7 Reasons Why You Should Visit Julian, California This Fall.
Updated: Apr 27
It's the most wonderful time of the year! Happy fall y'all!!
For the locals here in San Diego, fall means a trip to Julian, CA to enjoy a day of apple picking, foliage viewing, and crisp fall weather. Julian, CA is a small gold mining town founded in the late 1870s and is located in the Cuyamaca mountains. This quaint town is only 1 hr to 1hr 30 min from San Diego, making it a perfect weekend day trip!
Before we get into the 7 reasons why you should visit Julian, let's review some helpful tips!
Things to know before you go:
Apple Harvest Season
Don't wait until the end of October to go apple-picking! Harvest season begins at the end of August and lasts through the beginning of October. Many orchards start to sell out of apples by the beginning of October.
2. Visiting the Orchards
Plan ahead! Many orchards require reservations and spots fill up quickly. Also, the number of apples each harvest can vary depending on the weather. It may be helpful to visit the websites of some of the Orchards to find out what is available.
Okay, let's get into it!
1. Indulge in Apple Pie
Julian is best known for their apple pie. I must say it is very delicious and is one of the top reasons I like to go to Julian! My favorite pie shop is the Julian Pie Company! When you go, you must try the Dutch Apple Crumb Pie! One slice of this pie will have your taste buds wanting more! If you decide to get a scoop of ice cream, I suggest asking for it on the side. I got my ice cream on top, and I felt like I couldn't savor the pie.
Another place to visit is Mom's Pie House. I visited Mom's after I read some reviews about their Apple Dumplings. This tasty treat is a whole apple- peeled and cored, with nutmeg, brown sugar, and other spices baked inside a delicious buttery crust! It was so good and tastes even better warmed up! Yum!
2. Try Apple Picking
Apple picking is one of the top reasons San Diego locals take a trip to Julian every fall! Many orchards offer "U-Pick", which means that they give you a basket and you pick your apples. Some orchards offer other activities such as axe throwing and hay rides. Here are a few Orchards to visit :
If you have never been apple picking then I suggest you add it to your 2023 bucket list!
3. Sip on Apple Wine
Have you ever tried apple wine? No? Well now is your chance to try some during your trip to Julian! Volcan Mountain Winery has three delicious wines produced entirely from estate-grown apples. They have a Pomme D'Amour which is a delicious sparkling wine, a Dolcezza Dulce a sweet wine, and a Pommier a dessert wine. I tried all three and the Dolcezza Dulce was my favorite!
 |  |
4. Search for Gold
Julian's gold mining history dates back to the late 1800s and although many of the mines are no longer in operation, you can still have the opportunity to tour a mine during your visit. Two popular mines to visit are the Eagle Mining Co. and the Julian Mining Co.
5. Explore Historic Julian
This bustling town is only a few miles long but is full of local souvenir shops and restaurants. This is a very walkable area, so it is easy to park along one of the streets and explore the area.
6. Stay in a Historic Bed and Breakfast
If you decide to make your day trip to Julian an overnight trip, consider staying in the Julian Gold Rush Bed and Breakfast. Founded by a former Missouri slave named Albert Robinson, it is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Southern California.
7. Take a Hike
Julian is surrounded by beautiful hiking trails for all fitness levels! You can take a day trip to Julian and squeeze in a hike. I would suggest doing a morning hike and after the hike heading into town for apple pie! Yum! Check out some of these popular hikes on AllTrails!
Phot Credit: Garnet Peak Trail , AllTrails
Let me know in the comments how your trip to Julian went and if you found my suggestions helpful!
Comments