Valley of the Moon
48523-48549 Old Highway 80, Jacumba, CA 91934
By the time you get there, you don’t feel like you’re in San Diego anymore. It has a ghost town atmosphere, with a looming border fence acting as a backdrop. There is a nudist colony on the outskirts of town and the quirky Desert Tower that offers 360 views of the sparse landscape below. The place makes for a perfect day hike. It’s breathtaking and easy enough to bring young kids to. Its the San Diego version of Joshua Tree, without the 4-hour drive. There are boulders to climb, vast blue skis to stare at, and views for days.