11 Reasons to Drive to Julian, CA This Weekend

Hit this tiny town for apples, camels, vineyards and epic nature.

By Mary Beth Abate

Published on 22/02/2021 at 10:41 PM

Nestled in the Cuyamaca Mountains about an hour northeast of San Diego and two-and-a-half hours southeast of Los Angeles is the tiny town of Julian, California, population 1,502 (2010 census). Julian was formed in 1869, when Confederate soldiers and cousins Mike Julian and Drury Bailey settled in the area, hoping to strike gold. Named in honour of Mike Julian, the town experienced an almost immediate increase in population with the discovery of gold in a nearby stream by former enslaved cattleman, A.E. “Fred” Coleman in 1870-spurring San Diego’s first and only gold rush that lasted until about 1900. A bronze plaque near Town Hall commemorates the city’s early Black history, as Julian once boasted the majority of San Diego’s Black population: in the 1880 census, 33 of 55 Black residents living in San Diego County lived in the Julian area.

Around that same time, another enterprising gentleman, James Madison (not the fourth president), brought a wagonload of young apple trees to the area. The trees flourished in the mountain environment and became one of the top reasons people from all over SoCal continue to visit Julian today.

While all things apple-related have been a major draw since the gold rush ended, more recently Julian has become a haven for San Diegans and Angelenos looking for a relaxing getaway and jumping off point to other activities like hiking, stargazing, and wine tasting. With a friendly, small town feel, four distinct seasons, and a calendar full of things to do, Julian is perfect for a quick weekend escape or a longer stay. So pack a bag, grab the sunscreen and hop in the car-we’ve got all the best things to do in Julian right here:

Take a self-guided walking tour of Historic Julian

Julian is an official California Historic Landmark, meaning that any new development must adhere to certain guidelines that preserve the architectural integrity of the town. Once you get settled in, familiarize yourself with the town with a self-guided walking tour and explore Julian Town Hall, several historical homes, and the Pioneer Cemetery. The Julian Gold Rush Hotel, formerly known as the Robinson Hotel, was one of the first businesses in San Diego County to be owned and operated by African Americans and is the oldest operating hotel in Southern California. Scope out the best pie shops and plan the rest of your culinary adventures accordingly.

Hike the Three Sisters Trail

This challenging 4.1-mile out-and-back hike in the Cleveland National Forest begins with a two-mile, 980-feet descent that includes some bouldering, climbing, and traversing before you reach the sparkling falls and pools. Climb up to the top falls or scramble on the boulders and rock faces either before you go for a swim or after you dry off-the polished rock walls and boulders can be slippery. Bring some snacks so you can fuel up after you take a dip, and save plenty of water (and time) for the return trip, which is two miles uphill, remember?

Visit the Julian Pioneer Museum

An outstanding collection of historical artifacts make the Julian Pioneer Museum a must-stop for history buffs. The museum provides a narrative of Julian history from 1869 to present day, with Native American artifacts, antiques, and mounted animals that represent the area’s biodiversity, Visit to see how local Indigenous groups and pioneer settlers lived and worked, all within the walls of the restored Treshil Blacksmith Shop.

The pie options are fire

It’s a given that you’ll be eating pie at some point during your visit, and you have plenty of places to choose from. The biggest name in town is Julian Pie Company, and yes, you can buy their pies in any Vons, but there’s something special about being at the flagship shop. Apple Alley Bakery turns out a spectacular apple pecan pie with a crunchy crumb topping, Julian Cafe and Bakery’s boysenberry-apple is the perfect mix of sweet and tart, and Juliantla Chocolate Boutique covers cinnamon-scented caramelized apples in a flaky crust that’s also completely vegan.

Explore the stars

Away from the glow of city lights, the night skies of Julian give visitors a magnificent view of the Milky Way, planets, and constellations. As a designated Dark Sky Community, it’s one of a diminishing number of locations that take active measures to avoid nighttime light pollution. Amateur astronomers will want to book a Sky Tour at Observer’s Inn, where you’ll use research-grade telescopes to view planets, open star clusters, nebulae, star systems, and the moon. Plan a visit around upcoming celestial events for an unparalleled look at the heavens!

Peep the views from the Stonewall Peak Trail

Stonewall Peak Trail in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, just 10 miles outside of Julian, offers spectacular vistas and ever-changing vegetation along its 3.4-mile out-and-back course. Thanks to a series of gentle switchbacks up a mere 830 foot elevation gain and plenty of shade from the beautiful forest setting, hikers of almost any skill level can hit the summit for 360-degree views of Lake Cuyamaca and the park.

Learn about endangered wolves

Founded in 1977, the California Wolf Center is a nonprofit committed to the recovery of endangered wolves in the wild. It’s home to several gray wolf packs, including one of the rarest and most endangered species, the Mexican gray wolf. Reservations are required to visit, so schedule one of three different tours to learn about wolf conservation and meet with the wolf packs.

