Things to Do in Julian, California (+ the Best Pie!)

Julian, California, is one of the most popular mountain day trips from San Diego, known for its apple pie, Gold Rush history, and nearby hiking trails. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Julian, this guide covers it all!

During our seven years there, Julian was a trip we’d make every year at the start of fall. This was Southern California’s answer to the flavors and fall scenery you’d expect on a trip out to New England, and there was always pie involved.

Hiking. Scenery. Pie. Let’s get into the best things to do in Julian on your next trip.

What is Julian known for?

Julian is best known for its delicious apple pie and mining history. For San Diego locals, the surrounding area is known for its hiking opportunities. You’ll have access to all kinds of outdoor adventures while you’re here.

Best Things to Do in Julian

Julian may be best known for its apple pie, but there’s plenty more to this historic mountain town than dessert. (I mean, there will also be pie.)

From browsing Main Street and exploring Gold Rush history to apple picking and wolves (!!), these are the best things to do in Julian before you head for the trails.

Shop for tchotchkes on Main Street.

Most visitors spend at least part of their day strolling Julian’s historic Main Street. Between candy shops, boutiques, cider stops, and pie bakeries, it’s the heart of town and one of the best places to start your visit.

If you’re into tchotchke shops, there’s quite a bit of that at The Warm Hearth of Julian, The Old Julian Garage, and The Julian Candy Basket.

If you’re lucky while browsing, you’ll come across dirty hot sauces, decorative soaps, more soaps, wicker baskets, soaps, fringed tops, candy, and soaps. 

Taste-test the best pie in Julian.

You’ll get all kinds of opinions on where the best pie is in Julian. The two main players are Julian Pie Company and Mom’s.

Locals may tell you it’s all about this or that, but locals are notoriously saucy about their local things. Both are delicious and worth the wait in line as you prioritize your personal list of Julian activities.

Also, you probably came all this way for the pie, so what are you really going to do if not wait in line at this point?

We tend to do the Julian Pie Company because they don’t have apostrophe misuse on their signage. I also love their emphasis on all things cinnamon: cider donuts, donut holes if you’re there on the weekend, cinnamon ice cream, and cinnamon sauce.

Fun fact: Most recently, a friend of ours demanded anything BUT apple pie. He opted for a mixed-berry situation that I guess seemed fine but also a little bit anti-establishment.

Brian likes to sweeten his sweets as much as he can, so he typically opts for additional whipped cream alongside his pie and a huge scoop of ice cream.

READ MORE: Love to indulge? San Diego has some good Polish food. No, seriously. Read my guide!

Buy all the jam at the Julian Cider Mill.

One stop I always make is to the Julian Cider Mill for some jam, baby. Boysenberry? Check. Gooseberry? Check. Also, what is that even??? Prickly pear? We got you. Jam. Jam. Jam.

They also sell all kinds of spicy nuts, taffies, dried fruits, and flavored honey. Many a dollar has been spent at the Julian Cider Mill.

Go apple picking.

If you’re into the you-pick-apples thing, try the Apple Starr Orchard or the Volcan Valley Apple Farm, two popular and family-friendly options.

It’s just not something we usually go for on my Julian day trips from San Diego.

I can’t escape the feeling of, umm…this is someone’s actual job in most apple orchards. And we’re out there like, “This is so leeeeeeisurely and fun! Let’s do this thing in our free time that you do for crappy wages!” 

Fun fact: Saturday Night Live had a hilarious take on it. Do check it out.

Explore Julian’s Gold Rush history.

Apple pie may be what gets people up the mountain these days, but Julian wouldn’t exist without gold.

The town was founded during Southern California’s largest gold rush in the 1870s, and you can still explore that history throughout Julian today.

If you’d like to see where it all started, book a tour with the Eagle Mining Co. at the Eagle and High Peak Mine. For another hands-on experience, head to the Julian Mining Company.

History buffs can make time for the Julian Pioneer Museum. The museum features photographs, artifacts, and exhibits that tell the story of the miners, ranchers, and families who helped shape Julian.

