Are you thinking about stargazing in Borrego Springs? You came to the right place. Earlier this month, I had the honor of visiting Borrego Springs, a small town in San Diego County, out towards the desert (think somewhere between San Diego and Palm Springs!). I have to give a quick and huge shoutout to Toyota USA for this wonderful opportunity to explore a new area of California. They were featuring their brand new Toyota 2021 C-HR Nightshade Edition that dazzles like the night sky, hence the stargazing trip! Not only was I thrilled for this opportunity in general, but I also couldn’t be a better person (in my humble opinion) to promote the C-HR since I actually drive one myself (see for yourself here)! I love experiencing different types of Toyota models (most recently the Highlander for the Road Trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas).
I only knew about Borrego Springs before this since I used to have a boss that was obsessed with stargazing there, but there were so many of you, friends, and family that are from California and didn’t know anything about Borrego Springs! Are you familiar? Let me know in the comments!
Stay
First and foremost, let’s talk about where to stay in Borrego Springs. We stayed at La Casa del Zorro Desert Resort for a couple of nights and I can see why they were voted the 2021 Traveler’s Choice for TripAdvisor! The rooms were so spacious, the bed was comfortable and I loved the updated bathrooms (with a huge tub!). Their website describes it the best, so here it is:
La Casa del Zorro Desert Resort in Borrego Springs is more than an oasis – it is a retreat. Relax and play a game of shuffleboard, bocce ball, or ping-pong. Challenge your wits with a life-sized game of chess. Go on a jog or walk on the one-mile track, or bicycle around the peaceful desert. Golfers can hit the links at our nearby partner club. Check out our beautiful tennis and pickle ball courts, enjoy a yoga class and work up a good sweat at the fitness center. Come enjoy La Casa del Zorro’s breathtaking scenery and experience every activity we have to offer.
La Casa del Zorro Desert Resort Website
Another thing to mention is that they are pet-friendly for those that love traveling with their dogs, like me! We loved bringing Oshie with us and had the best time exploring the beautiful property with her. In fact, La Casa del Zorro’s logo is a fox (you’ll find fox-themed things everywhere) and we were able to take the most adorable photo (see below) of Oshie and one of the fox statues!
Eat
Borrego Springs is a small, small town of 2,100 (as of 2020) so there weren’t too many options but we enjoyed the Fox Bistro Restaurant a couple of times for breakfast and dinner. The Fox Bistro Restaurant is located inside the La Casa del Zorro resort, so that was convenient!
Another place was the Red Ocotillo. It was an artsy, quirky building with indoor and outdoor seating. They had a little farm as well! It was over 105 degrees when we went so we of course chose to sit inside, but we had a lovely brunch. The staff there was so friendly! Highly recommend.
See + Do
Day Time
If you’re looking for things to do in Borrego Springs during the day, I recommend the Galleta Meadows metal sculpture displays. Throughout a part of Borrego Springs in separate areas, there are over 130 metal sculptures that you can drive up to and observe. They’re absolutely incredible, towering, and a unique experience. I have to give a shoutout to my Instagram friend, @Lenazilla for recommending this and sharing this Borrego Springs Art Map. I took her advice and screenshot this just in case I lost reception (the reception is very spotty in the desert!), and I advise you to do the same when you visit!
Another activity is the Anza-Borrego State Park for hiking or just driving around if it’s too hot (it was too hot for us, so we drove around). When it’s cooler, there are several hiking paths that you can take through the desert. The incredible thing about Borrego Springs is the quietness. I kept telling Adam that I don’t think I’ve ever experienced that much silence before, it was incredible!
Night Time
Now to the good stuff. You’re planning on stargazing in Borrego Springs, of course! Fun fact about Borrego Springs is that there are no stop-lights and it’s one of the darkest places in the country. Unfortunately for us the skies weren’t too clear both nights but that doesn’t mean it’s not beautiful! The stars were incredibly bright, beautiful and I felt surrounded by them for the first time in my life. It felt like I was in a planetarium but you know, in real life! However, if you’re luckier than me, you could experience views like this when stargazing in Borrego Springs (see below).
Courtesy of SF Chronicle 
Courtesy of Springs at Borrego 
Courtesy of Springs at Borrego 
Courtesy of Visit California 
Courtesy of LonelyPlanet.com
2021 Toyota C-HR Nightshade Edition
As I mentioned, I actually own a 2020 Toyota C-HR so I could go on and on about it. The C-HR is a zippy car that’s perfect for both the city (like me!) and beyond. Here are a few things I appreciate about the C-HR:
- The user-friendly touchscreen
- Lane Keeping Technology
- Brake Assist
- The trunk space
- The CHIC DESIGN! It’s a head-turner. I’m not exaggerating when we constantly get asked what model we’re driving because it’s so unique and fun.
Of course the Nightshade Edition is extra bold with the black tops, black wheels, black lug nuts, black door handle and more!
Image Courtesy of Toyota 
Image Courtesy of Toyota 
Image Courtesy of Toyota 
Image Courtesy of Toyota 
Image Courtesy of Toyota
This trip was in partnership with Toyota. However, all opinions are my own. Big thanks to my long-time partner Toyota USA and to you, the reader, for supporting Life in Wanderlust. I appreciate you!
