Overview
Julian is a town in San Diego County, about one hour inland from San Diego.
8 sights · 15 things to do · 16 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 13 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Julian
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
The beautiful park offers camping and hiking in an oak woodland forest, with a sprinkling of pines and lovely meadows with creeks. There are over 100 miles of trails which accommodate hikers, bikers, and equestrians.
Anza Borrego Desert State Park
Camping, biking, hiking, a large variety of flowering cacti, palm groves, bighorn sheep and exotic birds.
Lake Cuyamaca Recreation & Park District
Family fishing lake with camping. Picnicking, boating, hiking, nature walks and cabins. Terrific wildlife watching. Free fishing class every Saturday. Cabins with lake view. Fishing permits - $6 for adults - $3.50 for ki…
Volcan Mountain Preserve Foundation
Preserve is home to wildlife, spring wildflowers, several species of oak and pine. Guided walks on weekends. Trailhead: off Farmer Road, north of Julian; take Farmer Road to Wynola Road, turn right 100 yards, turn left o…
William Heise County Park
Trail information is available at the Ranger Kiosk. There is a trail to the lookout, which affords views of the desert and ocean on a clear day.
Saint Ysabel Open Space Preserve
11 miles of multi-use trails.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jan–Dec. Summer highs reach about 89°F; winter lows dip to about 44°F. Wettest: Feb and Jan. (climate data from nearby Escondido)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- CLD McClellan-Palomar Airport, Carlsbad — 40 mi away. Directions
- SAN San Diego International Airport, San Diego — 42 mi away (major hub). Directions
From San Diego: take I-8 E to CA-79. Turn left onto CA-79. CA-79 goes through Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, past Lake Cuyamaca, and eventually to the center of Julian. Or, take I-15 N to Scripps Poway Pkwy. Take Scripps Poway Pkwy to CA-67N, which turns into CA-78 - which also goes through the center of Julian.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Anza Borrego Desert State Park, Volcan Mountain Preserve Foundation, Laguna Mountain Recreational Area
- Lunch Apple Alley Bakery
- Afternoon Enthrall, Inc., Julian Stables
- Dinner Julian Pie Company
- Evening Julian Tea & Cottage Arts
Day 2
- Morning Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, William Heise County Park, Palomar Mountain
- Lunch Mom’s Pies
- Afternoon Eagle And High Peak Mine, Kenner Horse Ranch: Horseback Rides & Events
- Dinner The Candy Basket
Day 3
- Morning Lake Cuyamaca Recreation & Park District, Saint Ysabel Open Space Preserve, California Overland, LLC
- Lunch Julian Cider Mill
- Afternoon Julian Mining Company, Julian Pioneer Museum
- Dinner Bailey Woodpit Barbecue
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Julian is known for its apple pie. Visiting for even an hour and not having any would be a serious oversight. Most are on Main Street and cannot be missed, since there are often lines outside the store fronts.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
History
Julian was founded by Confederate veterans after the Civil War, and enjoyed a boom when gold was discovered in the area a few years later.
Climate
A mountain town situated among Cleveland National Forest, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Julian gets the kind of seasonal weather that is rare in Southern California. Leaves change color in fall, snow falls in winter, flowers bloom in spring and the summer months are hot.
Get in
By car
From San Diego: take I-8 E to CA-79. Turn left onto CA-79. CA-79 goes through Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, past Lake Cuyamaca, and eventually to the center of Julian. Or, take I-15 N to Scripps Poway Pkwy. Take Scripps Poway Pkwy to CA-67N, which turns into CA-78 - which also goes through the center of Julian.
By bus
An extremely limited bus service is available via MTS. Route 891 runs once weekly, on early Friday afternoon, from El Cajon with a journey time of just under two hours. In the opposite direction, the bus departs Borrego Springs early Friday morning.
Get around
Once you arrive in Julian the best thing to do is find parking and stroll Main Street. To visit the local wineries, state parks, and Julian Train you will need to drive.
See
See Anza Borrego Desert State Park
Camping, biking, hiking, a large variety of flowering cacti, palm groves, bighorn sheep and exotic birds.
