Location: Julian
Top Things to do in Julian
10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Julian That You Shouldn't Miss
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. Cuyamaca Mountains
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Scenic mountain range east of San Diego.
Reviewed By Bamboo708 - Yellville, United States
The day was cold & clear so could see for miles. Hike was 'energetic' but do-able. Took my time and enjoyed the sunny day.
2. California Wolf Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 109 reviews
Reviewed By justinlpdx - Portland, United States
We enjoyed our private tour of the wolf center and visiting the Grey wolf pack and Mexican wolf pack. The California Wolf Center is doing important work and it’s nice they also do tours to educate the public. Our daughters also enjoyed the artifacts display after the tour.
3. Eagle and High Peak Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 301 reviews
Reviewed By JeremyM2062
The Eagle and High Peak Mine tour has the same charm and authenticity that you'll come to expect from the town of Julian, CA. It's family owned and a labor or love. Our tour guide, Matt, had almost infinite knowledge about the mine's inner workings, and he was very charismatic and funny which this made the tour memorable for myself and my fiancé. (And they fit us in for an end of day tour, which was really nice.) There's a trough for learning how to pan for gold, to understand the process and experience the feeling of washing away dust and dirt to reveal something magical. And that might be the same feeling you'll get if you turn down the dusty path to get to the Eagle and High Peak Mine.
4. Menghini Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By SueK167 - Laguna Woods, United States
Thank you Nikko for an awesome wine tasting experience. Our visit was educational and fun. We enjoyed our tastes relaxing on the beautifully located patio overlooking the vineyard and hills. Very good wine at a reasonable cost. Highly recommend this stop.
5. Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By Susie1028 - San Diego, United States
Volcan Mountain is located in Julian, CA. In a part of the world that's been continually impacted by fires, this is a rare trek through lush oaks and conifers.The preserve is open from dawn until dusk year round. You can park your car along Farmer Road and walk about 200 feet up the gravel road to the distinctive Gateway to begin your hike. Trail maps and other information are available at the trail head. To reach the summit, it is 5.2 mile (1200 feet gain) hike along a fire road and/or the Five Oaks Trail. Great views of Julian and the Anza Borrego Desert.
6. William Heise County Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By Selder-Travel - Huntington Beach, United States
Hikes the Desert View trail here the other day. Moderately strenuous but worth the effort. The views at the top are excellent!
7. Julian Cider Mill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By Flockton007 - San Diego, United States
We visit Julian several times a year and always call at the Julian Cider Mill to buy great snacks and a gallon of boysenberry apple cider. They sell all kinds of snacks, mostly homemade from chocolate, to honey, to syrups, to jellies,to nuts and even fresh eggs. Well worth a visit, they always have samples of cider to try. The staff are always very friendly and courteous.
8. Cedar Creek Falls
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 47 reviews
Springtime-only waterfalls fed by melting winter snow.
Reviewed By trisonvacation - Anaheim, United States
Since it was rained a bit in cali, everything is green and beautiful. We started the hike a little late around 9:30am, temp was 70s and sunshine. First 2 miles have no shade. Last mile, there are tall trees, creeks, good shade and few rocks. Got to the fall around 11am. The water was ice cold, but the fall was beautiful and a lot of water. The way back was rather hot around 80s. It was a little harder hike as we hiked back up, but we did fine just need more water breaks. It took us 15 minutes more (1h 45 min) than the way in 1h 30m. Watch out for snake in bushes. Saw 1 tiny snake (about gecko size) in a bush next to the trail. Stay in the middle should be safe. Overall, it's a great hike!
9. Lake Cuyamaca
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 135 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 williamc230
Having lived up here a few decades ago I fell in love with Lake Cuyamaca. Of course, as much as I enjoy fishing it's not surprising. This is really the only Alpine type mountain lake in San Diego County. It's not a big lake and on windy days can be a real challenge. Same for in the dead of winter, it gets mighty cold here. It can be sunny and warm fifty miles away in San Diego and snowing here. Bring a jacket! The folks who help you with your boat rentals, fishing permits, etc., are always very helpful and friendly. They're also a great source of information as to where the fish are biting. I've taught my grandkids how to fish at this lake, and there's no price on those precious memories.
10. Julian Pioneer Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By EricG141 - Pasadena, United States
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.
