailed jackrabbits, desert cottontails, quail, coyotes, long-eared owls, bobcats, foxes, and several varieties of bats, rodents and reptiles! If you enjoy seeing (or hearing, since some of these animals can be quite shy) wildlife, you’ll enjoy exploring Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
Plus, in addition to all of the wildlife, there’s so many plants to see as well. You might come across wildflowers, palm groves, cacti, and more! And when you take in all there is to see, you’ll be able to enjoy the sweeping sights as well.
Why it’s worth the drive
Although this state park is about an hour and a half away from Crown City Inn, it’s worth the drive! Aside from the expansive nature trails and wildlife you’ll see here, the flowers are also incredible. One of the most beautiful times of the year to visit is the spring, when the wildflowers are in full bloom. With over 90 different plant families and hundreds of flowering species, the wildflower bloom is an event you won’t want to miss!
And when you’re back in Coronado…
You can relax on the calm shores of the award-winning Coronado Beach. And after your day at the beach, you can enjoy a delicious local meal. Or, if you would prefer shopping, Coronado has plenty of boutiques and shops for you to explore. When you stay at Crown City Inn, you’ll be close to all of this entertainment and still not too far to explore Anza-Borrego Desert State Park!