Things to do & places to visit in Julian, California, United States

Julian city in California, United States. Timezone: America/Los_Angeles, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 18:42.

Top things to do (20)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 inaja Memorial Picnic Sight (7 reviews)
- Great stop for a quick lunch
Nature & Wildlife Areas

I was heading to Borrego Springs from Julian and I stopped by this spot to eat a quick lunch. Great area - a handful of benches are shaded and the rest are out in the open and you're surrounded by native plants. The biggest plus is that you can't really see the cars zooming down the road, though you can hear them lol See more..
5.0 Mildred Falls (2 reviews)
- a hidden gem
Waterfalls
Scenic waterfall requiring a three-hour (round trip) hike. See more..
5.0 Julian Jail (1 review)
- Julian Jail
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Julian jail was established in 1914 and I sure would not want to be held in it! It’s an austere brick structure just a few blocks off Main Street. The jail is only about 6 x 12 and the cells are quite devoid of any creature comforts. Surely the only prisoners could look forward to were meals prepared by the constable’s wife! There’s no fee and the structure is easily accessible. I recommend it for those who are visiting Julian. See more..
4.5 Eagle and High Peak Mine (313 reviews)
- Nugget of Gold Rush History
Mines

We were quite uncertain whether the tour would be worth the time and $15, but we came out quite satisfied. The tour guide, a 74 year old man, was very engaging and really helped us imagine the times when the mine was active from 1870-1934. Even though you had to watch your head in many places, the mine was well ventilated and comfortable. Recommend for all ages, except those who may find it difficult to climb up a short but steep ladder at one point in the tour. The mine had no signage from the 2nd Street and hence a bit difficult to locate. The unsurfaced road from the gate to the mine is only wide enough to accommodate a vehicle and you can't easily see who is coming from the other end; be prepared to back out. See more..
4.5 California Wolf Center (118 reviews)
- Important conservation work and a must-see.
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos

We had a fabulous visit. We chose the private enrichment tour and had a wonderful time observing the ambassador wolves. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and explained what we were observing. It was really so wonderful. My only complaint was that the time was too short and the gift store was limited (I know the one in town has more stuff). Overall a beautiful day with the wolves. See more..
4.5 William Heise County Park (91 reviews)
- Cabins are awesome!
State Parks

My husband and I rented a cabin for our family of 6 (4 children 6 and under). The cabin was the perfect size with four bunk beds and a double bed in front. Some hints: 1. Cabins do not have bathrooms (or water) but they do have electricity and overhead lighting. 2. A fan is furnished but in the hot summer, you should bring 2 more. Three fans worked perfectly. 3. Bring an air mattress. The foam mats will feel terrible on the hard wood beds. You will nearly sell your soul for an air mattress halfway through your first night on the cheap foam rolls from Walmart. 4. During the summer, open the doors and windows in the morning to bring in a cool breeze. Close everything up around 11am. The inside will stay cool until around 2pm. 5. Bring a bucket. You must put your fire out with water each night. You’ll need a small bucket to carry the water from the water spigot to the fire. 6. The cabins have brooms and dust pans. 7. Bring trash bags. There are no trashcans or trash bags. 8. There is PLENTY of parking. 9. The sites have picnic tables and fire pits with grills Enjoy your stay! The singing cowgirl is fantastic. The kids loved her. See more..
4.5 Volcan Mountain Winery (47 reviews)
- Great Winery
Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards • Gardens

Nice comfortable place to enjoy wine and the beautiful scenery of Julian. Enjoy the apple wines . . . so good. See more..
4.5 Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve (44 reviews)
- Good workout
Nature & Wildlife Areas

We enjoyed the challenge of hiking the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve. Excellent views! We are cyclists, and the different use of our leg muscles was refreshing. Although, we were a bit stiff the next day. See more..
4.5 Menghini Winery (42 reviews)
- Crush the Grapes
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Wineries & Vineyards

The annual Harvest Festival and Grape crush takes place at Menghini's on Saturday, Sept 4 from 11 to 5 PM. Crush grapes to Italian music by Roman Holiday followed by Classic rock. It's a fun experience in a nice setting. See more..
4.5 Blue Door Winery (37 reviews)
- Gem off the main road
Friday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Wineries & Vineyards

