18 Of The Most Fun Things To Do In Julian, California [2026 Guide]

Julian, the beloved Mountain town in the Cuyamaca Mountains near San Diego, is one of our favorite getaways. We love to go hiking there, antique shopping, apple picking, and of course, have to eat apple pie every time we visit. Known for apple orchards, scenic beauty, and a charming downtown area, this is the perfect California getaway.

Perfect for a little fall-themed day trip, don’t you think? Apple season in Julian starts in August, and we all know that fall in Southern California is over quicker than you’d know it. So plan your apple picking & pumpkin farm trip to Julian now.

Planning a trip and wondering what to do in Julian? While the town is famous for all things apple, there’s lots more to uncover here. Read on for the top things to do in Julian, California.

Best Time to Visit Julian

Julian is a year-round getaway, but the timing shapes the trip. Fall (September–October) is peak season for apple picking and pie, and also the most crowded — come midweek if you can.

Winter brings the occasional dusting of snow and cozy cabin weather. Spring is quiet and green with wildflowers spilling into nearby Anza-Borrego, and summer is warm and ideal for hiking and stargazing under those famous dark skies.

Top Things To Do In Julian, California

Check Out The California Wolf Center

Read our full article about our visit to the California Wolf Center here>>

An amazing experience for animal lovers is the California Wolf Center. The center gives visitors a chance to learn more about wild wolves and meet these fascinating creatures.

The visitor center is located in downtown Julian, CA and educates visitors about how the wolves live, their history, and conservation in place for their protection. There’s also a gift shop on-site featuring unique souvenirs.

For those hoping to see the wolves, you can choose from several tour options. With an expert guide, you’ll learn about and encounter these incredible endangered animals.

Be sure to book your tour in advance to ensure availability. Each tour runs about 1 hour.

Indulge In Some Apple Pie

Julian is famously surrounded by apple orchards and has a wide array of apple varieties to choose from, some of which aren’t found anywhere else. 

Naturally, the plentiful supply of apples means delicious pies in cafes and restaurants throughout town, yum!

There are so many wonderful spots for your apple pie fix. You’ll probably find yourself eating this classic dessert numerous times during your stay.

Some of the best-loved eateries for apple pie in Julian include Mom’s Pies, Apple Alley Bakery, and Julian Pie Company. The latter of which has been serving up a large selection of pies and apple cider donuts since 1989.

For more, be sure to check out The Best Apple Pies In Julian.

Take Part In An Apple Cider Tasting

Wash down your apple pie with a refreshing apple cider at one of the town’s many tasting experiences. An unmissable activity during your stay in Julian, there are several fantastic apple cider tastings in the area for your enjoyment. 

Julian Hard Cider is one of the area’s best-known exports, and you can sample up to 12 of their varieties at Julian Station. Tasting their traditional cider is a must, but don’t shy away from alternatives which combine apples with blackberries, raspberries, and cherries. The flavors are very refreshing.

Located just out of downtown, the Storum Ranch is a favorite amongst cider lovers. Here you’ll find a selection of ciders made from apples picked right from their own orchard. 

Go Back In Time At The Julian Pioneer Museum

At the Julian Pioneer Museum, gain insight into what Julian was like during the 19th and 20th centuries, back when the area was a famous mining town.

The museum is located inside a charming home from the 1800s. Inside you’ll find photographs, mining tools, gold artifacts, and vintage clothing. It’s also home to one of California’s finest lace collections.

Many Native Americans lived in the area before Europeans arrived, and the museum also houses an extensive collection of American Indian artifacts.

An afternoon at the Julian Pioneer Museum is a must for first-time visitors. Especially history buffs seeking to understand the town’s past and how the area has changed over the years.

Go Antique Shopping

In a former gold mining town packed with history, it’s no surprise to find several antique stores in the area.

Whether you’re a keen collector or seeking vintage trinkets for the home, antique shopping is a great way to spend a leisurely afternoon in Julian. All this while learn more about San Diego County in times gone by.

Some of Julian’s finest antique stores include the beautiful Oakwood Creek, Wynola Junction, Santa Ysabel General Store, and Oak & Olive.

For lovers of retro home decor, you won’t want to miss The Barn Vintage Marketplace and the Heartland Vestige Home Decor. Both are brimming with unique pieces to add character to your home.

Spend A Day Wine Tasting

While Julian is best known for its cider, the town also has some incredible wineries. There are several unique wine-tasting experiences on offer in Julian.

