The California desert has an unusual draw; the quiet, the smells, the unmistakable sense that this can’t be as close to big city life as it is. That feeling of being absolutely removed from civilization while still being a part of it isn’t too readily available, but it does exist, and with a little bit of effort, you may just find it.

If you search for the best stargazing spots in Southern California, you will certainly come across mention of Anza Borrego State Park. This well visited spot is currently closed up tight due to Covid, but there is still plenty of opportunity in this desert oasis. Short hikes reveal the remains of spring cactus blooms and quick camouflaged lizards. At night, the sun sets with pink clouds, purple mountains, and thick, dry heat loaded with the smell of sagebrush. When the stars slowly appear, they seem to descend upon the earth, surrounding you with still quiet. The scenery invites you to lose yourself for a while in the expanse of the darkening sky.

After a late night, duck into La Casa Del Zorro for an air conditioned slumber at this rambling Spanish style property. The accommodations vary from rooms opening on to poolside patios to family sized casitas, but all have access to on site health and wellness facilities including spa services, yoga, a lap pool, and tennis and pickleball courts. Golf is also available nearby, as is a stargazing amphitheater.

In the morning, head back into town and around the traffic circle to Jilberto’s for house made chilaquiles or a full size breakfast burrito. Walk it off with a stroll through the community gardens directly behind the gravel lot next door. With less than 4,000 residents, and California’s first International Dark Sky designation, the village of Borrego Springs is both small and mighty.