When it comes to planning your fall in Southern California, the tiny town of Julian should be at the top of your list. Despite its small size and 1,768-count population, Julian packs a punch with its blend of Gold Rush history, bountiful apple orchards, and fantastic stargazing.
In fact, World Atlas named Julian as one of the prettiest towns in Southern California, highlighting its lovely main street and scenic natural surroundings.
This simple guide will help you make the most of this overlooked fall destination just 2.5 hours from Los Angeles.
History of Julian
The area around Julian was originally occupied by the Indigenous Kumeyaay people, whose territory comprised much of today’s San Diego County. But in 1869, former slave A.E. “Fred” Coleman discovered gold in Coleman Creek, sparking the area’s only major Gold Rush.
Mining activity quickly waned after a few decades, but Julian developed a thriving apple-growing industry by the late 1800s. Apple farming (and apple pie baking) became a major part of the town’s identity, a point of pride that persists today.
Many of Julian’s original 19th-century buildings still stand, and the town is designated a California Historical Landmark and Historic District.
Things to do in Julian
Take advantage of Julian’s apple legacy
- Apple Days Festival – This two-day autumn celebration at Menghini Winery usually happens in early October, and it dates back to 1949. Enjoy tasting booths, live music, antique tractor shows, kids’ activities, and of course, lots of Julian’s famous apple pies.
- U-Pick apple orchards – Julian’s historic apple orchards open their doors for U-Pick throughout apple season. Handpick your own fruit right from the trees at spots like Julian Farm, Orchard Hill, Volcan Valley, and Calico Ranch. Many farms also have bountiful pumpkin patches, plums, pears, and more fall produce.
- Julian Apple Pie – You can taste Julian’s legendary apple pies all over town, but some popular spots include the Julian Pie Company, Mom’s Pie House, Apple Alley Bakery, and California Mountain Bakery.
Explore historic attractions and landmarks
- Eagle Mining Co. – Tour this restored 1870s gold mine, where you can check out old mining tunnels and hear stories from the Gold Rush era.
- Julian Jail – A wooden jail was built during Julian’s rowdy Gold Rush days in 1870, but after repeated escape attempts, this two-cell, cement-block version replaced it in 1914.
- Victorian buildings – The five-block historic district contains numerous Victorian-era structures, including the Hotel Robinson, the Julian Hotel, the Julian Pioneer Museum, the Hoskins House, and the Santa Ysabel General Store.
Stargazing
Julian was designated an International Dark Sky Community in 2021 for its commitment to reducing light pollution. As such, it’s a fantastic stargazing location with clear high-elevation views. It’s among the rare 1% of U.S. communities where you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye.
Some good stargazing spots include the Observer’s Inn, William Heise County Park, Stagecoach Trails Campground, and Paso Picacho Campground. Meninghi Winery also hosts Julian Starfest each August, an astronomy festival with telescope viewing and educational sessions to help you understand the cosmos.