Historic Julian, CA Hotel in the Heart of Gold Country

Julian Wine Tasting California Wolf Center California Volcan Mountain Julian Palomar Observatory Julian Lake Cuyamaca Julian Anza Borrego Julian Gold Mines California Golfing Julian Horseback Riding Julian Hiking

The history of Julian, California goes back to the mining days of the 1870s, when a brief gold rush put the town on the map. The Julian Hotel grew up around the boomtown, serving both miners and members of Victorian high society. This famous hotel now operates as Julian’s original Bed & Breakfast and offers guest the opportunity to relive and era once forgotten. Later, the mountain region proved to be a fertile growing area for apples, giving Julian a second wave of prosperity. Today, the gold legacy, apples, nature, and tourists happily coexist in the preserved historic village, making it an ideal place to escape the stress of city life.

You’ll find no shortage of scenic attractions and exciting things to do in and around Julian, CA. Explore an old gold mine, hike the Volcan Mountain preserve, stargaze at the Palomar Observatory, sip handcrafted wines, or sample some of Julian’s famous apple pie - whatever your pleasure, you’ll find it in Julian, California.

Attractions near Julian, California Gold Rush Hotel

Wine Tasting.

The valleys and hillsides around Julian, CA are rich with vineyards, affording visitors a chance to sample a variety of unique handcrafted wines, often poured by the winemaker himself. J. Jenkins Winery is a family-owned boutique winery overlooking Volcan Mountain that specializes in Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio and apple wine; for information and hours, call 760-765-3267. Surrounded by apple orchards, Menghini Winery offers guided tours and wines ranging from Sauvignon Blanc to Julian (Fool’s) Gold Riesling; visit:www.menghiniwinery.com for more information. Award-winning Orfila Vineyards and Winery features daily samplings of their Rhone-style wines from their tasting rooms in Escondido and Julian. Free daily tours and a gift shop with gourmet treats and wine-related gifts are offered in both locations. Go to www.orfila.com for more information. California Overland Tours offers a wonderful  wine tour excursion through the back country.This unique experiance offers many extras including a top sirloin barbque. Visit www.californiaoverland.com/julian_wine_tasting.html to learn more.

California Wolf Center.

Located 4 miles from our Julian, CA hotel, the California Wolf Center, is a conservation center promoting preservation of the North American gray wolf through education, exhibits, and a captive breeding program. The Center is home to packs of wolves, including Alaskan gray wolves that visitors can observe in their natural environment. To learn more, go to www.californiawolfcenter.org.  [Top]

Volcan Mountain Preserve.

Rising over 5,000 feet above Julian, California, Volcan Mountain is a 15-mile ridge stretching from Lake Henshaw to the Anza Borrego Desert that has remained virtually untouched by humans. Summer visitors can take a ranger-led 5-mile hike to Volcan Summit, which offers panoramic views stretching from the desert to the coast.

Palomar Observatory.

Located 30 miles from Julian, CA, the Palomar Observatory is a center of astronomical research operated by the California Institute of Technology. Home to five large telescopes, the observatory is open to the public daily during daylight hours, and offers visitors a chance to see the 200-inch telescope, and views of the historic Hale telescope. For information, go to www.astro.caltech.edu/palomar.  [Top]

Lake Cuyamaca.

Lake Cuyamaca is a recreational park just outside Julian, CA, on the edge of the oak and pine forests of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. The 110-acre lake offers anglers year-round fishing, including trout, smallmouth bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, and sturgeon. Nature walks, motorboat rentals, and free fishing classes are offered weekly, and the surrounding wilderness area is a prime spot for birdwatchers. For more information, visit www.lakecuyamaca.org.

Anza Borrego.

Located 30 miles east of Julian, travelers can enjoy miles of wilderness and hiking trails. The California high desert offers spectacular views of wild flowers, palm groves, and birds. Tour the visitors center to view many exhibits and slide shows. For more information, visit www.borregospringschamber.com. Enjoy tours with California Overland, visit them at  www.californiaoverland.com

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Gold Mines.

Eagle High Peak and Washington Mine are a 5 minute walk from the Hotel. Experience a guided tour into in a historic mine. The Smith Ranch, located 1 mile east of the town site where you can take a train ride through the scenic Smith Ranch and visit the mine. At The Julian Mining Company, located 4 miles west of Julian, you can enjoy panning for gold, throw tomahawks, make old fashioned candles, and seasonally pick raspberries and pumpkins.

Santa Ysabel Casino is located 8 miles from Julian. Play the slot machines and partake in the buffet or restaurant. For more information visit www.santaysabelresortandcasino.com

Golfing.

The Warner Springs Ranch is located 21 miles from Julian in the western foothills of the Cuyamaca Mountains. Designed by renowned architect David Rainville at an elevation of 3000 ft., Warner Springs provides visitors with a unique golfing experience coupled with breathtaking views of the surrounding area.  [Top]

Horseback Riding.

Select from several horseback riding adventures, Take trail rides with the Julian Stables, Integrity Stables or the Kenner Ranch. Each riding adventure is complete with hands-on horse riding lessons followed by an amazing tour with inspiring scenery of the beautiful Julian mountains.

Hiking.

Take strolls to hiking trails located around the townsite or venture or those located around the state parks. You will find an abundance of state and county park trails for all levels of endurance. For more information and maps of the areas, please stop by the hotel’s front desk.  [Top]