DAY TRIP - JULIAN

Julian is an historic gold mining town located about an hour east of San Diego in the Cuyamaca mountains. This quaint California town is unique in that it experiences all four seasons. Visitors in the spring are surrounded by flowering fields of daffodils, summer is perfect for hiking and star gazing, Julian’s apple orchards are ripe for picking in the fall and winter brings snow and the smell of Christmas in the air.

Take a trip back in time to see where gold was discovered, shop in the specialty stores — many housed in historic buildings dating back to the 1870s — that line the streets, and sample Julian’s famous apple pies.  

Getting there

Take I-5 south to the Vista Way exit (exit 51B) toward Escondido/Vista/San Marcos. Merge onto CA-78 east. Turn left onto East Washington Avenue. Turn right onto Nash Street. Continue to follow CA-78. Turn left onto Main Street. Continue to follow CA-78 into town.

 Orchards

Fresh-picked apples and pears can be found at Julian orchards and fruit stands from September through October.

Apples and Art Orchards

U-PICK pesticide free apple orchard, available for groups of all ages, with information and free apple cider making. Reservations necessary.

1052 Julian Orchards Drive

(760) 310-6368

E-mail: [email protected]

MJ Ranch

U-PICK apple and pear orchard, 100% pesticide free. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends, starting Sept. 15 until the apples are gone.

1070 Farmers Road, Julian

E-mail: [email protected]

www.julianapples.com

Peacefield Orchard

U-PICK apple orchard. Also offers chocolate and coffee. Open week days by appointment, starting September.

(760) 443-3930

3803 Wynola Road, Julian

www.juliancoffeetree.com

Raven Hill Orchard

U-PICK apple orchard featuring 8,000 trees growing seven varieties. Open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — starting now — until the apples are gone.

1284 Julian Orchards Drive, Julian

(760) 765-2431

E-mail: [email protected]

 Gold Mine Tour

Eagle and High Peak Mine, one of Julian’s original gold mines, offers narrated guided tours through tunnels in the hard rock mine. Call (760) 765-0036 for hours of operation. The mine is located at the end of C Street.

 Julian Pioneer Museum

The museum is housed in an old stone building that was once the Mayerhofer Brewery and Treshil Blacksmith Shop, and is at 2811 Washington St., one block from Town Hall. Also known as “Julian’s Little Attic” the museum contains artifacts from the town’s “not-too-distant past.”

 Dining on all things apple

Julian Pie Company

A locally-owned family business specializing in apple pies and cider doughnuts.

2225 Main St.

(760) 765-2449 or (760) 765-2400

www.julianpie.com

Julian Café and Bakery

Family dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring Julian apple pie.

2112 Main St.

(760) 765-2712

Candied Apple Pastry Company

A full-service pastry shop offering Julian’s only candied apples.

2128 Fourth St.

(760) 765-2655

www.candiedapplepastry.com

 Wine tasting

J. Jenkins Winery

A family-owned winery specializing in estate Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio and apple wine,

located in the valley overlooking Volcan Mountain.

1255 Julian Orchards Drive

Call (760) 765-3267 or e-mail [email protected]

Menghini Winery

Drive down a two-lane country road to the winery where you can bring a lunch and sample locally-produced wines.

1150 Julian Orchards Drive

(760) 765-2072

 Julian’s history hunt

Explore Julian’s historic district, learn about local history, and enter to win a $50 cash prize by participating in Julian’s History Hunt. History Hunt cards are available at the Julian Chamber of Commerce, at the Town Hall, 2129 Main St., or at a number of businesses in the historic district.  

 Historic skits

The Julian Doves and Desperados is a reenactment group that performs historic skits Sundays at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. on a stage area set up in town.

 Horseback riding

Julian’s Stables

Julian’s “original trail riding stables” offers another way to see the scenic side of Julian. Reservations are required. Call (760) 765-1598; e-mail [email protected] or go to www.julianactive.com.