Why Borrego Springs Should Be on Your Travel Bucket List

Classic musical offers six performances at Julian High School's Little Theater

Renowned plein air artist Geoff Allen found inspiration in one of Borrego Springs’ most iconic locations: The Palms at Indian Head pool.

Free Summer Movies Continue in Borrego Springs This July

Hubbell’s dining room table bathed in warm light surrounded in beautifully crafted art in addition to surrounding heirloom art from Jones family. Photo courtesy Ilan Lael Foundation, 2020 East County News Services  June 18, 2026 (Julian) — Hidden among 10 acres of oak woodland in the mountains of Santa Ysabel sits an architectural marvel that bridges the boundaries between art and nature — and this local hidden gem has now received new national acclaim. The Ilan-Lael Foundation announced recently that the home and studio of its founders, the late artist James Hubbell and his wife Anne, has been officially accepted into the Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios program, a prestigious coalition under the National Trust for Historic Preservation . By achieving this designation, Ilan-Lael joins an elite group of 93 sites across 32 states, placing Hubbell’s property alongside the creative sanctuaries of renowned American artists such as Thomas Hart Benton, James W. Washington Jr., and Dorothy Riester. James Hubbell (1931–2024) was widely regarded as both a visionary artist and an organic architect. Over a span of more than six decades, he and Anne constructed 13 distinct structures on their Santa Ysabel compound. Often described as “habitable sculptures,” the buildings are defined by their deep roots in the surrounding landscape, utilizing found natural materials, intricate mosaics, stained glass, and custom ironwork. Hubbell’s ethereal designs extend far beyond his mountain retreat; his public and private works have graced hundreds of spaces across Southern California and the Pacific Rim. “We are beyond honored to have received this designation that will help us continue to commemorate Jim’s legacy,” said Marianne Gerdes, executive director at the Ilan-Lael Foundation. “Since his passing, we have strived to uphold his belief that art and nature work harmoniously. The property has always been the best hidden gem of San Diego, and now the recognition helps us to share the magic with the public.” Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios operates as a peer-to-peer museum coalition dedicated to preserving the primary residences and creative workspaces of notable American artists. As the only national entity focused on site-specific narratives in American art history, HAHS provides expertise in historic preservation, visitor programming, and community outreach. For the Ilan-Lael Foundation, this induction reinforces its ongoing mission to act as a community educator and arts advocate. Following James Hubbell’s passing in 2024, the foundation has actively expanded public access to his lifework. Historically, the private property was only open to the community during an annual Father’s Day weekend tour hosted by James and Anne. Today, the ILF has broadened its reach to include year-round tours with expanded access to the Santa Ysabel headquarters and studios; public exhibition showcasing Hubbell’s work at prominent locations (including the San Diego International Airport and the Oceanside Museum of Art); and educational partnerships, fostering continuous learning environments with local institutions such as UC San Diego, Palomar College and the Julian Union School District. Through these initiatives, the foundation continues to explore new avenues to engage the community, inspire creativity, and sustain Hubbell’s vision of a sanctuary where art and nature coexist perfectly. To learn more about the Ilan-Lael Foundation, explore James Hubbell’s artistic legacy or schedule a visit to the newly recognized historic property, visit ilanlaelfoundation.org

Exploring Goat Canyon Trestle Before It's Gone Adventure filmmaker Jeven Dovey documents one of Southern California's most remote railroad landmarks

Beat the heat and keep moving all summer long. As temperatures climb in Borrego Springs, Prajna Yoga is offering a full summer schedule with air conditioning and a variety of classes designed for all experience levels. Whether you're looking for a gentle stretch, a relaxing slow flow, or a more active sculpt and flow class, there are options throughout the week. The summer schedule includes Slow Flow classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, Sculpt & Flow on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Gentle Stretch on Wednesdays, Vinyasa on Monday evenings, and a Sunday evening Restorative class. Prajna Yoga also offers flexible pricing options, including $15 drop-in classes, a two-week trial for $39, class packs, and unlimited monthly memberships. With triple-digit temperatures arriving in Borrego Springs, summer is a great time to stay active indoors while focusing on strength, flexibility, balance, and relaxation. The studio's air-conditioned space provides a comfortable environment to maintain a healthy routine throughout the season. Whether you're new to yoga or have been practicing for years, Prajna Yoga invites the community to stay connected, stay moving, and enjoy a healthy summer.

Art, History, and Scenic Views Just 38 Miles Away

Borrego Springs ultra-endurance cyclist Sylvia Maas is preparing to take on one of the world's most demanding bicycle races while continuing her efforts to support local students through scholarships and mentorship. Maas will begin the NorthCape–Tarifa Race on June 20, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. from the North Cape in Norway. The self-supported race covers nearly 4,350 miles (7,000 kilometers) across Europe and finishes in Tarifa, Spain, the southernmost point of mainland Europe. The route includes checkpoints in Helsinki, Finland; the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania; Torun, Poland; Bregenz, Austria; Col du Galibier and Nice, France; Port d’Envalira, Andorra; Pico del Veleta, Spain; and Tarifa, Spain. Riders will cross multiple countries, mountain ranges, and some of Europe's most challenging cycling terrain. Maas, a retired teacher, is riding to raise awareness for Bike4BorregoKids , the scholarship initiative she founded after volunteering at Borrego Springs High School and recognizing the need for additional support for graduating seniors. The program provides scholarships, mentorship, leadership development opportunities, and educational experiences designed to help students prepare for college, trade schools, and careers.