See Lake Cuyamaca Recreation & Park District
Family fishing lake with camping. Picnicking, boating, hiking, nature walks and cabins. Terrific wildlife watching. Free fishing class every Saturday. Cabins with lake view. Fishing permits - $6 for adults - $3.50 for kids (8 through 15). You will need a California State Fishing License if you are 16 years of age or older. Motorboat rentals - $40 all day - $30 after 1PM Rowboats - $15 all day - $12 after 1PM
See Volcan Mountain Preserve Foundation
Preserve is home to wildlife, spring wildflowers, several species of oak and pine. Guided walks on weekends. Trailhead: off Farmer Road, north of Julian; take Farmer Road to Wynola Road, turn right 100 yards, turn left on Farmer Road; enter trail through stone gates.
See William Heise County Park
Trail information is available at the Ranger Kiosk. There is a trail to the lookout, which affords views of the desert and ocean on a clear day.
See Laguna Mountain Recreational Area
Picnic areas, campgrounds, restrooms, plus 70 miles of hiking trails, including the Pacific crest trail. Dogs-on-leash are welcome on trails.
Do
Do Eagle And High Peak Mine
Tour one of Julian's original gold mines. Guides lead you through the intricate path of tunnels in the hard rock mine and share tales of the life of early residents of Julian. Call for hours of operation.
Do Julian Pioneer Museum
The museum is housed in an old stone building that was once the Mayerhofer Brewery & Treshil Blacksmith Shop. Located at 2811 Washington St., it is 1 block from the Town Hall. Nicknamed, “Julian’s Little Attic” the museum is a treasure chest of artifacts from the not-too-distant past.
Do Smith Ranch & Julian Railroad
During the "Julian Train & Gold Mine Tour", you can take a 1-mile train ride on narrow gauge mining railroad, explore the Smith Ranch 1870 gold rush mine, and pan for gold. November–December, enjoy a memorable mountain ride aboard the Smith Ranch & Julian Railroad's "Christmas Train Express". Additional tours include "Pioneerways" and "American Revolution Adventures. Phone or email to reserve your seat.
Do Julian Historic Walking Tour
Map available for self-tour at the Chamber office located at the Town Hall---on the corner of Main & Washington Streets. Plaques placed on historic buildings on Main, Second, Third, Washington, B and C Streets reveal Julian history from Gold Rush times to the 1920s.
Apple picking (in season)
Do Apple Lane Orchard Apples
Fresh cider, preserves, fruits and souvenirs, so bring your cameras.
Do Apple Starr Orchards
A Certified Organic Orchard (California Certified Organic Farm) since 2000. Apples and pears numbering 1000 trees. Offers u-pick in September until the end of harvest (October).
Buy
Shop Falcon Gallery
Limited edition prints books, jewelry, home accents and gifts. Children's room features educational supplies and books.
Shop Grandpa's Old Time Photo
Old time costume photography in sepia tone. 1-10 people and people with dogs.
Shop Pie Town Gear
Purveyors of outdoor adventure equipment. Featuring day packs, backpacks, clothing, shoes and gear. Also, maps, books and Cleveland National Forest Adventure Passes.
Shop Pistols & Petticoats
Go back in time to the old west in this unique gift store. You'll find items from the parlor to the boudoir reminiscent of old saloon days.
Shop Santa Ysabel Art Gallery
Exhibiting regional contemporary and traditional artists in all media with emphasis on California style plein air painting and local artist James Hubbell. Located in historic and picturesque Hillyer house.
Shop Santa Ysabel Indian Mission & Padre Gift Shop
Museum, religious articles & everyday gifts and collectibles.
Shop The Skagen Ranch Studio
Housed in a historic barn, the Skagen Ranch Studio offers fine art from Africa, India, Romania and other countries around the world. By appointment only.
Shop Town Hall Crafters
Hand-crafted items made by local crafters. Sewing, woodwork, jewelry. Craft shows held monthly in the Julian Town Hall.
Eat
Julian is known for its apple pie. Visiting for even an hour and not having any would be a serious oversight. Most are on Main Street and cannot be missed, since there are often lines outside the store fronts.
