Your Summer Road Trip Guide: Julian, California

With Summer officially in full bloom, now more than ever is the perfect time to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city with a road trip to Julian. Just northeast of San Diego, among the Cuyamaca mountains, resides a quaint and cozy town that was once known for its booming gold rush in the 1870s. Along with gold mining, the town quickly became famous for its bearing of sweet, fresh, and crisp apples––of which Julian has produced some fantastic baked delicacies, like their notorious apple pie. Whether you happen to be in the area or are looking for some old fashion summer fun, Julian is the place to be.

The first stop a visitor should check out is the Eagle Mining Company. This genuine gold panning tour gives guests a real authentic experience of the olden days in Julian. Expect to learn about the various tools, machinery, and history of early southern Californians. Eagle Mining Company also displays old milling and extraction processes, and they have a simulated Boothill. The facility hosts a museum, rock shop, gold panning area, and picnic tables for those who bring a lunch. This tour is ideal for families or any historical enthusiast and has an affordable price for admission.

For those more interested in the town’s agricultural gems, a stop at the Julian Cider Mill is an absolute must. Founded in 1975 by Willis Harold "Turk" Slaughter and his son, Fred Slaughter, the two paired their passion for apple cider and honey to start a local business right on Main Street that featured handmade goods and house-pressed cider. The cider mill uses delicious Julian apples and has remained family owned and operated for over 30 years. It's currently open every day of the week from 9:30am to 5:00 or 5:30pm. They offer an assortment of classic candies, apple and pumpkin butters, honey, and, their famous homemade raw cider. 

If you are 21+ years old and looking for authentic hard apple cider, then stop by the Julian Hard Cider shop. Created using 100% fresh-pressed apple juice with no added sugar, these gluten free hard ciders feature a variety of flavors to suit a wide range of preferences. Try the $5 tasting which allows you taste all 5 of their flavors. My personal favorite is the Black and Blue, which is a mix of blackberries and blueberries, or their newest flavor called Razzmatazz which is created using fresh raspberries. Don’t forget to grab a t-shirt or a case of cider before you go. 

However, if you prefer wine over cider, I recommend checking out the Blue Door Winery. This winery exemplifies the town’s country charm and upholds its historical roots. Located in the middle of the town on B Street, this shop was once the town’s old livery stables and consists of big blue barn doors, exposed high ceilings, wood floors, a plethora of great wines, and a quaint tasting room. Cost is $10 for five tastings or $15 if you’d like to keep the premium Bordeaux glass. If you join their wine club, your wine tasting is complimentary. Best of all, this facility is dog-friendly inside and outside on the patio. It’s hard to beat a hot summer day paired with a refreshing glass of wine (or sangria), especially when you can bring along your furry friend. 

Right around the corner from the Blue Door Winery is a photography studio called Julian Olde Time Photos. The store is open every day of the week (except Wednesdays) from 10am–5pm and allows folks to dress up in cowboy, outlaw, or bar wrench regalia with professional costumes and props. After the photoshoot, you can choose from various shots and forever cherish that memory with some souvenir prints. Be warned that they only take cash or checks. 

For a free historical skit performed every Sunday between 12–4pm, the Doves and Desperado’s is a must-see. The performance is sponsored by the Julian Chamber of Commerce and includes reenactments of an old style gunfight. Be sure to catch the action between the Julian Fitness Center and the Julian Market & Deli, if the weather permits. 

For some good eats that's been featured by the Food Network, visit the Julian Pie Company. This adorable pie shop opened in September of 1986 by Liz Smothers, and it uses only the freshest apples grown in their own orchard that hosts 17,000 trees. With a wide selection of pies and other delicacies, this shop will be sure to suit children and adults alike. After all, nothing says summer quite like a warm slice of apple pie.

Last but certainly not least, enjoy a romantic evening stroll through downtown Julian in a horse-drawn carriage with the Mainstream Carriage Company. This fifteen minute surrey ride includes a historical narrated tour of the town and is available for parties or special occasions. Longer rides, up to an hour, are available by reservation only and is the perfect setting to cuddle up with the one you love.  

For a summer time road trip or just a quick day-cation, be sure to visit Julian for some old fashion fun. This home-like town will be sure to leave you and your loved ones happy. So escape the chaos of the city and enjoy your summer with a trip to Julian, California. 

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