Julian, California is a historic alpine town in San Diego County, famous for its bountiful apple orchards and charming Victorian architecture. Despite its small size with only 1,768 residents, Julian hosts an impressive autumnal experience complete with delicious apple pie, fantastic stargazing, and colorful fall foliage.
Keep reading for some tips about how to enjoy this overlooked town, which makes for a great fall day trip 2.5 hours from L.A.
History of Julian
Much of today’s San Diego County was originally occupied by the Indigenous Kumeyaay people. However, when former slave A.E. “Fred” Coleman discovered gold in 1869, settlers arrived to begin developing the land. Although mining activity quickly waned, Julian emerged as a thriving apple-growing town by the late 1800s.
These days, the apple industry continues to be an essential part of Julian’s identity, and numerous original 19th-century buildings still stand. You can learn more about Julian’s history with a visit to the Eagle Mining Co. gold mine, Julian Jail, or the five-block historic district with numerous Victorian structures.
Fall foliage, apple orchards, and activities in Julian
Each year, Julian is considered a quintessential autumnal destination in Southern California. The rural orchards and farms, as well as the nearby Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, are known to sport bright fall foliage from mid-September through November.
Visitors come from all over to handpick their own apples, plums, pears, and pumpkins in Julian. Consider visiting working farms, including Julian Farm, Orchard Hill, Volcan Valley, and Calico Ranch.
No visit to Julian is complete without tasting some homegrown and homemade apple pie. You can pick up delicious pies at the Julian Pie Company, Mom’s Pie House, Apple Alley Bakery, and California Mountain Bakery.
The town’s rural alpine location also makes it one of the best places for stargazing in Southern California. As an International Dark Sky Community, Julian is dedicated to reducing light pollution, and it’s even among the rare 1% of U.S. communities where you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye.