Palomar Elite

One reason for not fleeing California: Great Driving Roads

California is an interesting condition, both hostile to and depends on her car, pushing continuously for more MPG, emissions reduction, and to remove classic cars on the roads, many car enthusiasts in California have sought refuge in states like Nevada, Arizona and Texas. But today I remembered why California is an ideal place for car enthusiasts in a short business trip to San Diego Area to visit clients. After visiting my shop recently in El Cajon started making my way home in the historic Highway 80, main roads congested by traffic in the afternoon, I decided to take an alternative route home. Historic Route 80 operates time around Highway 79 North. Highway 79 is mostly a two-lane winding road that takes you through National Forest Cleavland, stocks of many native tribes in California and about a million miles of congestion and the crowds that are most peoples vision of Southern California.

(Photo Santa Yasbel Assistance Mission)

79 northbound merges for a short period of time with Highway 78 at the intersection of Santa Isabel 78 will take you to Julian a small mountain community known for its apple pies, and antique shops attract tourists. Santa Isabel Assistance mission that gives the city its name is along the right side of the road, was established as a mission station of San Diego in 1818 and the present chapel was built in 1924. Santa Yasbel is also a good place to stop and take a bit to eat and one of the cafes along the road. Along the way you also discover a drag strip to NHRA and track Motocross hidden among oak trees and farms.

(Photo: Highway 79)

Leaving Santa Yasbel and the road is fairly straight, past the Highway 76 that leads from Lake Henshaw and the Pala Casino and Resort. A little higher on the road to come to San Felipe Rd, if you have time and you like history, visit Warner Ranch was once a stop on the Butterfield Stage route, there is little there, and I recommend pushing north on 79. About 20 miles or so take you to the Oak Grove Butterfield Stage Station, about 20 miles northwest, is the only construction of the phase, and is also a National Historic. (

(Photo Butterfield Stage Stop) in Warner Springs is a small resort community with golf, several restaurants and one of the only service stations throughout the travel. There is an airport that specializes in sailing trips can often see a number of candles floating lazily over the valley while descending in Warner Springs. Oak Grove is about 18 miles along the route after leaving Warner Springs so if you have the need to visit the station scenario now is your chance … I stopped to stretch and take some pictures. From there follow the path of the hills and heads farther west, then due north to the city of Temecula. The first signs of urban sprawl are the mini storage and track houses. It is a good place to stop and get fuel, food, and if the chicken out you can jump back on Highway 15 and save up to two hours on the trip. City of Temecula is like going back in time to the Old West, only with trendy shops, yuppies, and cyclists everywhere. Now, the I-15 overlaps a significant portion of the 79, but if you follow Old Northern Front Rd, which becomes Jefferson Ave, from there turn left onto San Kalmia, then right onto Washington Avenue. Washington then becomes Palomar St and takes you through the city of Wildomar and Lake Elsinore Historical by sticking to the right and the Mission Trail.

It is hard to believe that once was Lake Elsinore where the stars play the Hollywood elite. If you follow the lake along the street will change names several times, but just keep as close to the lake can be up to Highway 74. At this point I had to return to I-15 however, if you're in the mood for an adventure, you can always turn left and take the 74 (Ortega Highway) and ends in the Pacific Ocean on Dania Point. Sandgrouse is an epic journey takes you through breathtaking mountains and hills. Ortega The best part is that you left on the road 1, the Pacific Coast Highway. Turn left San Diego and Mexico, Right Monterey and San Francisco. If only I had some days off, I'd better keep driving all roads in California. About the Author

Michael grew up in the car rich culture of Southern California, and purchased his first car at the age of just 14. He has owned more then 60 cars, motorcycles, and scooters. Michael’s other passions include photography, and travel, having been to over 20 countries and almost every state in the union. Having driven in over 14 countries Mike has great stories, insights, and photos of the world seen from behind the wheel of a car.