17 Best Things To Do In Julian In The Fall (2023)
Want to discover the best things to do in Julian in the Fall? We’ve got you covered with all of this old gold mining town’s best hidden gems.
Best Things To Do In Julian In The Fall
Julian is a mountain getaway just an hour east of San Diego.
This town came to be during the 1870’s Gold Rush.
You can still experience the historic charm of this era in California’s history all over town.
Julian is known for it’s apples, so it’s the perfect place to visit in the Fall.
Enjoy all you can eat and drink apple pies and apple ciders.
Then head out to the local wineries.
The best part is that if you time your visit just right, you’ll see the best of Julian’s Fall foliage.
You’ll think you’re in New England.
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1. Julian Town Hall Scavenger Hunt
If you go to Town Hall they have free maps/self guided walking tour/trivia questionnaire.
So the idea is that you follow the steps to each place on the “tour” and you have to answer a question about it.
I remember one of the last ones we came across required us to find a specific headstone in the cemetery to answer the question.
Everyone we came across during our little scavenger hunt was so intrigued and wanted to do it too!
I highly recommend starting your trip with this because you get a reward if you return the completed questionnaire to Town Hall.
Also, it gets you oriented with the layout of the town.
2. Julian Cider Mill
The Julian Cider Mill always has seasonal treats and local honey available to sample, which is what drew us in.
We of course had to try their apple cider while we were there too.
They are also known for their home made fudge, classic preserves, and nostalgic candies.
We had a great time shopping around and bought a few things to take home.
3. Gold Mine Tours
Eagle Mining Co. is on the backside of Main Street.
But it’s an easy walk.
This place gives tours of the High Peak Mine and Eagle Mine for only $10 a person.
You get to learn how to pan for gold after.
And they have a great little gift shop where JP bought me the cutest necklace that I wear all the time.
4. Julian Pioneer Museum
The Julian Pioneer Museum has a worksheet (geared towards kids, but available for anybody) to complete that you have to work your way through the whole museum to get all the answers.
Some of it was interactive too!
The Julian Pioneer Museum says it is generally open between 10 am – 4 pm.
But because it is staffed solely by volunteers, you might just end up there on a day there are no volunteers available to work. So it could be closed.
5. Miner’s Diner
Miner’s Diner is still very reminiscent of the old Soda Fountains, which we love.
It is housed in Julian’s first ever brick building, built in 1886.
It has changed hands many times and has been a general store, pharmacy, cafe, and back.
But since around the 90’s it has been Miner’s Diner and the Candy Mine, which occupies the other half of the building.
Being a 50’s style diner, they are of course known for their hand mixed milkshakes and malts, ice creams, and sodas.
6. Julian Pie Company
Julian is known for their homemade apple pies and there are several places with diehard fans that swear that their favorite place is the place with the BEST apple pie in Julian.
The only way to settle that debate is of course to try all the apple pies!
7. Mom’s Pies
Mom’s Pies has been cooking up apple pies right in the middle of Julian since 1984.
They first opened in the old Julian Cafe building, which was so tiny there was only seating for two!
In just a few years, they were able to expand to a larger location on Main Street and expand their menu offerings.
Mom’s is known for flakey crusts on their apple pies and fillings that are not too sweet.
8. Apple Alley Bakery
Apple Alley Bakery is another place right on Main Street.
They also make apple pies from scratch (and apple strudel) and offer lunch specials like soup and sandwiches.
9. Rongbranch Restaurant
Rongbranch is a local bbq steakhouse open for lunch and dinner.
They are known for their chicken pot pie, barbequed beef ribs, homemade soups and chili, and homemade ranch dressing.
Many signature offerings use locally sourced ingredients, like bread from the local Dudly’s Bread.
10. Julian Cafe and Bakery
Julian Cafe & Bakery is home to the original Julian Apple Pie since they have been operating the longest.
We made sure to save room for a slice even though it was only breakfast when we visited.
For our meal we decided to try a novelty menu item, Julian Pancakes.
These pancakes were filled with oatmeal, apples, and walnuts!
They are huge, so the small stack can easily feed 2 people.
They also offer hot and cold apple ciders.
11. Blue Door Winery
In addition to its apple pie, Julian also has some wonderful wineries nearby.
We started with the wine tasting room in town, Blue Door Winery.
We each ordered a glass of sangria and were treated to a red solo cup filled to the rim with sangria.
They have a great little front porch where you can sit and relax while you enjoy your drinks.
12. Volcan Mountain Winery
Just outside of town is Volcan Mountain Winery.
Here you can taste 4 white wines for $10 or 6 red wines for $12.