Visit a vineyard

Tucked into the base of Volcan Mountain at just above 4,000 ft elevation, Menghini Winery is the oldest winery in Julian and the second oldest in San Diego County. Located just two-and-a-half miles outside of town, the winery is a small-batch operation that produces Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Rosé, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. Their tasting room is open seven days a week and visitors are welcome to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on their expansive grounds.

Commune with camels

One of the more unexpected farms in the Julian area is Oasis Camel Dairy, home to free range, pastured camels and their calves. The camels are hand-milked, but due to state regulations prohibiting the on-site sale of camel milk, yogurt, or cheese, it’s instead turned into luxurious camel milk soaps, bath bombs, and lotions as well as decadent chocolate bars made by chocolatier Al Nassma in Dubai. Private tours are available by appointment, and you can purchase their camel milk products in their gift shop.

Check out an old school soda fountain

One of the great things about being an adult is that if you want ice cream for breakfast, you can have it. That’s not to say the classic diner fare at Miner’s Diner and Soda Fountain isn’t just what you’re craving – stacks of pancakes, eggs and bacon for breakfast, burgers, dogs and melts for lunch, but before you order anything, check out the “Fun Stuff” portion of the menu, where you’ll find old timey treats like phosphates, ice cream floats, thick shakes and malts, banana splits, and yes, apple pie.

Drink your apples instead

Not all the apples grown in Julian are destined for pies; at Calico Cidery they’re combined with just one other ingredient, native yeast, and fermented into refreshing, bone-dry hard cider. Made with apples and pears grown exclusively on their ranch, they usually have four or so varieties available on tap for sipping under the shade of huge oak trees. During the fall you can visit their ranch for u-pick apples. Fun fact: It was on the property of Calico Ranch that Fred Coleman first discovered gold in 1870, sparking the Julian gold rush.

Mary Beth Abate is a San Diego-based freelance writer by way of Chicago and Los Angeles. Her hobbies include yoga, pickling and fermenting stuff, reading cookbooks and drinking fabulous gin. Keep up with her experiments @MaryBeth_Abate.

San Diego

How to Celebrate Women’s History Month in San Diego

Check out female-led dance programs, pop up markets, beer dinners, and more events this March.

By michelle harris

Published on 03/03/2023 at 09:48

Photo by Bianca Quirino Photography l Courtesy of Simplemente Chingona

Women have played a huge part shaping San Diego into the city it is today. In celebration of Women’s History Month, there are a variety of events across the city that commemorate women’s contributions to our community and culture. Home to the Women’s Museum of California, which hosts events throughout the year, be sure to check out all the ways to support and honor women this month. From art exhibits to dance performances, pop-up markets and yoga, check out the best events to celebrate Women’s History Month in San Diego:

Photo courtesy of The San Diego Museum of Art

Discover works from overlooked women artists

Ongoing through November 7, 2023
Balboa Park
The San Diego Museum of Art currently has 20 modern and contemporary works of art on display from women who unjustly didn’t receive the same amount of fame as their male contemporaries. The museum’s Modern Women exhibit is your chance to see work from artists like Elaine de Kooning and Lee Krasner, who were overshadowed by artist husbands Willem de Kooning and Jackson Pollock but whose work has long deserved its own moment in the spotlight. The collection showcases pieces that range from acrylic paintings to photography, inviting us into an untapped artistic sphere.
Cost: $20

Practice Sun Salutations while supporting a good cause

Saturday, March 4, 10 am to 11 am
Pacific Beach
Make a difference in the lives of teen girls of colour while taking a yoga class at Kate Sessions Park. Organized by local nonprofit One Love Movement, all donations for the event go towards college scholarships for girls of the DETOUR F.A.N.C.Y. Expo & Leadership Academy, a mentorship program that promotes equity and inclusion in higher education for girls of colour. All while enjoying stunning views of Mission Bay.
Cost: Donation-based

Shop local women-owned businesses

Sunday, March 5, 1 pm to 5 pm
Middletown
What better way to celebrate the women in your community than by supporting their local businesses? The Women’s History Month Market, located in the FEMX Quarters venue, is a pop up market you don’t want to miss. The market will feature over 35 vendors from women artisans and you’ll find uniquely crafted sunglasses, jewellery, clothing, and more. The family-friendly (and pet-friendly) event will also include food and music.
Cost: Free

Drink beer crafted by female brewers on International Women’s Day

Wednesday, March 8, 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Escondido
Women were the original brewers of ale, after all, so it only makes sense to honour our past and present beer connoisseurs with dinner and brews. Located at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, Stone International Women’s Day Beer Dinner features three courses, each paired with a tasty beer specially brewed by a team of women at Stone Brewery. The event is part of a larger global celebration for International Women’s Day, where brewers all over the world brew a speciality beer that supports The Pink Boots Society, a non profit that empowers women and non-binary people in the beer industry through scholarships and education. Grab your tickets while you can! 21+
Cost: $50-$70

