Day Trip to Julian, CA from San Diego
One of the best day trips from San Diego is an hour away, to Julian, CA.
12 Places • ago
Free

What is Julian?

Julian is probably every local San Diegan's favorite day trip destination, especially during the fall. The best escape to see some fall leaves, taste some apple cider, home made pie, hike around, or even catch some snow. 

Julian is a quaint, little "mountain-esque" town, that fully gives small-town vibes. It's like walking into a blast from the past, with pioneer museums and gold mines. Head up early in the day and don't expect for anything to be open late at night, as the town really shuts down early.

Where is Julian?

Julian is located in the Laguna mountains and sits at an elevation of 4,200 ft. Julian makes for the perfect day trip, as it is about a 1hr 15min drive East of San Diego. After heading east, once you get on the CA-79 N highway toward Julian, you will be on this road for about 23 miles. Head left on Main St. to arrive in the town of Julian.

During winter months, make sure to have chains on your car in case of snow.

A little History

Julian started getting visitors back in the 1800s as people came searching for gold. When the gold rush came to an end, people stayed  making this quaint, little town into the charming place it is today. 

What to do?

Julian is great to visit year round, but I personally love the feelings of Fall in Julian. You can enjoy so many fun autumn activities like apple picking, apple pie, and cider. 

Try Julian's famous Pie!

Mom's Pie House - Julian
@daniellecohen
This place is delicious but be prepared to wait in a long line!
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Details
Julian Pie Company
@daniellecohen
Add to
Details
Julian Cafe
@daniellecohen
Add to
Details

Have a drink or enjoy a tasting!

Julian Cider Mill
@daniellecohen
Add to
Details
Julian Hard Cider
@daniellecohen
Add to
Details
Julian Beer Co.
@daniellecohen
Add to
Details
Blue Door Winery
@daniellecohen
Add to
Details

Explore Julian's History

Julian Pioneer Museum
@daniellecohen
Add to
Details
Eagle Mining Co.
@daniellecohen
Her you can tour two of Julian’s original gold mines!
Add to
Details
Julian Mining Company
@daniellecohen
Get in touch with the past by mining for some gold! You can pan for real gold, visit the farm animals and see old mining equipment that was once used.
Add to
Details

Go Apple Picking

Apple Starr Orchard
@daniellecohen
Enjoy a day of apple picking!
Add to
Details

Explore Nature

California Wolf Center - Nature Store
@daniellecohen
The California Wolf Center is dedicated to recovering the community of endangered wolves. You can visit and learn more about their work and see the wolves!
Add to
Details

* * *
CURATED BY
Ciao! My name is Danielle and I'm a Californian from San Diego, who's been living full time in Florence, Italy since 2020. I studied in Florence in 2016 and absolutely fell in love with the food, culture, and history, and made it my mission to move back. I moved right before the pandemic, and staying here through all the lockdowns and pandemic life really helped me discover slow travel and find all of Italy's beauty, including lesser known gems, and off the beaten path travel spots. During my three years in Florence, I have wrote for publications like The Florentine, done freelance marketing with restaurants and a travel agency, giving me high insight into the best destinations, foodie spots, and more. I am here to help you make the most of your vacation in Italy with curated itineraries for every type of traveler and digital maps to help you enjoy THE BEST food each region has to offer. Let me do the work so you can just relax and enjoy, without any stress! I've had a very unique experience living in Italy the last 4 years, as I made my official move right before the pandemic, after visiting for years. Because of this I learned to travel locally and deeply throughout the numerous incredible destinations in Italy and for that I cater my travel services to finding the most local and mindful experiences, keeping true to discovering and appreciating Italy's culture.
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Day Trip to Julian, CA from San Diego
One of the best day trips from San Diego is an hour away, to Julian, CA.
12 Places • ago
Free

What is Julian?

Julian is probably every local San Diegan's favorite day trip destination, especially during the fall. The best escape to see some fall leaves, taste some apple cider, home made pie, hike around, or even catch some snow. 

Julian is a quaint, little "mountain-esque" town, that fully gives small-town vibes. It's like walking into a blast from the past, with pioneer museums and gold mines. Head up early in the day and don't expect for anything to be open late at night, as the town really shuts down early.

Where is Julian?

Julian is located in the Laguna mountains and sits at an elevation of 4,200 ft. Julian makes for the perfect day trip, as it is about a 1hr 15min drive East of San Diego. After heading east, once you get on the CA-79 N highway toward Julian, you will be on this road for about 23 miles. Head left on Main St. to arrive in the town of Julian.

During winter months, make sure to have chains on your car in case of snow.

A little History

Julian started getting visitors back in the 1800s as people came searching for gold. When the gold rush came to an end, people stayed  making this quaint, little town into the charming place it is today. 

What to do?

Julian is great to visit year round, but I personally love the feelings of Fall in Julian. You can enjoy so many fun autumn activities like apple picking, apple pie, and cider. 

Try Julian's famous Pie!

Mom's Pie House - Julian
@daniellecohen
This place is delicious but be prepared to wait in a long line!
Add to
Details
Julian Pie Company
@daniellecohen
Add to
Details
Julian Cafe
@daniellecohen
Add to
Details

Have a drink or enjoy a tasting!

Julian Cider Mill
@daniellecohen
Add to
Details
Julian Hard Cider
@daniellecohen
Add to
Details
Julian Beer Co.
@daniellecohen
Add to
Details
Blue Door Winery
@daniellecohen
Add to
Details

Explore Julian's History

Julian Pioneer Museum
@daniellecohen
Add to
Details
Eagle Mining Co.
@daniellecohen
Her you can tour two of Julian’s original gold mines!
Add to
Details
Julian Mining Company
@daniellecohen
Get in touch with the past by mining for some gold! You can pan for real gold, visit the farm animals and see old mining equipment that was once used.
Add to
Details

Go Apple Picking

Apple Starr Orchard
@daniellecohen
Enjoy a day of apple picking!
Add to
Details

Explore Nature

California Wolf Center - Nature Store
@daniellecohen
The California Wolf Center is dedicated to recovering the community of endangered wolves. You can visit and learn more about their work and see the wolves!
Add to
Details

* * *
CURATED BY
Ciao! My name is Danielle and I'm a Californian from San Diego, who's been living full time in Florence, Italy since 2020. I studied in Florence in 2016 and absolutely fell in love with the food, culture, and history, and made it my mission to move back. I moved right before the pandemic, and staying here through all the lockdowns and pandemic life really helped me discover slow travel and find all of Italy's beauty, including lesser known gems, and off the beaten path travel spots. During my three years in Florence, I have wrote for publications like The Florentine, done freelance marketing with restaurants and a travel agency, giving me high insight into the best destinations, foodie spots, and more. I am here to help you make the most of your vacation in Italy with curated itineraries for every type of traveler and digital maps to help you enjoy THE BEST food each region has to offer. Let me do the work so you can just relax and enjoy, without any stress! I've had a very unique experience living in Italy the last 4 years, as I made my official move right before the pandemic, after visiting for years. Because of this I learned to travel locally and deeply throughout the numerous incredible destinations in Italy and for that I cater my travel services to finding the most local and mindful experiences, keeping true to discovering and appreciating Italy's culture.
Send A Tip
Support Danielle Cohen’s work.
Select your tip amount
$5
$10
$20
$50
Or type in other amount
Powered by Thatch
The home for unique & authentic travel
Powered by Thatch: Where great trips are made.
© Danielle Cohen Privacy Terms