They have a really great apple wine that you have to try.
We ended up taking home a bottle of Barbera.
Since we like to buy a bottle of our favorite wine from each tasting room or winery.
This is the only place on our list that you’d have to drive to.
The rest are all on or just off Main Street.
13. Julian Jail
If you do the scavenger hunt from town hall, you’ll eventually be led to the Julian Jail, just on the edge of town.
This jail is super small and only has 2 cells.
It was built back in 1914 to hold prisoners short term for small things like alcohol or fighting offenses.
14. Pioneer Cemetery
This stop is on the clear other end of Main Street, but again if you do the scavenger hunt you’ll end up here eventually.
It’s a really nice spot to go for a walk and take in views of the town.
In the Fall, it’s a great photography spot for all the foliage around town.
15. Santa Ysabel School at Witch Creek
This old one-room schoolhouse dates back to the 1880s and was in use all the way through 1954.
It’s also the last original one-room schoolhouse in San Diego County!
It’s now home to the Julian Historical Society, so it’s very nicely preserved.
You may not always be able to go inside, but it’s worth taking a look around from the outside.
16. The Old Julian Garage
So if you’ve gone through this whole list, you’ve seen the historic sites, you’ve tasted all the apple pies and wines, so now it’s time for a little shopping.
The Old Julian Garage is obviously a converted auto repair shop and gas station that now sells all kinds of trinkets that make great gifts and souvenirs.
17. More Shopping On Main Street
If you stroll up and down Main Street, you’ll pretty much pass by every shop in Julian.
They’re all a little different and have different things for different interests.
We especially enjoy the shop with a huge warehouse in the back of holiday decor.
Where To Stay In Julian
If you’re driving all the way out here, you might as well stay the night too.
The best place is actually right in the middle of town.
✅ Julian Gold Rush Hotel
This is the CUTEST little Bed & Breakfast called Julian Gold Rush Hotel, right in the middle of town.
We specifically chose this place for a couple of reasons.
Once we parked, we did not need our car again until we left to drive back home.
It was also a fairly cheap option.
Especially compared to most other areas of Southern California.
We were able to book a first floor room.
Which is a little pricier than a second floor room for $115 on a Thursday night in November.
The first floor rooms have private entrances overlooking Main Street and we thought that was worth the extra few dollars.
They also have a Patio Cottage with a cast-iron fireplace and veranda and a Honeymoon House.
Which is a two-room suite with a fireplace and antique claw-foot tub.
Rates always include the full breakfast and afternoon tea which was a plus for us.
Last but not least, this place is a national historic landmark from the 1890’s.
It is the oldest operating hotel in Southern California and it was voted “Best of the West” by Sunset Magazine.
Hotel Breakfast
So the next morning we were up bright and early, ready to make the most of our day.
We started with breakfast at the hotel.
Straight from their website, this is what we enjoyed:
Awaken to the aroma of fresh brewed coffee and specialty teas.
Enjoy a two-course meal starting with homemade Queens Oats Granola cereal and a glass of chilled orange juice.
Our main course varies with delightful dishes, such as elegant Eggs Florentine, scrumptious French toast with Fuji Roasted Apples and Polenta topped with Eggs and Hollandaise sauce.
The plate is completed with Dudley’s date nut raisin toast and fresh seasonal fruits.
👉 Click Here To Book Your Julian Gold Rush Hotel Stay!
Fun Things To Do Near Julian In The Fall
Though Julian is such a hidden gem in Southern California, it is surprisingly close to a ton of other great places for weekend getaways.
✅ Ramona Valley Weekend Getaway Itinerary
Only 30 minutes outside of Julian is another historic town.
Ramona Valley is also a budding wine country region with a lot of great family run wineries.
✅ How To Have The Best Weekend in Oceanside
Only 60 miles outside of Julian, Oceanside is a great beach town for a weekend getaway.
It’s great for whale watching, historic sites, dining, and wine tasting.
✅ San Diego Zoo and La Jolla Day Trip
La Jolla is about the same distance from Julian as Oceanside, but a bit further south.
The San Diego Zoo is one of the best rated zoos in the country.
La Jolla is another beach town where you can check out sea caves and seals.
✅ San Diego Weekend Getaway Itinerary
If you want to make a whole weekend out of visiting San Diego, this itinerary has it all.
From historic sites, to beaches, to some of the best food in California.
Conclusion: Best Things To Do In Julian In The Fall
Julian is a quintessential Fall town with all kinds of historic sites, hidden gems, and fall activities.
These things to do in Julian in the Fall make a perfect weekend getaway.
