Guidebook
Sightseeing
Please stop by the Julian Chamber of Commerce for several ideas on what to do in Julian. Message me for the website address before your visit.
Julian Chamber Of Commerce
2129 Main StreetPlease stop by the Julian Chamber of Commerce for several ideas on what to do in Julian. Message me for the website address before your visit.
This lake is about a 20 minute drive. There is an access fee, but it is free if you are a patron at the restaurant. Enjoy boat rentals, hiking, and fishing (with a fishing license available at the bait and tackle shop).
16 locals recommend
Lake Cuyamaca Recreation & Park
15027 CA-79This lake is about a 20 minute drive. There is an access fee, but it is free if you are a patron at the restaurant. Enjoy boat rentals, hiking, and fishing (with a fishing license available at the bait and tackle shop).
The Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve, encompassing nearly 3,000 acres, is located on Farmer Road 2 miles north of Julian. The 5-mile round-trip Volcan Summit Trail climbs to an elevation of 5,300 feet, offering spectacular 360 degree views from the desert to the coast. To begin the journey, visitors pass through an inspiring gateway designed by renowned artist, James Hubbell. The Five Oaks Trail offers a scenic alternate route branching off the main trail 1/2 mile from the Gateway.
26 locals recommend
Volcan Mountain Trailhead
1107 Farmer RdThe Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve, encompassing nearly 3,000 acres, is located on Farmer Road 2 miles north of Julian. The 5-mile round-trip Volcan Summit Trail climbs to an elevation of 5,300 feet, offering spectacular 360 degree views from the desert to the coast. To begin the journey, visitors pass through an inspiring gateway designed by renowned artist, James Hubbell. The Five Oaks Trail offers a scenic alternate route branching off the main trail 1/2 mile from the Gateway.
Inaja Memorial Park is a beautiful lookout point and picnic area in Santa Ysabel. We love stopping by here to appreciate the sunset. There is a nice loop trail you can take giving you beautiful scenic views.
Inaja Memorial Park
30828 Julian RdInaja Memorial Park is a beautiful lookout point and picnic area in Santa Ysabel. We love stopping by here to appreciate the sunset. There is a nice loop trail you can take giving you beautiful scenic views.
Nearby nature center. The County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation owns and operates Santa Ysabel Preserve, a 6,347-acre span of land that includes some 20 miles of trails for recreation, along with opportunities for habitat protection, enhancement and education.
Santa Ysabel Nature Center
22135 CA-79Nearby nature center. The County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation owns and operates Santa Ysabel Preserve, a 6,347-acre span of land that includes some 20 miles of trails for recreation, along with opportunities for habitat protection, enhancement and education.
The Santa Ysabel Preserves are surrounded by oak woodlands, native grasslands and fields of wildflowers. Set in a beautiful natural landscape of gently rolling hills, hikers, cyclists, and equestrians will enjoy an outdoor adventure within this combined 4,600-acre sanctuary. Discover more than 15 miles of trails through both the East and West Preserves including two loops that traverse through unique habitats – over the river and through the woods! Picnic tables and a rest area are available.
8 locals recommend
Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve West
29759 Old Julian HwyThe Santa Ysabel Preserves are surrounded by oak woodlands, native grasslands and fields of wildflowers. Set in a beautiful natural landscape of gently rolling hills, hikers, cyclists, and equestrians will enjoy an outdoor adventure within this combined 4,600-acre sanctuary. Discover more than 15 miles of trails through both the East and West Preserves including two loops that traverse through unique habitats – over the river and through the woods! Picnic tables and a rest area are available.
City/town information
Choose your way to enjoy Julian. There is no shortage of activities to enjoy. There is also plenty to enjoy with just a relaxing visit that consists of strolling Main St. or, visiting the surrounding lake or preserves. Check out the Julian Chamber of Commerce website for more infomation.
245 locals recommend
Julian
Choose your way to enjoy Julian. There is no shortage of activities to enjoy. There is also plenty to enjoy with just a relaxing visit that consists of strolling Main St. or, visiting the surrounding lake or preserves. Check out the Julian Chamber of Commerce website for more infomation.
