Julian

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.

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.

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.

• Anza Borrego Desert State Park

  phone: +1 760 767-5311
  Camping, biking, hiking, a large variety of flowering cacti, palm groves, bighorn sheep and exotic birds.

• Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

  phone: +1 760 765-0755
  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.

• Lake Cuyamaca Recreation & Park District

  phone: +1 760 765-0515
  address: 15027 Highway 79
  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

• Volcan Mountain Preserve Foundation

  phone: +1 760 765-2300
  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.

• William Heise County Park

  phone: +1 858 565-3600
  Trail information is available at the Ranger Kiosk. There is a trail to he lookout, which affords views of the desert and ocean on a clear day.

• Saint Ysabel Open Space Preserve

  phone: +1 760 765-4098
  11 miles of multi-use trails.

• Laguna Mountain Recreational Area

  phone: +1 619 445-6235
  Picnic areas, campgrounds, restrooms, plus 70 miles of hiking trails, including the Pacific crest trail. Dogs-on-leash are welcome on trails.

• Palomar Mountain

  phone: +1 760 788-0250
  Hikes of varying length and difficulty, including the Observatory trail and Doane Valley Nature Trail.

• Main Street Carriage Company

  phone: +1 760 765-0438
  address: Corner of Main and Washington
  Historic 15-minute narrated tour of downtown Julian on a horse-drawn surrey. We are able to accommodate large group tours. Available for parties or special events.

• California Overland, LLC

  phone: +1 760 767-1232
  address: 1233 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs
  Adventure calls! Explore the Anza-Borrego desert on 2- and 4-hour tours, overnight camping trips or full 30-hour excursions aboard ex-military troop carriers. Private jeep tours also.

• Enthrall, Inc.

  phone: +1 760 782-9202
  Provides Julian 1870s Gold Rush Tours and field trips, including the musical Gold Hill, town site guided tour, Eagle Mine tour & lunch.

• Eagle And High Peak Mine

  phone: +1 760 765-0036
  address: End of C Street
  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.

• Julian Mining Company

  phone: +1 951 313-0166
  Discover gold & minerals using gold pans, sluice box and 'rockers.' Hayrides, U-Press cider, gift shop, raspberry picking & pumpkin patch in fall.

• Julian Stables

  phone: +1 760 765-1598
  address: P.O. Box 881
  Experience the most scenic side of Julian from the area's "original trail riding stables." Unparalleled views. Thousands of satisfied customers. Reservations required.

• Kenner Horse Ranch: Horseback Rides & Events

  phone: +1 760 473-5681
  address: 17550 Harrison Park Rd
  Beautiful backcountry scenery: mountain ridges, wooded forests, alpine meadow, ponds, wonderful wildlife. Reservations requested.

• Julian Pioneer Museum

  phone: +1 760 765-0227
  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.

• Observer's Inn/Observatory/Gifts

  phone: +1 760 765-0088
  address: 3535 Highway 79
  1-hour tour of the night sky. View the planets, galaxies, star clusters and the moon through large research grade telescopes, led by an experienced astronomer.

• Himalaya Tourmaline Mine

  phone: +1 775 830-5797
  address: 26439 Highway 76, Santa Ysabel
  Dig pink and green tourmaline gemstones from world famous Himalaya Tourmaline Mine. Open year-round, rain or shine, Thursday - Monday at Lake Henshaw Resort.

• Smith Ranch & Julian Railroad

  phone: +1 760 765-2288
  address: less than 1 mile east of Julian
  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.

• Julian Historic Walking Tour

  phone: +1 760 765-1857
  Map available for self-tour at the Chamber office located at the Town Hallon 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)

• Apple Lane Orchard Apples

  phone: +1 760 765-2645 2641
  Fresh cider, preserves, fruits and souvenirs, so bring your cameras.

• Apple Starr OrchardsA 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).

• Calico Ranch

  phone: +1 858 586-0392 4200
  address: Highway 78
  Open in October, Friday through Sunday, 10AM to 5PM until the apples are gone. The farm was first planted in the 1930s with many varieties of antique apples and pears now available for fresh fruit sales.

• Peacefield Orchard

  phone: +1 760 443-3930
  address: 3803 Wynola Rd
  U-Pick apple orchard. Plus Healthy Chocolate & Healthy Coffee.

• Wynola Valley Orchard

  phone: +1 760 765-9792
  address: 3962 Highway 78
  Grows over 30 varieties of apples and pears.

• The American Gardner

  phone: +1 760 765-2152
  address: 2116 Main St

• Bad Betty's Old West Gifts and Jewlery

  phone: +1 760 765-0777
  address: 2116 Main St
  Replicas of Old West weapons, lingerie, Native American Indian items, jewelry, gifts for golfers.