Here are some of our favorites for wine connoisseurs:

• Storum Ranch – We’ve already told you about their ciders, but did we mention they also have fabulous wines made from San Diego grapes too?
• Volcan Mountain Winery – Just a few miles outside the center of Julian lies a winery where you can spend an afternoon sampling with Volcan Mountain as your backdrop.
• Julian Wine & Chocolate – Wine lovers with a sweet tooth will be in heaven at this amazing spot. Offering wine from high-elevation vineyards and chocolate made in San Diego, a tasting experience here is difficult to beat.
• Menghini Winery – One of Julian’s oldest and most beloved wineries, family-run Menghini Winery sits among the apple orchards just north of town, with a rustic barn tasting room and shaded picnic grounds that make it an easy place to linger over an afternoon. It’s also the longtime home of Julian’s annual grape stomp celebration, so time your visit right, and you might catch a festival.

Enjoy The Great Outdoors And Go On A Picturesque Hike

With enviable vistas and trails for all fitness levels, Julian’s hiking scene is not to be missed. 

Those looking for an easy to moderate hike, check out the West Vista Loop Trail or Canyon Oak and Desert View Loop. More adventurous hikers will enjoy the Three Sisters Falls Trail or the hike to Cuyamaca Peak, San Diego’s second-highest peak.

Perhaps one of the area’s best-known hikes is the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve Trail. This moderate to difficult trail is just under 5 miles roundtrip and takes around 2.5 to 3 hours for completion. Providing beautiful views of Julian on one side, and a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean on the other, this is a popular trail enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Rivaling the Volcan Mountain hike is the iconic Eagle Rock Trail. Situated along the iconic Pacific Crest Trail, this moderate hike is just over 6 miles roundtrip and takes most just under 3 hours. You’ll be greeted with an awe-inspiring eagle-shaped rock formation, which gives the trail its name.

Of course, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is always a great spot for a day outdoors as well.

Explore The Orchards And Do Some Apple Picking

When vacationing in Julian, you’re more than likely to find yourself with a collection of apples as your souvenir. With so many orchards and varieties to choose from, you’ll have your pick of apples to bring home.

Apple picking is one of the top things to do in Julian, California during fall, thanks to perfect conditions.

In addition to apple picking, many orchards offer tours and seasonal events. All of this makes your trip to the orchard a great option for a unique day trip from San Diego. 

Some orchards worth adding to your itinerary include:

• Peacefield Orchard
• Julian Mining Company
• Volcan Valley Apple Farm
• Calico Ranch & Cidery
• Julian Farm & Orchard

Take a look at each orchard’s website for opening dates and times before your visit.

Spend Time With Camels At The Oasis Camel Dairy

Less than 20 minutes from downtown Julian lies the Oasis Camel Dairy & Foundation, an amazing day out for the family. Spend time feeding the camels, listening to cheeky talking parrots, and even taking a camel ride.

Group and private tours are available. There’s an extra fee for camel rides, which you can purchase in advance or on the day of your visit. Check the website for current pricing.

The tours generally run on select Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 2 pm, so check the website for more information. Tickets must be purchased online beforehand. 

Drive To Anza Borrego Desert State Park

A visit to California’s largest state park, the Anza Borrego Desert State Park, is a must when visiting Julian.

Explore the area for a day, spend a night or two in one of Borrego Springs’ hotels, or really get in touch with nature and camp out under the stars. 

This park has over 100 miles of trails, so there are countless hikes to choose from. Some highlights include hiking to Borrego Palm Canyon, exploring slot canyons, Julian Wind Caves, and the challenging Hellhole Canyon Trail. The latter takes you to two waterfalls and a palm oasis.

If time is on your side, consider adding Galleta Meadow Statues, Clark Dry Lake, or the Pumpkin Patch to your itinerary. The statues are always such a cool spot, especially for photography lovers. It is a thrill to drive down the desert roads and “hunt” the statues.

Pay A Visit To The William Heise County Park

Julian is famed for its picturesque location in the mountains, and many people come here simply to relax and reconnect with nature; William Heise County Park is the perfect place to do just that.

Wander through the forest filled with oak and cedar trees. The park has many hiking trails, such as the Desert View Loop Trail, William Heise Desert View Trail, and Canyon Oak Loop Trail.

The park offers a selection of cabins to choose from, as well as 100+ campsites to suit those traveling in RVs or tent camping. There are hot showers, playgrounds, and picnic grounds throughout the park. 

Delve Into Julian’s History At The Julian Mining Company

No trip to Julian would be complete without stopping by the Julian Mining Company. Popular with all age groups, visitors can spend an afternoon panning for gold in waist-high wooden troughs.

Gem mining is also available on-site, where guests can sluice bags of gems using screens and water to reveal stunning gemstones.

Julian Mining Company is typically only open on weekends. They offer packages at very reasonable prices; check the website for current pricing

A visit here gives guests an engaging insight into the town’s past and what it’s been through over the years.