Small production winery offering a nice array of wines in a wonderful and charming tasting room. Pop in for a taste, glass, or bottle during your visit to Julian. Cheers! See more..
4.5 Cuyamaca Mountains (31 reviews)
- Great relaxing drive...
Mountains

Scenic mountain range east of San Diego. See more..
4.5 Julian Hard Cider (22 reviews)
- Hard to Miss
Breweries

I think this place has become kind of a icon to the Julian area. You can find Julian Hard cider all around San Diego County and it has become quite popular. It’s located in the Julian station with a burger place next door. You can come in and get a flight of ciders so that you can try different kinds. All the fancy flavors are nice, but I’m basically a regular cider guy. It’s a nice place to sit and unwind, and the staff is friendly. Definitely stop by and have some of the cider. See more..
4.5 Witch Creek Winery (21 reviews)
- Excellent wine and a marvelous employee to go with it!
Friday: 11:00 AM - 5:30 PM Wineries & Vineyards
We stumbled over the Wine Creek Tasting Room during an overnight visit to Julian. The name intrigued us so we decided to take a quick peek. We met the woman who runs the store and felt like we had met up with an old friend. Tina is very knowledgeable both about the wines she sells and about the history of Julian. By the time we left, there were two definate new fans of Wine Creek wines! And there were a dozen less wine bottles in the store. There isn't a bad wine in the bunch. Am thinking of paying a visit to the main shop in the near future. Will definately stop by and see Tina on my next visit to Julian! See more..
4.5 The Warm Hearth (20 reviews)
- An important part of the Julian experience
Spent 1-2 hours Antique Shops

This is one of Julian's best shopping spots for unusual foods, jewelry, and all the things that add some fun to life. This time around, a pair of man-made opal earrings found a new home. The back area has a lower level of rustic furniture, antique items, and some unusual finds. This is a surprisingly large store and it is always a must for all of our trips to Julian. The Warm Hearth is rustic and is so in character with all of Julian's rugged charm. See more..
4.5 Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve (20 reviews)
- Great views, great hike!
Parks

We lived the hike. Taking off up the Coast to Coast trail and back on the Santa Ysobel loop was perfect. We loved tackling the climbing first, then enjoying down hill and more steady returns. For folk a little older, this was perfect. The scenery is superb at this time and the Nature Centre fascinating! See more..
4.5 Julian Mining Company (15 reviews)
- Best Kept Secret
Friday: Mines

Great place for all age kids if they like hunting for gems,plus a terrific spot to get out of that gnarly city and enjoy some fresh mountain air. Oh did i forget to mention apple pie a few miles away after a tough day digging for gems. Friendly folk as well,always willing to answer questions. See more..
4.5 Julian Historical Society (11 reviews)
- A must visit in Julian!
Historic Sites

The Historical Society offers a scavenger hunt around the town that you turn in once completed for a chance to win $50! The scavenger hunt is fun, informative, and dog friendly!! I would absolutely reccommend that first time visitors visit the Historical Society and go on the hunt! See more..
4.5 Main Street (6 reviews)
- QUAINT LITTLE TOURISTY TOWN
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas

This tourist towns main street is lined with restaurants, hotels, B&B’s and gift shops. As you walk along main street notice the historical signs/markers explaining a little about the buildings and area. Nice way to work off lunch is to make the Main Street Loop. Be aware that the city can get very crowded on weekends and traffic is a nightmare getting into the town. I would recommend a mid-week visit vice a weekend. See more..
4.5 Julian Ciderworks (4 reviews)
- Delicious variety of ciders!
Wineries & Vineyards

We went here last November after horseback riding at the Kenner Horse Ranch and were so glad we did! There were so many different types of ciders and we left with four bottles to take home for Thanksgiving with family. We loved it so much that we are already planning our return this November - it's worth the hour drive from San Diego for the ciders they offer! See more..
4.5 O'Dell's Organic Orchard (3 reviews)
- Organic you-pick pears!
Spent 1-2 hours Farms

