Julian San Diego

Visit Julian San Diego, a charming old fashioned town near San Diego, California. Watch the 4th of July parade, pick apples, or enjoy an apple pie or your favorite pie at the Julian Pie Company.

Updated November 17, 2024 by San Diego Beaches and Adventures

Julian California

Julian San Diego is a historical town about one hour 15 minutes drive from San Diego. It is part of a scenic route north east of San Diego, which includes Laguna on the south and Palomar Mountain on the north.

Julian Address: Main Street, Julian, California, 92036

Directions to Julian California: See below

Parking: Free parking around town

Julian CA Restaurants: There are many charming restaurants in Julian, where you can have breakfast, lunch or dinner. Julian Pie Company, Julian Cafe & Bakery, and Dudley's Bakery are some of the good Julian bakery choices for pastries or pies. Soups and Such Cafe, Miners Diner and Julian Beer Company are good choices for traditional American food.

Best Things to Do in Julian

There are many things to do in Julian, depending on how much time you have. Here are some of the best.

Eagle and High Peak Mine - Want to be a gold miner? Take a Julian gold mining tour of 1000 feet of underground tunnels and try your luck at panning for gold. Open 7 days a week from 10 AM to 5 PM. Fee ~$15 for adults, $8 for kids.

Bakery - Check out this favorite Julian bakery. Dudley's is located just 10 minutes west of Julian, and is a must stop if you are on your way through the area to another destination. You can pick up some fresh pastries, fresh bread or sandwiches here. Dudley's Bakery Address: 30218 Highway 78, Santa Isabel, CA. Typically open 8 AM - 5 PM on weekends and 8 AM - 3 PM during the week.

Julian Pie Company - (yes, you really can just eat dessert). A trip to Julian should include some pie, and the best is at Julian Pie Company. You can pick up a Julian Apple Pie, or one of your favorite pies to take home, or enjoy a slice for lunch. You have 2 locations to choose from: 2225 Main Street Julian, CA 92036 or 21976 Highway 79 Santa Ysabel, CA 92070. Typically open 9 AM to 5 PM.

4th of July Parade - On Independence Day, the parade happens every year on Main Street. Enjoy an old fashioned parade and 4th of July celebration in Julian. 

Julian Apple Cider - With all the apple orchards around Julian, fresh apple cider is a great treat. Stroll around Main Street and you will find some for sale. Adults may enjoy some Julian hard cider, sold at Julian Hard Cider, 4470 Julian Rd, Julian, or try the Calico Cidery, 4200 Highway 78, Julian.

Main Street - Stroll along Main Street and see the charming restaurants, hotels, and gift shops.

Things to See Near Julian

Kwaaymii Point, Mount Laguna

Julian makes a great day trip, or can be part of a weekend getaway. Things to see near Julian in San Diego County include:

Sunrise Highway - enjoy the scenic drive along highway 79 from Mt. Laguna in the south. I also like the drive from Palomar Mountain along highway 76 heading south to highway 79 to Julian.

Palomar Mountain - About 45 minutes north of Julian is Palomar Mountain, famous for the Palomar Observatory Hale Telescope.

Mount Laguna - Head south about 30 minutes along highway 79, and you will reach Mount Laguna, where there are many hiking trails and spectacular scenic views over Anza Borrego desert.

Anza Borrego State Park - During fall, winter or spring, follow highway 78 east to Anza Borrego desert, where there are many places to explore.

Cedar Creek Falls - Hike the trail to Cedar Creek Falls.

Driving Directions

Directions to Julian in San Diego County, California:

Directions to Julian from North County - From north San Diego County, go east on highway 78 about 60 miles.

Directions to Julian from San Diego via Interstate 8 - From San Diego, go east on Interstate 8. Take exit 40 onto highway 79 and go approximately 37 miles.