Attend an exhibition celebrating female and non-binary artists

Saturday, March 11, 5:00 pm
Barrio Logan
Head over to the entertainment and community venue Corazon del Barrio and show your support to female and non-binary artists, whose art and music will be featured in the Diosa Art Show. Around 40 artists are on the bill at this all-ages event.
Cost: Free

Drink some pints for the pups

Saturday, March 11, 12 pm to 4 pm
Carmel Mountain
If you need another excuse to down some brews, Second Chance Beer Company is hosting its first ever Ladies & Pups Market for Women’s History Month. The brewery, which holds various events throughout the year, donates a percentage of its sales to animal rescue organizations in California and Arizona. The dog-friendly market will include pop ups from women-owned businesses such as Bold Bouquet, Wet Nose Pottery, and No, You Sit! Treats. For the occasion, Second Chance will serve Fistful of Gummies – Berry Edition, a rendition of their fruited sour beer created in collaboration with Pink Boots Society, an organization that supports women and non-binary individuals in the beer industry.
Cost: Free

Photo courtesy of Women's Museum of California — Photo courtesy of Women’s Museum of California

Attend a ceremony at the Women’s Museum of California

Saturday, March 18, 11 am to 1 pm
Rolando
Perhaps San Diego’s largest Women’s History Month event, the San Diego County Women’s Hall of Fame recognizes local women for their achievements in the community. The annual event, which takes place at Joan B. Kroc Theatre, is a project of the Women’s Museum of California, a museum dedicated to educating the public about women’s contributions through history with exhibits, programs, and events. Over 100 women have been inducted into the Women’s Hall of Fame since the program was founded in 2001, and this year’s class includes notable women like activist Norma Chávez-Peterson and Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas. The event includes a VIP brunch followed by the Induction Ceremony. Be sure to purchase tickets early to secure your spot.
Cost: $20-$150

Join a community of local women and get inspired

Monday, March 20, 5 pm to 7:30 pm
Miramar
The Women’s Speaker Series at Alesmith Brewing Company is a monthly community gathering where local women come together to support one another in achieving professional and personal goals. The event includes a social hour followed by a selected speaker. For this month, the Women’s Speaker Series features career coach and small business owner Laura Bashore, who will share her insight on how you can advance your career or business. Make sure to reserve your spot before attending!
Cost: Free

Come hear about the roles San Diego women played during World War II

Tuesday, March 21, 1 pm to 3 pm
Mission Valley
In the early 20th century, many women were not allowed or expected to be the breadwinners for their households, but things suddenly changed with the United States’ entry into World War II. Here’s your chance to learn about the real experiences of women who lived through WWll and how they navigated through it all. Presented by Oasis San Diego, head over to Mission Valley Library to attend this in-person event.
Cost: Free

Photo by Carly Topazio l Courtesy of The Rosin Box Project

Attend a ballet program choreographed entirely by women

Thursday, March 23 – Saturday, March 25 & Monday, March 27, 7:30 pm
Liberty Station
Experience not one but three world premiere ballet performances at The Rosin Box Project, a contemporary ballet company that works to redefine the concept of dance and how it’s experienced for both artists and audiences. To coincide with Women’s History Month, TRBP is kicking off its 2023 season with Empower, a female-led ballet program choreographed by TRBO Residents Lauren Flower, Bethany Green, and Carly Topazio. The program, which takes place at Light Box Theater, offers a fresh take on dance by pushing the boundaries of traditional ballet. Your ticket includes a post-show reception.
Cost: $45

Hear music by a little-known female early 20th-century composer

Friday, March 24, 6:30 pm to 7:45 pm
Balboa Park
While you may not be familiar with composer Alice Barnett Stevenson, she played an integral part in San Diego’s music scene during the early 1900s. Stevenson was an active member of various music organizations at the time, and she composed art songs for voice and piano and performed at schools all over the country. Her home became a hub for local recitals from visiting musicians, and was also where the San Diego Symphony was founded. This month, you can hear her compositions performed live for the first time in nearly 100 years at the San Diego History Center. Selected works by Stevenson will be performed by musical scholar Katina Mitchell and pianist Yewon Lee. Be sure to reserve tickets ahead of time.
Cost: $25-$40

Listen to Black San Diego women discuss important community issues

Saturday, March 25, 12 pm to 4 pm
Valencia Park
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Friends of Malcolm X Library are hosting Ain’t I a Woman, an event featuring Black women who will be speaking about their professions and discussing the challenges faced within the workplace and the community while offering suggestions on how to further enhance and embrace equality. The event includes a Q&A panel discussion, door prizes, free raffles, as well as music, poetry, and dance. Seating is limited so be sure to reserve your spot early.
Cost: Free event. Lunch purchase is $15.

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Michelle Harris is an Editorial Assistant at Thrillist. Over the years her writing has also appeared in Atlas Obscura, Mental Floss, and Audubon Magazine. When she’s not busy typing, she enjoys hiking, road trips, and cooking vegan food.