And for a quieter glimpse into the town’s past, stop by the Julian Pioneer Cemetery. Established in the late 1800s, it’s the final resting place of many of Julian’s earliest residents and offers an interesting look at the people who built this community.

Book a tea time at Julian Tea and Cottage Arts.

This is one of those hidden gems in Julian. Head to Julian Tea and Cottage Arts if an afternoon tea sounds delightful post-pie.

Just make sure to book a reservation ahead of time. They can go all out with the finger sandwiches, scones, and assortment of teas depending on the experience you’re after.

Visit the California Wolf Center.

One of the more unique things to do near Julian is a visit to the California Wolf Center, a conservation and research facility dedicated to the recovery of wild wolf populations.

The center is home to both North American gray wolves and Mexican gray wolves, one of the continent’s most endangered mammals.

Through guided tours and educational programs, visitors learn about wolf behavior, conservation, and the important role these apex predators play in ecosystems.

If you’re traveling with kids or simply looking for something beyond pie and hiking, this is one of the most memorable stops in the Julian area.

Best Outdoor Things to Do in Julian

Julian’s location in the Cuyamaca Mountains makes it one of Southern California’s best outdoor destinations. From scenic summit hikes to boating on Lake Cuyamaca, there are plenty of ways to work up an appetite before heading back to Main Street.

Hike Stonewall Peak.

If you’re only tackling one hike on your Julian visit, make it Stonewall Peak. Located in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, this roughly four-mile round-trip trail offers one of the best effort-to-reward ratios in the area.

It’s a fairly easy haul up until you get to the very end. That’s where you may experience some scrambling up a rockscape in avoidance of jamokes who didn’t learn the single-file line in elementary school.

There may be snakes here, too. The pelt guy at the entrance said there were a bunch of them out there. It’s best to just say there are a bunch of snakes on this trail, so no one complains to me about it later.

Climb Cuyamaca Peak.

This one is also in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. At just over 5.5 miles round-trip, this is the second-highest peak in San Diego, offering a great view of the rest of the county at the top.

Like many hikes around Julian, conditions can vary dramatically depending on the season. Summer temperatures can be intense, while winter may bring snow to the higher elevations, so check conditions before setting out.

Note: For additional trails and day hike opportunities while you’re in the area, check out the state park’s guide to the area. 

Visit the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve.

The Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve is another jewel in these parts, with 2,900 acres of trails and viewpoints through a mixed conifer forest.

The most popular trail here is the five-mile trek to the summit: Volcan Mountain. Steep inclines make this one a moderate level of difficulty, so make sure you’re prepared with the right hiking gear on this one.

I brought Kimmy along on this one, which helped on the way up (she’s a puller) but didn’t help on the way down (she’s a puller).

It’s also very windy up there!

Explore the Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve.

The nearby Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve offers 15 miles of trails on gentler loops than the other parks, making this one a great option if you’re traveling with kids.

You’ll be literally heading over the river and through the woods on some of these trails, which is quite charming.

Those looking for more of a challenge may want to try the West Vista Loop Trail, about 5.6 miles round-trip through oak trees and wildflowers when the season’s right.

Row your boat on Lake Cuyamaca.

If you’d only like your day trip buddy to make some room for pie first, and you’re fine with your tummy reserves, rent a little boat on Lake Cuyamaca.

Have them row you along until their arms give out or until they give up and turn the motor on if you’ve got a little dinghy with one of those attached. Doesn’t that just sound adorable?

Where to Eat & Drink in Julian

Let’s be honest: a significant percentage of people visiting Julian are here to eat pie.

The good news is that the mountain town delivers on that front. But beyond that, you’ve got all kinds of cozy cafes, cider houses, wineries, and breweries that allow you to refuel after hiking and exploring.

Best Restaurants in Julian

I’m quite pleased to confirm that you can visit Julian without eating anything other than pie. It’s a thing I’ve pulled off on several occasions.

