Julian California

Photos courtesy of San Diego CVB

Nestled in the picturesque Cuyamaca Mountains just one hour east of downtown
San Diego, Julian California is a premier year-round getaway destination for those seeking an escape to the natural beauty of the countryside.  This historic mountain hideaway offers a multitude of options from taking a day trip to sample its famous warm apple pie to escaping for a romantic weekend in the tranquility of the great outdoors.   

While Julian CA may be well-known for its bountiful apple orchards and quaint specialty shops along Main Street, many may be surprised to learn of its rich gold mining history dating back to 1869.  The discovery of the first and only gold rush in San Diego County took place in this charming mountain town, and today guests can relive Julian’s pioneering spirit and delight in diverse activities with a walk through its historic downtown.

Julian California Lodging
 
Guests feel right at home during an overnight stay at one of the Julian California hotels and inns or a romantic Julian California bed and breakfast.  The scenic mountain town is popular for its eclectic mix of charming cottages and architecturally-stunning Victorians.  For a complete list of hotels in Julian California, visit www.julianca.com/lodging.  
 
The AAA Four Diamond rated Orchard Hill Country Inn is best-known for its
European flair and comfortable Craftsman style.  Guests indulge their senses in the
warm ambiance of the hilltop lodge, which features magnificent sunset views,
beautiful gardens and a number of hiking trails.  Each stay includes a hearty country breakfast and afternoon hors d’oeuvres. www.orchardhill.com
 
Dating back over 100 years ago, the Julian Gold Rush Hotel stands proud as
Julian’s only designated landmark. Named one of the “Best of the West” bed and breakfasts by Sunset Magazine in 2005, this charming hotel located in the middle of the Historic District keeps true to its Victorian history.  Guest rooms feature period furniture and private baths, while the property captures the charm and character of the old 1800s mining town. www.julianhotel.com

The AAA Three Diamond rated Butterfield Bed and Breakfast, one of the most beautiful hotels in Julian California, sits on three acres of forested oak and cedar trees and offers stunning views of the picturesque countryside.  Inside are five uniquely themed guestrooms furnished with antiques, wood burning fireplaces and the delightful aromas of complimentary homemade desserts and breakfast. Butterfield guests also receive a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride into Julian or through the peaceful countryside. www.butterfieldbandb.com

Julian California camping offers some of the best private and public campgrounds in San Diego County.  Due to its prime location, campers have the choice of retreating to the High Desert or setting up camp around areas such as Lake Cuyamaca, where fishing, biking and hiking are just some of the many activities available to nature buffs. www.julianca.com/camping

Julian California Restaurants
 
Julian’s fall apple harvest is no doubt an enticing treat, but in addition to its famous
apple pies and ciders, Julian offers many delicious options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  For a complete list of restaurants in Julian California, visit www.julianca.com/dining.  
 
Jeremy’s on the Hill serves gourmet meals in a family friendly setting.  Committed to healthy and fresh foods, menu options include organically grown produce and fresh fish straight from the docks in San Diego.  Jeremy’s cuisine pairs nicely with a variety of local microbrews and champagnes, as well as an array of locally grown boutique wines.  Guests are encouraged to top of a meal with one of Jeremy’s specialty, house-made desserts. www.jeremysonthehill.com
 
Located on Julian’s Main Street, Cowgirl Café takes guests back to the Wild West
with kitschy décor and a bold personality.  Owned and operated by two self-
proclaimed cowgirls, this small café offers a filling menu of flavorful down home
cooking with items like gumbo, meatloaf sandwiches and a famous apple cider float. (760) 765-2167.
 
With its elegant country feel, the Julian Grille is ideal for a special occasion or casual meal.  Diners can sample a fine menu of steak, seafood and prime rib dishes, as well as scrumptious appetizers like baked brie with home-grown apples and mustard sauce.  Guests seeking a great champagne brunch can visit the restaurant every Sunday. (760) 765-0173 .
 
