Each beach in Orange County has a different vibe, so I’ll help you choose the one you’d like best.

This is pavement-based (no off-roading, so 2WD is ok) focus on wildflowers in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and the community at the center of it. This is a 2-night itinerary.

Sun and sand in Surf City USA. This is a weekend itinerary.

A map for when Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP) isn’t an option (whether it’s too crowded or completely closed). This is pavement-based (no off-reading, so 2WD is ok) and each location is within about 2 hours of JTNP.

Visit a pavement-based (no off-roading, so 2WD is ok) sample of favorite places in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and the community at the center of it. This is a 2-night itinerary.

A map of pavement-based (no off-reading, so 2WD is ok) favorite places in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and the community at the center of it.

NOTE, some places of this guide are on dirt roads that might not be passable with a regular 2-wheel drive vehicle. Stargazing and desert views in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, based in the Dark Sky Community of Borrego Springs, California