Eat Apple Alley Bakery
Serving a variety of homemade apple pies, pastries and cookies. Lunch menu includes potpies, calzone, soup, sandwiches and salad.
Eat Julian Pie Company
Locally owned family business specializing in apple pies and cider donuts. Some 17,000 trees provide apples for pies at their Julian and Santa Ysabel locations.
Eat Mom’s Pies
Through the front window, watch Mom’s bakers lovingly prepare pies and baked goods for you. Steaming soups and sandwiches served on freshly baked whole-wheat buns.
Eat The Candy Basket
Old-fashioned "real" candy store. 450 types of candy, hand-made fudge, maple, licorice, salt water taffy, chocolates.
Eat Julian Cider Mill
Candy, caramel apples, honey, dried fruits, apple butter, jams and jellies, marmalades, preserves, cider, honey.
Eat Bailey Woodpit Barbecue
Texas style barbecue, wood smoked meats, fresh homemade salads, rolls, pies, live music Friday & Saturday nights, catering available. Beer, wine, cocktails, kids menu, Visa/MC.
Eat Candied Apple Pastry Company
A full-service pastry shop specializing in classic pastries, artisan breads, elegant wedding cakes, and candied apples.
Eat Cowgirl Cafe
Rustic decor with a cowgirl touch. Features meatloaf sandwich and apple cider float.
Eat Jeremy's on the Hill
California fresh cuisine. Burgers made from scratch, etc. Beer and wine, too.
Eat Miner’s Diner
Original old-fashioned soda fountain and diner with full breakfast and lunch menu. Daily specials. Open 8AM to 5PM
Eat Poncho Villas
Authentic Mexican food. All dishes are homemade. Known locally for carne asada, they also serve pizza and lasagna. Beer and wine. Inside dining and drive-through. M/C & Visa. Family owned.
Eat Romano's Restaurant
Sicilian and other Italian dishes in lovely setting. Plentiful servings and homemade baked goods and desserts. Patio dining available.
Eat Rongbranch Restaurant
Steaks, seafood, down-home cooking. Lunch and dinner daily.
Eat Soups & Such Cafe & Flowers by Lani
Intimate cafe with fresh flowers all around. Eggs benedict is their specialty for breakfast and there are soups & salads for lunch.
Eat Wynola Pizza Express
Live music Saturday. Pizza and other dishes made from scratch, including vegetarian dishes. Patio & dining room seating.
Eat Dudley's Bakery, Inc.
Over 20 kinds of bread, a full deli, a variety of pastries including seasonal delights.
Drink
Drink Julian Tea & Cottage Arts
Tea is served daily in a charming turn-of-the-century home. Afternoon tea consists of finger sandwiches, scone with whipped cream, homemade jam and dessert.
Sleep
Stay Artists' Loft and Cabins at Strawberry Hill
A unique "bed and 'do-it-yourself' breakfast". Three separate, private cabins with full kitchens, wood stoves or fireplace, Cal-king beds, private baths with showers and tubs, off street parking, and the peace and quiet of the mountains. Supplies for your first breakfast are provided as well as coffee and tea. Each cabin has its own character, surrounded by trees and wildlife, but all share the amazing view from the Cuyamaca peaks to the ocean and beyond.
Stay Eaglenest Bed & Breakfast
Town site Victorian with great views. Four guestrooms feature fireplaces, TV/DVD/CD stereos, private patios and a two room suite. Full country breakfast & desserts, AC, pool & spa, wi-fi, kids 5 years and older welcome, golden retrievers. Sleeps up to 11, extra person fee.
Go next
Nearby
Ramona
City / town · 16 mi away
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Park · 1 listings · 17 mi away
Borrego Springs
City / town · 18 listings · 17 mi away
Cleveland National Forest
Park · 20 mi away
Poway
City / town · 4 listings · 27 mi away
Escondido
City / town · 21 listings · 28 mi away
El Cajon
City / town · 17 listings · 29 mi away
Campo
City / town · 4 listings · 33 mi away
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