No visit to Julian would be complete without a slice of pie, and Mom’s Pie House
has been perfecting its recipe for over 20 years.  Here, fresh, made-to-order pies
filled with fruit from the local orchards are baked around the clock.  Guests can
choose between Mom’s famous American Flaky top or French Crumb top.  For
those not in the mood for sweets, Mom’s also serves a daily menu of homemade
soups and sandwiches.  www.momspiesjulian.com   
 
Shopping in Julian California
 
Julian is a shopper’s paradise with blocks of antique stores, craft shops and specialty boutiques.  No matter what one’s interest or budget everyone is bound to come home with a special memento from their trip to Julian.  For a complete list of shops, visit www.julianca.com/shopping.  
   
The Old Julian Book House is a favorite among visitors searching for new, used
and rare books on almost any subject. Other specialty items like old sheet music,
comics, fine art prints, engravings, cassettes and CDs are also available.  One can
spend an afternoon walking through the narrow stacks and overflowing shelves of
this antique bookshop.  (760) 765-1989
 
Bad Betty’s is the place to shop for those looking for an unusual gift.  Its diverse
specialty items include replicas of Old West weapons, Native American collectibles
and fancy items found in a 1880s saloon girl’s bedroom, such as lingerie, corsets,
boas, period lamps and jewelry. www.badbettys.com    
 
Pistols & Petticoats cleverly brings together unique gadgets and gizmos, the latest fashions and hand-crafted jewelry into one must-see boutique.  The shop offers a variety of quality items such as purses, belts, hats and jewelry, and a collection of one-of-a-kind knick-knacks not found in other stores.  (760) 765-1744
 
Following are the many activities and Julian attractions that guests can enjoy throughout the year:

Outdoor Recreation
 
Unlike San Diego’s coastal communities, Julian San Diego is unique due to its four distinct seasons, so Julian California weather is always changing.  Throughout the year, guests can enjoy an endless array of outdoor recreational activities, while enjoying the changing color of fall leaves, the fresh spring blooms of lilacs and daffodils, a warm summer breeze and even a majestic snowfall.
 
Horse lovers can find a truly magnificent horseback riding experience around
Julian’s backcountry.  Guests can rely on experienced trail guides to lead them to
some of the most breathtaking views from vistas surrounding Julian valley.
www.julianhorsebackriding.com; www.julianactive.com
 
Julian’s mountain setting provides great scenic routes for leisurely road biking or challenging mountain biking.  Spanning unbeatable views of the deserts and valleys below, riders flock to Julian for annual bike events like the Tour de Julian in November and the Julian Death March in April. www.julianactive.com
 
Julian's crystal clear mountain sky is a perfect setting for star gazing.  At Observer’s Inn, guests can take part in a unique one-hour tour of the night sky as experienced astronomers point out planets, galaxies, star clusters and more through large research grade telescopes; advance reservations are required.  www.observersinn.com
 
Julian boasts over 15 notable hiking trails among it scenic setting.  A diverse  selection of trails can be found in the forested Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, the  meadows of Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve and the woodlands of Santa  Ysabel Preserve.  www.julianca.com/hiking_nature
 
Julian California Events
 
No matter the time of year, visitors to Julian will have an opportunity to take part in
a cultural town event or seasonal festival.  For a complete list of annual events, visit www.julianca.com/events.     
 
Held annually in May, the Annual Julian Wildflower Show showcases the prolific
mountain and desert wildflowers that thrive in the area.  Wildflower specimens are
featured at the Julian Town Hall, where they are named and featured in beautiful
display, including a special display of Native American uses for wildflowers.
www.julianca.com/media/wildflower_show.htm
 
In June, the Annual Julian Gold Rush Days is a remembrance of the 1869 gold
rush that brought the town of Julian into existence.  The three-day event turns back the clock and gives visitors an idea of what life was like during the search for gold.  