The pears are fabulous. Bring the family dog, they are dog-friendly! Support your local orchard the drought has been tough on California farmers. Lots of antiques around the property, and lovely, old trees. You can borrow a "picker" to reach the fruit high up in the trees. The nice gentleman is opening up HIS orchard to you and sharing HIS fruit. Please be tespectful, and keep an eye on YOUR children. It's not a playground. Please don't ruin it for the rest of us, because your child hurts himself and you feel farmer is responsible. I highly recommend O'dells. See more..
4.5 The Old Well (2 reviews)
- Little Antique Store off the Main Street in Julian
Spent < 1 hour Antique Shops
After having lunch at Buffalo Bills, I noticed this store. Walked over to check it out. They have a very old 60' well when you walk in-WOW! They have a little bit of everything and more out back. They are also going to open another area out back in another store. They were the nicest people. Had fun talking about several items and of course I found a few items for myself. They had fair prices and willing to bargain. I think they need to get the word out since they are hidden.... Definitely will go back! See more..
4.0 Lake Cuyamaca (135 reviews)
- A place to relax, unwind, and connect with nature
Friday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Bodies of Water

Situated at an elevation of 4,600 feet, this small 110-acre lake is surrounded by Cuyamaca Rancho State Park that is mostly wilderness. See more..
4.0 Julian Pioneer Museum (52 reviews)
- Fantastic, Small, Well Curated Museum
History Museums

Located just off Julian's main street, the volunteer-run museum, offers a wonderful window into Julian's past, and the 19th and early 20th centuries in general. There are items of interest to children (animal skills to touch, guns to look at, old telephones, precious metals, President US Grant's bookcase. All this, plus the history of Julian from the founding of the city makes the museum a great place to visit for anyone interest in learning more about the origins of Julian or the time period generally. Although you could easily spend more than an hour looking around, 30-45 minutes is probably enough for most people. See more..
4.0 Cedar Creek Falls (49 reviews)
- Is there water right now?
Waterfalls

Springtime-only waterfalls fed by melting winter snow. See more..
4.0 Desert View Park (18 reviews)
- Stretch your legs and enjoy the beautiful views
Parks

One of favorite stops I make, albeit a short stop is a vista point called Desert View Park on Hwy 79 in between Lake Cuyamaca and Julian. If I am traveling towards Julian or even further out towards Palm Desert or driving back to San Diego, I usually will stop off here to Stretch my legs and enjoy the scenery. You have a nice view of the mountains and Anza Borrego. On a clear day you may be able to see the Salton Sea., See more..
4.0 Agua Caliente County Park (11 reviews)
- Nice for a day trip
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Parks

We recenty visited Agua Caliente County Park for just the day. The hot springs were well maintained and clean and being a week day i wasn't crowded at all. It's quite inexpensive, $3 per person for a day's visit. My only beef as was the case with some of the other reviewers was people that bring their dogs, don't clean up after them, or as was the case of a guest the day we visited, chain their dogs up to a tree just outside the pool area so they can enjoy the pools while there dog barks at every passerby and howls because it's been left alone. See more..
4.0 Apple Starr Orchard (10 reviews)
- Great Day!!
Farms

My family and I went picking at this orchard last weekend. We had the best time ever! The organic apples were pretty much picked out! No surprise there! (Organics is popular!). We picked two bags of pears to give to our family and friends. The total cost $40! Alot cheaper than Whole foods! And way more FUN! See more..
4.0 Coast to Crest Trail (1 review)
- Great Road with a view
Hiking Trails
A 55-mile trail linkinng the coast at Del Mar with the Volcan Mountain near Julian. See more..
3.5 Julian Town Hall (33 reviews)
- Old Julian atmosphere
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Visitor Centers • Historic Sites • Government Buildings

Visit Town Hall for information on things to do in Julian. We have many brochures and handouts. We offer hiking maps and area maps. Pick up the official Guide to Julian. Our Friendly stafff is here to answer your questions from 10am to 4pm daily. See more..
3.5 Volcan Valley Apple Farm (11 reviews)
- Yummy Apples!
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Farms

U-Pick Apple Farm. 7 Varieties maturing through the Apple Harvest Season (usually late August thru mid-October). Buy bags and fill with apples that you pick. Semi-dwarf trees are accessible to children. Leashed dog-friendly. Wheelchair access at main entrance. Six picnic tables. Water available for purchase. See more..