• Banner Queen Gallery

  phone: +1 760 765-2168
  address: 36766 Highway 78
  Artwork by Robert Freeman and Julian artists.

• The Birdwatcher

  phone: +1 760 765-1817
  address: 2775 B St
  Everything for people who love wild birds. Featuring birdhouses, bird feed, bird feeders, books, music, apparel and gifts for the garden.

• Crossroads Treasures

  phone: +1 760 765-2530
  address: 21952 B, Hwy 79, Santa Ysabel
  Rock and gift shop selling rocks and minerals, books, native American jewelry and artifacts, gem sluice, geode cutting, yard art and plants, pendulums and crystals.

• Falcon Gallery

  phone: +1 760 765-1509
  address: 2015A Main St
  Limited edition prints books, jewelry, home accents and gifts. Children's room features educational supplies and books.

• Grandpa's Old Time Photo

  phone: +1 760 765-1541
  address: 2116 Main St., Ste 1D
  Old time costume photography in sepia tone. 1-10 people and people with dogs.

• Hog Heaven

  phone: +1 760 765-2966
  address: 2608 B St, K.O. Corral
  Providing goods that bikers find useful, functional, fun, warm or just plain cool! Includes thermal underwear, socks, warm clothing, masks, gloves, cargo needs, etc. for the ride.

• Julian Yesteryears

  phone: +1 760 765-1020
  address: 2116 Main Street, Suite D
  Progressively old fashioned gifts, jewelry, collectibles. Local arts, local crafts.

• Mountain Beadworks

  phone: +1 760 765-3100
  address: Highway 78, Wynola
  Beads, gifts, classes, family activities and fun (and Golden Retrievers, too.)

• Pie Town Gear

  phone: +1 760 765-1645
  address: 2317 Main St
  Purveyors of outdoor adventure equipment. Featuring day packs, backpacks, clothing, shoes and gear. Also, maps, books and Cleveland National Forest Adventure Passes.

• Pistols & Petticoats

  phone: +1 760 765-1744
  address: 2116 Main St
  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.

• Santa Ysabel Art Gallery

  phone: +1 760 765-1676
  address: 30352 Highway 78, Santa Ysabel
  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.

• Santa Ysabel Indian Mission & Padre Gift Shop

  phone: +1 760 765-0810
  address: 23013 Highway 79, Santa Ysabel
  Museum, religious articles & everyday gifts and collectibles.

• The Skagen Ranch Studio

  phone: +1 252 671-3727
  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.

• Town Hall Crafters

  phone: +1 760 765-1291
  Hand-crafted items made by local crafters. Sewing, woodwork, jewelry. Craft shows held monthly in the Julian Town Hall.

• Julian Station

  phone: +1 760-885-8364
  address: 4470 Highway 78
  A rustic former apple cider house that features shopping, wine tasting, hard apple cider tasting and the Julian Certified Farmers Market every Sunday from 11AM to 4PM.

• Wynola Junction Antiques and Collectibles

  phone: +1 760 765-4758
  address: 4326 Highway 78, Wynola
  A variety of antique and collectible dealers located in the historical fruit packing shed in Wynola - 3 miles West of Julian.

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.

• Apple Alley Bakery

  phone: +1 760 765-2532
  address: 2122 Main St
  Serving a variety of homemade apple pies, pastries and cookies. Lunch menu includes potpies, calzone, soup, sandwiches and salad.

• Julian Pie Company

  phone: +1 760 765-2449
  address: 2225 Main Street, Julian or 21976 Highway 79, Santa Ysabel
  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.

• Mom’s Pies

  phone: +1 760 765-2472
  address: 2119 Main St
  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.

• The Candy Basket

  phone: +1 760 765-0785
  Old-fashioned "real" candy store. 450 types of candy, hand-made fudge, maple, licorice, salt water taffy, chocolates.

• Julian Cider Mill

  phone: +1 760 765-1430
  Candy, caramel apples, honey, dried fruits, apple butter, jams and jellies, marmalades, preserves, cider, honey.

• Bailey Woodpit Barbecue

  phone: +1 760 765-3757
  address: 2307 Main St
  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.

• Candied Apple Pastry Company

  phone: +1 760 765-2655
  address: 2128 Fourth St
  A full-service pastry shop specializing in classic pastries, artisan breads, elegant wedding cakes, and candied apples.

• Cowgirl Cafe

  phone: +1 760 765-2167
  address: 2116 Main St
  Rustic decor with a cowgirl touch. Features meatloaf sandwich and apple cider float.

• Jeremy's on the Hill

  phone: +1 760 765-1587
  address: 4354 Highway 78
  California fresh cuisine. Burgers made from scratch, etc. Beer and wine, too.

