Ah, fall. A wonderful season with beautiful autumn colors and falling leaves. But in San Diego, these seasonal favorites can be few and far between, so many locals head to the small town of Julian, just 60 miles northeast of San Diego.
Julian, San Diego County
www.julianca.com
One hour east of San Diego in the Cuyamaca Mountains, Julian’s small-town charm is big on history. Julian got its start back in the 1870s when gold was discovered in the area, and you can still pan for gold and head home with a nugget in your pocket. Today, Julian is also well known for its apple orchards, quaint shops and picturesque setting. Celebrate the fall season in Julian with these seasonal spots:
Julian Cider Mill
2103 Main St.
www.juliancidermillinc.com
Stop in for a caramel apple or bag of candy for munching while you stroll around town. Don’t miss a free sample of cider made fresh from local apples.
Julian Mining Company
4444 State Hwy 78
951-313-0166
www.julianminingcompany.com
Harvest Hoedowns will be hosted in October featuring: dinner, a Sleepy Hollow event, pumpkin carving and seed spitting contests and more. Offers U-pick pumpkin patch, U-pick raspberries, U-press cider, candle dipping, gold panning and gem sluicing.
Mom’s Pies
2119 Main St.
www.momspiesjulian.com
Stand outside and let your kids watch pies being assembled through the large storefront window—they are sure to get a smile and a wave from the friendly bakers. Come inside for a slice or take home a whole pie.
Julian Pie Company
2225 Main St.
www.julianpiecompany.com
Enjoy a slice of warm, homemade pie or purchase whole pies for the family.
Where to Stay
From bedding down in a historic bed and breakfast to squirreling up in a forested campsite, Julian offers a variety of lodging choices.
Julian Gold Rush Hotel Bed and Breakfast
2032 Main St.
www.julianhotel.com
Settle in for a long winter’s nap in the heart of Julian. This hotel is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Southern California and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Find other bed and breakfasts online at www.julianbnbguild.com.
William Heise County Park
4945 Heise Park Rd.
www.co.san-diego.ca.us/parks/Camping/heise.html
See real fall foliage or the first winter’s snow, at this 900-acre park. Bring your tent or RV—or get comfortable in a rustic wilderness cabin—and camp within mountain meadows and oak, pine and cedar forests.
Looking for more Fall activities? Find Fall in San Diego >>, or Find Fall in Oak Glen, San Bernardino >> or Explore Julian to find more activities.
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Fall is Ronni Rowland’s favorite season and she always looks forward to simmering apples, cinnamon and vanilla on the stovetop each year.
Updated: September 2014