Activities include the Doves & Desperados historic comedy skit, gold mine tours,
book signings, face painting, old fashioned games and the opportunity to pan for
gold. www.juliangoldrushdays.com
 
Julian welcomes Independence Day with an authentic hometown celebration and an all-out annual 4th of July parade.  Dubbed as “the best little town parade,”
thousands of visitors flock to the historic neighborhood as military units, animals,
drill teams, marching bands and more march down Main Street.  The parade kicks-
off with a screaming flyover of vintage airplanes and ends with a big block party
barbeque.  www.julianca.com/media/Julian_Fourth%20Festival.htm
 
In addition to its famous apples, Julian is also home to rolling vineyards.  Every September, the Julian Chamber of Commerce holds its Grape Stomp Fiesta, a celebration of the grape harvest at the local Menghini Winery.  Guests take part in an old-world style grape stomping, as well as wine tastings for adults, Bocci Ball
competitions and tasty food samplings. www.julianca.com/media/grape_stomp.htm

Julian’s most popular and longest standing seasonal event is the Julian Fall Apple
Harvest, a tradition that begun in 1909.  Held each autumn from mid-September
through mid-November, residents work overtime with Julian California apple picking. Ovens are heated to keep a Julian California pie eating populace happy while visitors enjoy acres of colorful fall foliage, art shows and live entertainment.
 
The Fall Apple Harvest’s main event is Apple Day in October.  On October 3 – 4,
2009, Julian celebrates the 100th Apple Day event with music, dancing, wine tasting, cider pressing, an antique tractor display and more. www.julianappledays.com
 
Guests find the holiday spirit when visiting Julian during the winter months and
partake in the town’s old-fashioned holiday festivities.  At the end of November, the
official Country Christmas and Tree Lighting in Pioneer Park marks the beginning of the season.  Other activities include a holiday home tour, craft show, wandering carolers, visits with Santa, a live nativity scene and more. www.juliancountrychristmas.com

Plan Your Julian California Vacation

Julian’s welcoming old-town charm encourages guests to slow down and enjoy the
sights and sounds of what life was like in years past.  Visitors can immerse themselves in fresh apple orchards, relax during a leisurely carriage ride around town or explore the history hidden throughout the area.  For a complete list of activities and entertainment, visit www.julianca.com/attractions.

A visit to the apple orchards in Julian is a special fall time activity.  During the
months of September through November the fruits are juicy and crisp and ready to
be picked.  Julian Walks, a local walking tour, leads leisurely tours from Julian’s
Town Hall through some of the century-old orchards where guests can sample fruit.  
Julian’s Raven Hill Orchard and Peacefield Orchard offer “U-Pick” opportunities where guests can visit on their own and roam through the apple orchards picking fruit to take home.  www.julianca.com/orchards  
 
Guests can explore Julian and its surrounding countryside in an authentic, old-
fashioned horse-drawn carriage ride. The driver points out the historic sites and shares the tales of local folklore and traditions.  Guests can pick up the carriages on the corner of Washington and Main Street for a daytime or evening tour. www.countrycarriagessocal.com  
 
In a town where apples flourish, what better place than Julian to find delicious apple and dessert wines?  Julian boasts a number of wineries and tasting rooms where guests can taste five specialty wines for only $5.  Poplar wineries include the rustic and homey Menghini Winery and J. Jenkins Winery, where tasters can sit outdoors amidst blossoming apple orchards.  www.julianca.com/wine_tasting  
 
Guests can relive the days of San Diego’s short-lived Julian gold rush at the Eagle and High Peak Mine where tour guides lead guests through the intricate path of
tunnels in one of Julian’s first gold mines.  At the Julian Mining Company, guests
can take part in the action and pan for gold and minerals using the same tools and
equipment as the first pioneers of the Julian California gold rush. (760) 765-0036; www.julianminingcompany.com   

Objects left behind by Julian’s earliest residents can be found in a museum that the
locals call “Julian’s Little Attic.” The Julian Pioneer Museum showcases clothing,
photographs, household and mining equipment, Victorian-era pianos, a buggy and
sleigh and even Indian artifacts. 760-765-0227

The Julian Chamber of Commerce offers maps for a free, self-guided historical
walking tour.  The tour takes guests to Julian’s oldest buildings and sites along a
Julian History Hunt that explores the nooks and crannies of the historic district.  
Guests visit the two-cell Julian Jail, the Wilcox-Juch House, the Pioneer Cemetery , Julian California homes and other lesser-known locations.  At each stop, they must answer the History Hunt question and return their answer card at the Julian Town Hall for a chance to win a cash prize. www.julianca.com/historic_sites