Food scene
The Julian Station is within 1/4 mile from the cabin. There is food and small shops. It also includes the Julian Hard Cider tasting room and the Cooler which provides beer and occasional entertainment.
18 locals recommend
Julian Station
4470 Julian RdThe Julian Station is within 1/4 mile from the cabin. There is food and small shops. It also includes the Julian Hard Cider tasting room and the Cooler which provides beer and occasional entertainment.
This nearby restaurant has excellent food, a full bar, sometimes live music. This is my "go to" for special occasions.
52 locals recommend
Jeremy's On the Hill
4354 CA-78This nearby restaurant has excellent food, a full bar, sometimes live music. This is my "go to" for special occasions.
A nearby restaurant for breakfast or lunch with great sandwiches and pies. Only open Fri - Sun.
12 locals recommend
California Mountain Bakery
4367 CA-78A nearby restaurant for breakfast or lunch with great sandwiches and pies. Only open Fri - Sun.
Food Truck / Coffee Cart Located in the Heroes Wood-Fired Pizza parking lot.
BREAKFAST SANDWICHES & PASTRIES, HOT COFFEE, ICED COFFEE, TEA, ESPRESSO, SLUSHY'S & BLENDED DRINKS !!! Come up for all your coffee needs:) Hours: Weekdays 5:30am till 1pm WEEKENDS : 7 Am till 3pm OPEN 7 Days !!!
13 locals recommend
Santa Ysabel
Food Truck / Coffee Cart Located in the Heroes Wood-Fired Pizza parking lot.
BREAKFAST SANDWICHES & PASTRIES, HOT COFFEE, ICED COFFEE, TEA, ESPRESSO, SLUSHY'S & BLENDED DRINKS !!! Come up for all your coffee needs:) Hours: Weekdays 5:30am till 1pm WEEKENDS : 7 Am till 3pm OPEN 7 Days !!!
Don's market is just 2 miles down in Santa Ysabel. They have just about anything you might need. Great produce and choice meats.
17 locals recommend
Don's Market
30250 CA-79Don's market is just 2 miles down in Santa Ysabel. They have just about anything you might need. Great produce and choice meats.
This well know bakery is located just 2 miles down in Santa Ysabel. They have a variety of breads, usually discounted on Mondays. They also have a deli that makes huge sandwiches. Check their website for hours open.
23 locals recommend
Dudley's Bakery
30218 CA-78This well know bakery is located just 2 miles down in Santa Ysabel. They have a variety of breads, usually discounted on Mondays. They also have a deli that makes huge sandwiches. Check their website for hours open.
The Julian Pie Company is only 2 miles down in Santa Ysabel. Get the famous Julian Pie fresh. There is a 2nd location on Main St. in Julian.
82 locals recommend
Julian Pie Company
21976 CA-79The Julian Pie Company is only 2 miles down in Santa Ysabel. Get the famous Julian Pie fresh. There is a 2nd location on Main St. in Julian.
Mom's Pie House has great pies and apple dumplings. They are located less than 1/4 mile from us in Wynola. There is a 2nd location on Main St. in Julian.
9 locals recommend
Mom's Pie House - Wynola
4510 CA-78Mom's Pie House has great pies and apple dumplings. They are located less than 1/4 mile from us in Wynola. There is a 2nd location on Main St. in Julian.
Self Care
If you're here during the week, Dr. Brian Denny is a wonderful Chiropractor. Open Tues, Thurs, and Fri morning.
Julian Chiropractic
1455 Hollow Glen RoadIf you're here during the week, Dr. Brian Denny is a wonderful Chiropractor. Open Tues, Thurs, and Fri morning.
Traveler advice
Book before you go
Julian shops
Most stores and restaurants have at least one day mid week they are closed. Please check their store hours when planning your trip.
Getting around
Provide your own transportation.
Julian does not have Uber, Lyft, or Taxis, and very limited public transportation. Beware, you may get transportation into Julian, but not out of Julian. We do have seasonal snow, so be prepared. Typically a 4 wheel drive will suffice.