Location: Julian
Top Things to do in Julian
Countries
The 10 Best Things to Do in Julian, United States
Julian is a census-designated place (CDP) in San Diego County, California, in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 1,502, down from 1,621 at the 2000 census.
Restaurants in Julian
1. Eagle and High Peak Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 211 reviews
Reviewed By JK4321 - Washington, DC
When you first drive up, you might wonder whether you are in the right place. We got there early one morning, and the place looked desolate and run down. Ignore your first impression, because the mine tour we took was truly memorable, and easily 1.5 hours long. Our guide went over the history of the area, how gold mining worked in the area (different than northern California), demonstrated some of the equipment, and then gave an extended and highly informative tour of the mines themselves. For $10 (adults), it's a bargain.
2. California Wolf Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By Yessica_W - Honolulu, Hawaii
Because we really appreciate wildlife, and wildlife is often hated and misunderstood, we wanted to visit this Center to learn more, and to be around those who also appreciate wildlife. The tour was very informative, I learned a lot about wolves and the difference with coyotes, and you can tell how much the people that work or volunteer here care. They do awesome work and I can only hope that they and other Wolf Centers/Rehabilitations are very successful at what they do, so we can welcome more wolves into the wild. We need to share this planet folks. It's all about coexistence.
(Oh, and the drive there is breathtaking!)
3. William Heise County Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By L C
We live in north San Diego county and needed to get away but didn't want to travel too far. We used the easy online reservation system and got a wilderness cabin for a 2 day/2 night stay. It was wonderful! My sister and brother-in-law took their new travel trailer for her "maiden voyage" and stayed in the RV sites that have partial hookups. There are also no hookup sites, and tent sites in the park. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring/BBQ. There are lots of oak, cedar and pine trees, and great trails to explore. There's a horseshoe pit at the head of the cabin area. The price was great - just $129 for the cabin and $63 for the RV site with electric hookups. There's a central bathroom with coin-operated hot showers. Our 2-room cabin (made by Conestoga) was very new and cozy. Rustic wood platform double bed in the front room with table, benches and propane fireplace; 2 sets of bunks beds in the back room with an electric radiator, one electric fan (it was HOT when we were there and we'd taken 2 extra fans along), shelf table with 2 chairs. No mattresses or bedding so we bought air mattresses which were very comfortable. Cabins have electric outlets and electricity. Privacy curtains on the windows. We even even had a large covered porch in front! No pets allowed in or around cabins, but my sister was able to have her elderly dog at her RV site. Picnic area for day use also available. Such a peaceful, quiet park and so close for our quick trip! We saw wild turkeys and deer while there. We're hoping to have a larger family trip in the future! Please enjoy our photos - I tried getting ones that show a lot more than I was able to see online before we went so you'll know what to expect. Drove a few miles into the historic mining town of Julian for a nice breakfast and walk around town the morning we left. Such a great place for couples & families both!
4. Lake Cuyamaca
Overall Ratings
4 based on 112 reviews
Situated at an elevation of 4,600 feet, this small 110-acre lake is surrounded by Cuyamaca Rancho State Park that is mostly wilderness.
Reviewed By Linda H - Bonita, California
Two fishing experiences- first day caught a fish! Second day rented a pontoon and that was great great fun out on the lake. Sunday Uncle Cory fried the fresh trout and we all enjoyed our appetizer for dinner.
We took our annual Canadian Thanksgiving Family Photo
at the dock so we would always remember this special
addition of the lake and fishing. The adults especially
Enjoyed the lake view from the cabin!
5. Volcan Mountain Winery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By bombrcar - San Diego, California
This place is the best. They make excellent wines. Make sure to try the apple desert wine! Mel is super amazing. She'd been there for years and is always super friendly. We were in last weekend and mentioned we couldn't find a room at any of the local hotels. She hopped on the phone, pulled some strings and we had a room for the night! I can't guarantee she'll do that for you, but it is really nice to go to a business where the staff do things like that!
6. Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By amaheske - Fullerton, California
Watch out for the altitude, lots of moderate to difficult climbing, some easy; one split-off trail, great views, pack lots of water/food; Beautiful scenery, peaceful. Saw hawks, lots of birds, oaks. Ends at top, historic area of previous potential observatory telescope site.
7. Cuyamaca Mountains
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Scenic mountain range east of San Diego.
Reviewed By podrozniczka60 - New Jersey
We headed to Cuyamaca Mountains mainly for hiking and we found plenty of opportunities and great trails. Cuyamaca mountains encompass large area including some wilderness. For everage hiker recommend stopping at the Visitor center. The easiest area to hike is Cuyamaca Rancho state Park. Lots of people camping here too. After a day of hiking have some pie in Julian.
8. Julian Pioneer Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By John J - Suffolk, Virginia
We figured this would be a good, restful activity for us and our seven-year old during our visit to Julian. While the building is crammed full of interesting items, there is almost no context provided, so it has the feeling of an old rummage sale most of the time, with the occasional interactive exhibit (such as the various furs for children to touch). Our son is pretty easy to entertain, but he gave up on the place after twenty minutes and I could not blame him.
9. Cedar Creek Falls
Overall Ratings
4 based on 39 reviews
Springtime-only waterfalls fed by melting winter snow.
Reviewed By lazvi01 - San Diego, California
We took the Thornbush Rd. trail entrance in Ramona, California to get to this amazing water falls I didn't know existed until I started hiking in San Diego county. Less than 6 miles out and back easy hike during the cooler months. I do not recommend to hike there in the summer. The view going down the trail was very pretty and the trail was very easy to follow. Waterfall was gushing when we were there end of January 2016.
You must purchase a $6.00 permit online in advance to enter the surrounding area of the falls which is good for 5 people. Once the maximum occupancy is reach per day no more permit is sold that day so advance reservation is highly recommended. At the trail entrance, a park ranger will check your receipt with a valid ID for all the people listed on the reservation including the permit holder. Hikers will need to check-in and check-out at the end of the hike/visit.
10. Menghini Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By Same K - Indianapolis, Indiana
We love wine and have been all over California.
That said, this is a real find outside of Solvang area wineries for Southern California.
We were really surprised by both reds and whites and enjoyed everything about our experience. The tastings are in galvanized steel barn and offered out of steel tubs with ice.
The people are great and affable and we bought 6 bottles, and gave 2 to our bed and breakfast hosts.
We strongly recommend it.
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