5 hours from Phoenix.
Head west on I-8, exit north at Ocotillo, CA and head up to Julian, CA for gold panning and fresh apples. Then head back to I-8 via Hwy 79 through Lake Cuyamaca and down to Pine Valley, CA.
Plenty of Air BnB or traditional BnB’s in Julian/Cuyamaca/Pine Valley.
San Diego...