• Miner’s Diner

  phone: +1 760 765-3753
  address: 2130 Main St
  Original old-fashioned soda fountain and diner with full breakfast and lunch menu. Daily specials. Open 8AM to 5PM

• Poncho Villas

  phone: +1 760 765-1810
  address: 2907 Washington St
  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.

• The Round-Up BBQ Grill

  phone: +1 760 782-2729
  address: 26439 Highway 76, Santa Ysabel
  Overlooks Lake Henshaw. Specializes in wood fire grilling and rotisserie. Serving local natural beef. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Beer & wine. Catering available.

• Romano's Restaurant

  phone: +1 760 765-1003
  address: 2718 B St
  Sicilian and other Italian dishes in lovely setting. Plentiful servings and homemade baked goods and desserts. Patio dining available.

• Rongbranch Restaurant

  phone: +1 760 765-2265
  address: 2722 Washington St
  Steaks, seafood, down-home cooking. Lunch and dinner daily.

• Soups & Such Cafe & Flowers by Lani

  phone: +1 760 765-4761
  address: 2000 Main Street, Ste. 101
  Intimate cafe with fresh flowers all around. Eggs benedict is their specialty for breakfast and there are soups & salads for lunch.

• Wynola Pizza Express

  phone: +1 760 765-1004
  address: 4355 Highway 78 (three miles west of Julian)
  Live music Saturday. Pizza and other dishes made from scratch, including vegetarian dishes. Patio & dining room seating.

• Dudley's Bakery, Inc.

  phone: +1 760 765-0488
  address: 30218 Highway 78 (Julian Road), Santa Ysabel, CA 92070
  Over 20 kinds of bread, a full deli, a variety of pastries including seasonal delights.

• Julian Tea & Cottage Arts

  phone: +1 760 765-0832
  address: 2124 Third St
  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.

• Artists' Loft and Cabins at Strawberry Hill

  phone: +1 760 765-0765
  address: 4825 Pine Ridge Ave
  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.

• Butterfield Bed & Breakfast

  phone: +1 760 765-2179
  Five charming rooms, fireplaces, gourmet breakfasts, AAA 3 diamond rating.

• Eaglenest Bed & Breakfast

  phone: +1 760 765-1252
  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.

• Historical House Lodging

  phone: +1 760 765-1931
  Old Julian charm, town site, 3 suites sleep 2-10.

• Horseman’s Inn

  phone: +1 760 765-1034
  Private atmosphere, Jacuzzi, situated on six-acre horse ranch.

• Julian Gold Rush Hotel

  phone: +1 760 765-0201
  address: 2032 Main St
  Bed and breakfast.

• Mountain High Bed & Breakfast

  phone: +1 760 765-1083
  address: 4110 Deer Lake Park Rd
  Beautiful country setting. Trees, gardens, charming, intimate. Rose Cottage for 2; or Woods Room for 2. Private entry, patio, bath, fireplace. Elegant spa/gazebo. Room service. Breakfasts.

• Oak Hill Farm Lodging

  phone: +1 760 765-2356
  address: 3333 Coleman Circle
  Spacious country room. Great amenities: private baths and entries, guest-only pool, continental breakfast provided in room.

• Observers Inn

  phone: +1 760 765-0088
  Private guest rooms. Lobby with TV and library. On-site observatory telescopes are available for guests to use.

• Orchard Hill Country Inn

  phone: +1 760 765-0290
  address: 2502 Washington St
  AAA four-diamond inn with 22 rooms in downtown Julian. Each stay includes a full breakfast and afternoon hors d'ouevres. An excellent, flavorful four-course dinner is also served on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.

• Pinecrest Private Retreat

  phone: +1 760 765-0464
  address: 3936 Highway 79
  RV and Camping retreat specializing in vintage trailers located on 85 wooded acres. Group camping; limited hook-ups; dump station; Olympic pool.

• Pinezanita RV Park and Campgrounds

  phone: +1 760 765-0429
  address: 4446 Highway 79
  Clean and quiet campground. RV and tent camping, fishing pond, campfires allowed.

• Tucker Peak Lodge

  phone: +1 760 765-3975
  address: 3975 Eagle Peak Rd
  Breathtaking views, beautiful Victorian decor, honeymoon suite and family rooms. Jacuzzi tub, fireplace and queen bed in rooms. Satellite TV and AC. Children OK.

• Wikiup Bed & Breakfast

  phone: +1 760 765-1890
  Secluded four room B & B, located in the woods one mile from Julian, which features private hot and whirlpool tubs, fireplaces and featherbeds. AAA / 3 diamond approved.

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