Girls Trip: Julian, CA

Located 2.5 hours away from L.A. and just an hour away from San Diego, Julian, CA was a great escape from bustling city life. Located in the mountains, this old quiet and quaint mining town, established in 1870, offered apple cider, apple pies galore, wineries, breweries, hiking trails, wolf conservation tours, and a few nearby lakes. Day 1 of our trip was a busy one filled with delicious food, hard cider, and hot tub therapy at our Airbnb cabin. Here are some travel tips if you're planning on visiting Julian, CA. 

Julian, CA Travel Tips

Seasonal Considerations: 

Plan your visit to Julian, CA, considering seasonal activities such as apple picking in the fall or snow play in the winter.

Historic Downtown: 

Explore the historic downtown area of Julian, known for its shops, art galleries, and historic buildings dating back to the Gold Rush era.

Sample Apple Treats: 

Enjoy Julian's famous apple pies, cider, and other apple-based treats at local bakeries and orchards throughout the town.

Outdoor Recreation: 

Take advantage of outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, and horseback riding in the nearby Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.

Wine Tasting: 

Visit Julian's wineries and tasting rooms to sample locally produced wines and enjoy scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

Mining History: 

Learn about Julian's gold mining history by visiting attractions such as the Julian Mining Company and the Eagle and High Peak Mine.

Attend Festivals: 

Check Julian's event calendar for festivals and events celebrating local culture, including the Julian Apple Days Festival and the Julian Grape Stomp Festa.

Stay in a Cozy B&B: 

Consider staying in one of Julian's charming bed and breakfasts or historic hotels for a cozy and memorable lodging experience.

Explore Nearby Attractions: 

Venture out to nearby attractions such as the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Lake Cuyamaca, and the historic town of Ramona for additional sightseeing opportunities.

Respect Nature: 

Practice Leave No Trace principles and respect wildlife while exploring Julian's natural surroundings to preserve the area's beauty for future generations.

Trip Recap 

The day started by picking up my friend Melissa. On this 2.5 hour road trip. we took at least 4 different freeways, caught up and vented about everything, which was like a much needed therapy session. 

Upon arriving in a town called Wynola, we made a stop for hard apple cider, vegan and vegetarian pizzas from Wynola Pizza & Bistro.

I can’t believe I finished a 12” vegan pizza all by myself. To be fair, I skipped breakfast. 

After lunch, we made our way to Julian and saw a cool sign, a carriage, and classic car.

We also stopped by an old cemetery established in 1870. The cemetery, located at the top of a hill, overlooked the town. As the wind intensified, we walked around and saw, “Gone Fishing,” on a gravestone. We also saw infant graves and toys left on tombstones for children who passed too early. It was interesting to see old tombstones with rocks on top of them.

I learned that “setting tombstones over graves (in Hebrew, they are called matzevot) has been a custom revered by Jews. The stone is a sign that the living remember the dead,” according a 2008 article in the Sun Sentinal. 

Sign Transcribed: 

“PIONEER CEMETERY

1870

FOR OVER 50 YEARS GRAVE SITES ON THIS HILL WERE INACCESSIBLE TO WAGONS. COFFINS WERE CARRIED FROM THE WAGON TO THE GRAVE UP THIS WALK, WHICH BEARS DUE WEST ALONG THE 3RD STANDARD PARALLEL SOUTH. IN 1896, MARY CLOUGH DIED DURING A STORM. IT TOOK SIXTEEN MEN TO DRAG A SLED BEARING HER CASKET FROM THE CHURCH UP THIS WALK THROUGH 3FT OF SNOW TO HER GRAVE. CARRYING COFFINS UP THIS WALK WAS DISCONTINUED ABOUT 1924 WHEN VEHICLE ACCESS TO THE CEMETERY FROM ‘A’ STREET WAS COMPLETED. THE WALK BECAME A PUBLIC ACCESS EASEMENT, 1991. -JULIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Before leaving the cemetery, the Catholic in me wanted to pray for all the souls so, I said out loud, “I pray for the repose of souls of the departed and everyone here.”  

Then, we made our way back to the car stopping at Julian Pie Company. I walked up to the counter and asked if any plant based options were available and the girl at the counter saw the disappointment on my face as she told me there weren’t any.

Adamant on not walking out empty handed, I ordered a warm caramel apple cider, which I later discovered had dairy. 

My lactose intolerant stomach reminded me every hour why that was a delicious mistake. The bloating, the gas,, and the rumbling of my stomach was like my body’s way of punishing me. My fault for not using the Happy Cow app beforehand. Stupid food allergies are like a curse and I hope I can survive this trip and not cave as I really wanted a Bleu Burger. 

Anyway, once we checked in to our Airbnb cabin, we got settled in before heading back out for groceries in Santa Ysabel. After getting the essentials, I had to adjust to the elevation as I felt lightheaded and had a small headache (Same thing happened at Big Bear Lake or maybe it’s my food allergies). Anyway, we enjoyed the hot tub, which melted away the stress from the week. The hot tub was the perfect way to end Day 1.