If you want something more “traditional” in terms of a “real” meal, you have options. Our favorite along those lines is the Julian Grille for classic cafe fare. They have a great outdoor patio for you to enjoy if it’s a nice day.

Here are a few more Julian restaurants for you to explore if the Julian Grill isn’t to your liking:

• Julian Cafe & Bakery: Enjoy Western-themed decor and more opportunities to shop local after your lunch at this popular cafe. You’ll find a variety of Julian souvenirs to peruse inside.
• Miner’s Diner: Relive old-fashioned soda shops of the good ol’ days or embrace those Riverdale vibes at this diner. If you have a sweet tooth undeterred by all the pie, their malts are pretty popular.
• Soups & Such Cafe: I already mentioned this one in jest, but it’s actually a popular lunch spot in town if you’re seeking comfort fare and, you guessed it, soup.

Blue Door Winery

Blue Door Winery is tucked into a mini-shopping area on B Street. It’s always a touch too warm for red wine when I’m visiting, so the chilled red sangria is my bag, best enjoyed on the Adirondack chairs outside or on the inner patio.

It’s also home to any manner of cute dogs, a bonus in my book.

You can definitely bring your dog to Julian, by the way. There are quite a few dog-friendly patios in Julian, like the Blue Door Winery. If your dog loves to hike, most of the trails around here are fine for leashed pets.

READ MORE: Traveling with your pooch? Don’t miss out on San Diego’s best dog beaches.

Volcan Mountain Winery

If you like those wine times enough to seek out an option further afield, the Volcan Mountain Winery is a scenic stop at the foot of the Volcan Mountain.

Their sparkling apple wine is the showstopper here if you’re lucky enough to visit when it’s not sold out.

Julian Beer Company

If you’re more into the local beer scene, Julian Beer Company offers decent drafts, pizza by the gigantic slice, and barbecue-type sandwiches.

I’ve had their Reuben sandwich with thick-sliced pastrami, and it’s pretty fantastic. Brian loves their cheesesteak.

Nickel Beer Company

The Nickel Beer Company is another beer option, just east of downtown Julian. They typically have over a dozen beers on tap for you to choose from, including a hybrid of beer and hard apple cider made of local Julian apples.

Julian Hard Cider

Our last stop on the way back home is always Julian Hard Cider, a couple of miles west of Main Street. The building it’s located in includes shops, a gallery, a food stop, and games that may or may not work.

Typically, we head straight for the cider, as I’m somewhat of a connoisseur.

Their original Harvest Apple flavor is always my fave. The others range from too sweet to resembling cough syrup.

Sometimes there’s a random flavor guesting on their standby lists. You can order one of their flights or make your own for a couple of bucks per taster. 

Seasonal Things to Do in Julian

Julian is worth visiting year-round, but it’s especially known for its fall apple season and cozy winter atmosphere. Here’s what each time of year brings to this mountain town:

• Apple Days Festival (September): This annual celebration of all things apple features food vendors, live entertainment, local crafts, and plenty of opportunities to indulge in Julian’s signature fruit.
• Fall Colors & Apple Season (September-November): Fall is the most popular time to visit Julian. Cooler temperatures, changing leaves, apple picking, and fresh-baked pie make this the town’s busiest and most charming season.
• Winter Snow: At more than 4,000 feet above sea level, Julian sees occasional snowfall during the winter months. Snow isn’t guaranteed, but a dusting of white turns the mountain town into the closest winter escape for locals.
• Country Christmas (November-December): Julian embraces the holiday season with tree lightings, seasonal treats, festive decorations, and special events throughout town.

More Things to Do Near Julian

If you have more than a day to explore, there are several worthwhile attractions within easy driving distance of Julian. From waterfall hikes to goat yoga, these nearby experiences pair well with a Julian weekend getaway.

Hike Cedar Creek Falls.

This San Diego waterfall hike is noted on map apps as being in Julian, but there are multiple approaches. The San Diego River Gorge Trail starts in Ramona. That’s the trail we chose on our hiking day.

