Planning a visit to Julian California? These are don’t miss locations to visit if you’re in Southern California!

Now, let’s be honest…….San Diego is pretty much the land of endless summer.  The leaves don’t really change, it doesn’t get much cool, crisp fall weather until at least November.  This goes for most of Southern California.  We’ve got killer beaches, great weather…..but if you’re hunting for true, authentic Fall? It can be a bit of a challenge.  Enter Julian California.  There are a couple towns throughout Southern California that are perfect little pockets of Fall and Julian? At the top of the list.  This town is filled with apple orchards, cider distilleries, the cutest town with an honest to goodness Main Street, and thanks to it’s mountain location? The weather tends to be cooler than most of San Diego.

We’ve lived in San Diego for a bit now, and this? Was our first trip to Julian California….but it won’t be our last.  When I shared a bit about our day trip on stories….y’all had a LOT of feedback.  It’s the perfect short drive from San Diego proper, and we will DEFINITELY be heading back soon.

< you can see Julian’s official website here >

A Fall Visit to Julian California

Julian California is about 50 miles from most parts of San Diego, it’s an old fashioned small town with a history of Gold Mining.  There are a ton of opportunities for historical site visits (perfect for elementary school aged kids and some outside the box at home learning options), festivals each year, and…..the best apple pie this side of anywhere (sorry grandma).

Julian Mining Company and Farm: After quite a bit of research, the Julian Mining Company and Farm was our first stop during our day trip and I’m so glad it was.  This small family owned farm is a great location to enjoy multiple activities.  The farm has a great small orchard for apple picking (we did one bag for $15).  We picked green Fuji apples (that were perfect for making applesauce and apple muffins once we got home).  Julian Mining Company and Farm also has a really cool historical site area where you can do gem mining or gold panning.  For younger kids? They suggested gem mining.  So we bought a bag of sand, dirt and gems…..then Lydia got to mine in the mining area.  There are some pretty fun displays where she could identify what gems she got, and it was a great way to experience what the gold mining town used to be like.

Julian Pie Company: Thanks to Yelp, when we headed out to Julian California….I had a specific location in mind for apple pie.  Now, after we shared, I realized there are TWO dueling pie spots in town and that people absolutely love one or the other.  We visited the Julian Pie Company….and it was AMAZING.  We waited in a short line, ordered at the counter (Lydia got cider apple donut holes, Robbie got the world’s largest cinnamon role, and I got Dutch Apple Pie with homemade whipped cream), and then we ate our treats on their back porch.  Everything was delicious, and I can’t WAIT to drive back out there for more.  They also have premade you bake pies, and in hindsight…..I wish I’d brought a couple home.

Dudley’s California Bakery: When I shared our trip, I got a TON of messages about ONE place.  Dudley’s.  And now? I’m mad we didn’t know about it.  Apparently their apple nut bread is the stuff of legends.  So, I’m telling YOU now.  Put this on your must stop at list.  During our next Julian trip? It’s the first stop.

Have you been to Julian California? What are your favorite spots to visit?