I've Visited Southern California for 20+ Years—and This Is the Most Charming Small Town in the Region

Travel + Leisure

05-07-2025

Southern California is essentially synonymous with surf, sand, and sun. But head just an hour northeast of San Diego, and you'll find the region's apple capital: Julian.
Julian is a mountain community with a rich history rooted in mining and fruit orchards. The town got its start as a gold mining district in the late 1800s, but when the mines closed around the turn of the 20th century, residents turned to growing apples and pears instead. Today, visitors flock here in droves every autumn to pick apples and pumpkins, shop for antiques, and take in those small-town fall vibes. But really, no matter when you visit, there's something to do here year-round.
'A lot of people think it's only the fall, but Julian is fun all year long,' says Robin Boland, executive director of the Julian Chamber of Commerce. 'This is a great place to come for fresh air and quiet, and the hiking is amazing.'
Here's what you need to know before planning a trip to Julian, California. Aerial view of pier with small boat at Lake Cuyamaca.
ThomasLet's start with what Julian is probably best known for: its apples.
The area is home to several U-pick fruit fields like Julian Farm and Orchard, which has hayrides and grows 15 varieties of apples. However, that's just the start of the fun here. 'If you're just looking for that wholesome picking experience, then it doesn't have to be apples, and it doesn't have to be in the fall,' says Boland. 'You can come up and do strawberries, and [Julian Farm and Orchard] has flower picking, where you can pick daffodils and sunflowers.'
After your time out on the farm, head to downtown Julian for some retail therapy. Spanning just a few blocks, the downtown area is easily walkable, so you can spend an afternoon browsing through funky little antique shops, mountain-themed boutiques, and locally made art at the Julian Arts Guild.
Then there's Julian's outdoor recreation options to consider. A short drive outside of town, you can hike, boat, and fish in the serene Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. The famed Pacific Crest Trail (the West Coast's grueling, 2,653-mile-long answer to the Appalachian Trail) also passes nearby on its way up to the Canadian border. Families with kids, meanwhile, might be interested in the farm-themed activities at Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures or the old-fashioned gold prospecting tours at Eagle Mining Co., the latter of which runs seven days a week. Scenes from The Pub at Lake Cuyamaca.
Understandably, apple pie tends to be the talk of the town in Julian.
'We get asked in the office all the time, 'Where is the best apple pie?'' says Boland. 'The standard answer is, and it's true, you can't go wrong. We're famous for pies for a reason, and all of our pie shops are great, even the restaurants that have pie.'
Wondering where to start? The Julian Pie Company is one of the most well-known spots in town, serving up Dutch apple, strawberry rhubarb, and cherry pies by the slice, with heaping scoops of vanilla and cinnamon ice cream on the side. You can also grab full pies to go.
If it's a full meal you're after, try Jeremy's On the Hill or the Pub at Lake Cuyamaca. Jeremy's serves upscale California cuisine like bison meatloaf and Baja halibut fish and chips. The Pub, on the other hand, has a menu of hamburgers and sandwiches more in line with family dining, plus stellar lake views.
Last but not least, head to the Julian Beer Co. for drinks. You can get some great barbecue here, like juicy brisket and pulled pork, but the craft brews tend to steal the spotlight. Taps rotate frequently, so there's always something new pouring here—order up a flight to try a bit of everything. Exterior of the Julian Gold Rush Hotel.
San Diego Tourism Authority
Despite its small size, Julian has an impressive roster of overnight options. For a historically significant stay, book a stay at the Julian Gold Rush Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in the Golden State. Located right on Main Street, this 16-room bed and breakfast was built in the 1890s. Naturally, the Julian Gold Rush Hotel has undergone some significant renovations since then, but Victorian-era charm is still evident in details like claw-foot tubs and pedestal sinks.
There's also the Orchard Hill Hotel, a luxury boutique that an on-site spa treatments and regularly scheduled outdoor yoga classes held in the balmy SoCal sunshine. Room options consist of comfy quarters up at the lodge or spacious mountain cottages, ideal for families and groups—and pets, since Orchard Hill welcomes four-legged friends.
Meanwhile, those who want to spend their visit in the great outdoors should head to Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. The park has two campgrounds as well as cabins for rent, making it the perfect place to enjoy a night under the stars.
'There are a number of free star parties throughout the year in Julian,' says Boland. 'Budding astronomers will bring out telescopes, and you can come and they'll teach you where things are."