You can also access this one along the Saddleback Trail, which is closer to Julian.

No matter how you get there, you’ll need a permit before you set out for your hiking adventure.

This is a challenging hike in the Cleveland National Forest, and the authorities just want you to know what you’re getting yourself into on this nearly six-mile trek.

It’s challenging. You will work for that waterfall. It’s also my favorite waterfall hike in San Diego, so it has that going for it.

Chase Three Sisters Falls.

The Three Sisters Falls Trail isn’t mind-blowing, but it’s one of the most popular hikes in and around San Diego. Honestly, I’m not sure why. Cedar Creek Falls is a better hike and generally more impressive all around.

If you want to see what all the hype is about, make sure you’re ready for over four miles of decent elevation gain and some scrambling.

Bring plenty of water and shoes with good traction. You don’t need a permit for this, but you do need to display an Adventure Pass on your vehicle to park at the trailhead.

Note: Visit in the winter or spring for the most action from the falls themselves. This isn’t a great summertime hike because of the heat and the lack of waterflow.

Go wine tasting in Ramona.

This activity idea isn’t in Julian, but if you happen to have a weekend in Julian, you can easily tack on some time in nearby Ramona.

Honestly, I hate when bloggers lead with stuff that isn’t in the town you’re investigating, but we’re getting to the bottom now. I also don’t want you to miss some hyper-local wine country.

It’s just a half-hour drive to incredible scenery and delicious wine with vibes that are casual even for Southern California.

We spent a full week in Ramona on a recent trip back to San Diego, and I was so impressed by the friendly atmosphere of this underrated wine country. Ramona will be on our regular rotation now, along with Temecula.

Chuparosa Vineyards was our favorite thanks to their Albariño.

Book goat yoga at Blackledge Farms.

On the topic of Ramona, there is a bucket list experience here that has nothing to do with wine. It doesn’t have anything to do with pie, either.

I’m talking about goats, people. If you love them as much as I do, you’ll want to book a goat yoga session at Blackledge Farms. Just be warned that you’ll be forever changed after your experience. That’s how great this is.

Don’t believe me? Read about my experience with Ramona’s best goat yoga.

The Best Time to Visit Julian

The best time to visit Julian is in the fall. There’s a good reason for that. It’s apple time.

I usually tell people to go places during less busy times, but I just can’t do that here. Fall opens up a world of possibilities and allows you to try more varieties of apples grown right here in Julian.

If you’re here in the winter, Julian does have snow. Expect possible snow from November through February, sometimes even well into the spring, up in Julian. You’re at over 4,000 feet of elevation here.

You’ll need snow chains to go to Julian if you’re heading up to the mountain town in the winter months. Chains are required during the winter months at nearby Palomar Mountain, too.

Don’t assume that because you’re from the Midwest — that’s me! — you’re good to go. There are periodic checks up the mountain to make sure you’re prepared.

Best Hotels in Julian

As we’ve lived in San Diego, we visited the best of what to do in Julian on easy day trips from our home in North Park near Balboa Park. There are pretty adorable accommodation options in and around the mountain town if you’d like to stay awhile, though.

Browse the map for the best hotels in Julian and more apartment-style accommodations:

Is Julian worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you’re coming from San Diego and want a quick escape into the mountains.

Julian is one of Southern California’s easiest day trips, known for its Gold Rush history, small-town Main Street, and especially its apple pie. But what makes it worth the drive is the combo.

You can hike scenic trails in the morning, wander a historic downtown in the afternoon, and end the day with cider, wine, or a warm slice of pie.

I know I kept returning to Julian for a reason. It’s fun, easy to find free things to do, and delicious to boot.

Staying in San Diego for a while? Check out these posts:

• A Detailed Guide to Carlsbad Day Trips
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• What’s Life in San Diego Actually Like?
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• Love the Beach? Don’t Miss Pacific Beach

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• Visit South Park, San Diego’s Most Charming
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