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Julian, California 760-765-0201
  • Attractions of Julian

Things To Do

Things to do in Julian, CA

The history of Julian, California goes back to the mining days of the 1870s when the gold rush put the town on the map. The Julian Hotel grew up around the boomtown, serving miners and Victorian high society. Later, the mountain region proved to be a fertile growing ground for apples, giving Julian a second wave of prosperity. Julian's original Bed & Breakfast, this landmark hotel offers an experience to relive a forgotten era. Today, the gold legacy, apples, nature, and tourists coexist in the preserved historic village, an idyllic place to escape city life. Explore an old gold mine, hike the Volcan Mountain preserve, stargaze at the Palomar Observatory, sip handcrafted wines or sample Julian's apple pie. Whatever your pleasure, you'll discover scenic attractions and amazing things to do in Julian, CA.

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.

 
Menghini Winery at Julian

Menghini Winery

Nestled in the foothills of Volcan Mountain, 3 miles north of downtown Julian, this beautiful vineyard produces chardonnay, caberrnet, syrah and sauvignon blanc. Visit the tasting room and winery surrounded by apple orchards.
1150 Julian Orchards Drive, Julian, California 92036
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Category: Attractions
Historical Tours of Julian

Historic Julian Tours

Enjoy historic walking tours led by Julian's local Designated Historian, David Lewis. Learn about Julian's rich history, the discovery of gold and the settling of this old mining town.
2811 Washington St, Julian, California
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Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve at California

Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve

Rising 5,000 feet above Julian, this pristine ridge stretches from Lake Henshaw to the Anza Borrego Desert. Enjoy a 5-mile hike to Volcan Summit for panoramic views to the coast.
Farmer Road outside of Julian, Julian, California 92036
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Palomar Observatory at California

Palomar Observatory

Located atop Palomar Mountain, the observatory is the center of astronomical research operated by Cal Tech. The observatory features three active research telescopes, including the 200-inch Hale Telescope. 
35899 Canfield Rd, Palomar Mountain, California 92060
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Category: Activities
Lake Cuyamaca at Julian

Lake Cuyamaca

Edging the oak and pine forests of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, this beautiful 110-acre lake offers year-round boating, fishing and recreation. Enjoy nature walks around the lake, bird watching and boat rentals.
15027 Highway 79, Julian, California 92036
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Category: Attractions

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

Casino - 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.

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.

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.

Julian, CA Annual Events

Julian, CA is a charming destination with wonderful seasonal festivals and events. Complement your gathering with one of our fun local happenings that celebrate the spirit of culture of our historic California town.

Click to our Chamber for all upcoming events...

https://visitjulian.com/to-see-do/calendar/
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