Anything worth seeing between Phoenix and San Diego? (Yuma, Parks: vehicle, parking)

[Bungle]

I'm driving to San Diego this Sunday for a week stay in San Diego. I've made the drive a number of times before and have always driving straight there. This time I'll have extra time to kill and will be in no hurry. I'm just wondering if there are any short detours along the way. I've read about the Salton Sea and how it went from an oasis in the desert to somewhat of a resort ghost town. Is this worth exploring? Also, I have a very capable offroad vehicle in case there are some cool trails or rough terrain to navigate.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

[beTucsonan]

Given the time to slowly meander to San Diego I'd check out:

1) The Kofa and Imperial National Wildlife Refuges
2) The sand dunes
3) The Salton Sea
4) Otay County Open Space Preserve
5) If you have your passport, Tecate and maybe even Tijuana.

[PhxMan500]

I made that drive over a decade ago alone and leisurely. I stopped to see the Painted Rock Petrogylphs (Painted Rock Petroglyph Site - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia). It was very interesting if you're into that. At the time, there was nothing protecting it and people had added their own drawings, which is very unfortunate. Hopefully that's been improved. The best part was seeing Gila monsters in the wild there. I am sure that was a coincidence.

I stopped by the sand dunes right across the CA border, and managed to get stuck in the sand when just parking. Don't put too much confidence in your 4WD vehicle. I've been to Glamis several times since then. Since you are going on Labor Day, it will be very busy and quite a party. It is definitely worth seeing the spectacle if you haven't been there.

Glamis is somewhat on your way to the Salton Sea. It stinks, it's full of litter, and I suspect it is nearly empty with the latest drought, but it is a great place for pictures.

Enjoy your trip!

[slowesthand]

take the side trip through Julian Ca. It's a nice drive up there and a very cool old town. Don't forget to get a slice of apple pie while you're there!
I've driven to SD so many times and always wondered about it, definitely worth the little side trip.
Check it out on line for the history of it. The road keeps going back out to the Interstate, so you don't have to backtrack, to get back to the highway.

[pbenjamin]

Originally Posted by Suckson

Given the time to slowly meander to San Diego I'd check out:

1) The Kofa and Imperial National Wildlife Refuges
2) The sand dunes
3) The Salton Sea
4) Otay County Open Space Preserve
5) If you have your passport, Tecate and maybe even Tijuana.

I accompanied my wife on a business trip to San Diego last year. I decided to take the trolley down to San Ysidro and walk over the border into Tijuana. Upon emerging from the border crossing I saw a line of pedestrians that appeared to be about a mile long. Having a plane to catch later that day I spent the rest of my time getting back out of Mexico. Not a whole lot of fun.

[Ponderosa]

If you drive at night, you may catch a glimpse of groups of illegal immigrants crossing the freeway.

[new2colo]

No.

[KurtAZ]

Originally Posted by new2colo

no.

^^ +1

[Ponderosa]

Yuma Territorial Prison State Park is worth a visit.

Arizona State Parks: Yuma Territorial Prison: Home

[magnum0417]

There is a nudist retreat in Jacumba also.

http://www.deanzasprings.com/

Also, get a dateshake in Dateland .