Go Fishing at Lake Cuyamaca

When my niece and her husband came to visit, we went to Lake Cuyamaca twice to go fishing. The location is absolutely stunning, especially at sunrise. You can get your local fishing permit at the Pub on Cuyamaca Lake (but you need to buy your California Fishing License somewhere else).

Check their website, when they release trout in the lake, so you catch something other than tiny catfish and carp. (Quick note: Show proof of killing a carp and you get a free day pass for fishing!).

Treat Yourself To Afternoon Tea

Take a break from your busy sightseeing itinerary and relax at one of Julian’s afternoon tea spots. Stop in at Julian Tea & Cottage Arts, one of Julian’s most charming tea rooms, for an afternoon filled with warm tea and delicious sweet delicacies.

When you’re finished sampling teas and treats, be sure to take a look around the store. You’ll find a wide selection of goods and gifts, such as fabulous china, porcelain, and cast iron teapots. Not to mention, a huge variety of teas, cookbooks, gourmet food, and kitchen linens.

We advise you to make a reservation beforehand to avoid disappointment.

Be Mesmerized By The Stars

Make the most of your time outside the city and visit one of the two San Diego stargazing observatories. Julian is one of only two California destinations accredited by the International Night Sky Association. A night under the stars here simply cannot be missed! 

Some of the best stargazing observatories in Julian include:

• Borrego Night Sky Tours
• Palomar Observatory
• Mount Laguna Observatory
• Julian’s Annual StarFest – A festival that takes place each August.

If visiting an observatory doesn’t appeal to you, there are plenty of opportunities to see the incredible night sky throughout the area. Consider stargazing from William Heise County Park or Lake Cuyamaca.

Get Your Hands Dirty at a Wild Clay Pottery Workshop

For something completely different, spend a few hours making pottery from clay dug right out of the Julian earth. This Wild Clay Earthenware Pottery Workshop is led by local artist Becky Sangha on private, off-grid property in Cuyamaca Woods, about 10 minutes from Lake Cuyamaca, with sweeping views from North Peak all the way to the Pacific.

No experience needed — you’ll learn to shape, build, and paint your own earthenware using natural clay and pigments sourced from the land itself, all while soaking up Becky’s stories about the local history and the craft. It’s the kind of slow, hands-on afternoon that makes Julian feel a world away from the city, and you’ll walk away with a piece you made yourself.

The workshop runs about 3 hours and starts at around $72 per person, with private groups only. You meet at The Pub at Lake Cuyamaca and caravan to the studio, so plan on a moderate amount of walking on uneven ground. Reserve ahead — it’s a small-group experience that books up, often a couple weeks out.

Go On An Adventure At The Eagle Mining Company

Take the opportunity to explore an old-style gold mine with the Eagle Mining Company. Visitors can experience what a typical day was like for miners in the 1870s via one-hour tours throughout the week.

Once an active mine, the tunnels you’ll visit during this tour have been restored to provide guests an immersive experience. The tour is filled with fascinating information about the history of Julian’s mining industry.

There’s no need to book ahead of time, but check the website for current pricing.

Explore Some Of Julian’s Delicious Dining Options

A trip to any new destination must include indulging in local restaurants. Luckily, Julian has more than enough to satisfy your hunger. Read our full guide on the best restaurants in Julian here>>

Those looking for a chilled-out atmosphere will love Julian Beer Company for its mouth-watering BBQ and on-site brewery. Those who prefer more of an al-fresco dining experience will enjoy the gorgeous outdoor seating area at Julian Grille. 

Other well-loved spots in Julian include Miner’s Diner for old-school eats and shakes served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Or try out dishes prepared with locally grown ingredients at Jeremy’s On The Hill.

Getting to Julian

Julian sits about 60 miles northeast of San Diego, an easy 1 to 1.5-hour drive that’s half the fun. Most people take I-8 East to Highway 79 North through Cuyamaca, a gorgeous mountain route. Alternatively, you can take the “scenic route” via Sunrise Highway. It is a little longer, but the views over Anza Borrego are stunning. There’s no public transit worth relying on, so you’ll want a car.

Fall weekends get busy, and parking downtown fills up fast — arrive before 10 am or after 2 pm to skip the worst of it, and note that Julian occasionally sees snow in winter, so check road conditions from December through February.

As you can see, there’s a huge variety of things to do in Julian, CA.

This romantic and enchanting mountain town is sure to keep you coming back time and time again. If you live in the San Diego area or are planning a visit, Julian must be on your list. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Julian, CA

Last Updated on July 21, 2026 by Maria Haase

The post 18 Of The Most Fun Things To Do In Julian, California [2026 Guide] appeared first on San Diego Explorer.