Welcome
to Julian
Small-town charm and plenty to explore, just 6 minutes from The Dempsey.
While You’re Here
Julian’s historic downtown, famous apple pie, tasting rooms, orchards, trails and local shops are all within easy reach of The Dempsey. Spend an afternoon exploring town, head out for a hike or tasting, or stay out after dark beneath the skies of an International Dark Sky Community.
We’ve mapped a few of our favorite places to eat, drink and explore below.
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Pick up current maps and local recommendations, then walk the historic Main Street district.
2129 Main Street, Julian, CA 92036
760-765-1857 Website Directions -
Descend into restored 1870s hard-rock tunnels with original equipment and gold-rush stories. No reservation is usually needed.
2320 C Street, Julian, CA 92036
760-765-0036 Website Directions -
A compact collection of mining, ranching and pioneer artifacts inside a historic blacksmith shop.
2811 Washington Street, Julian, CA 92036
760-765-0227 Website Directions -
Begin downtown, then book ahead for a guided conservation-facility tour to see resident wolf packs. Facility directions are supplied after booking.
2775 B Street, Julian, CA 92036
760-765-0030 Website Directions -
Climb from the Hubbell Gate to broad coast-to-desert views. Five Oaks is hikers-only; the main trail also welcomes bikes and horses.
1209 Farmer Road at Wynola Road, Julian, CA 92036
760-765-4098 Website Directions -
Oak, pine and cedar forest with nearly 11 miles of trails, picnic areas, a playground and frequent deer and turkey sightings.
4945 Heise Park Road, Julian, CA 92036
760-765-0650 Website Directions -
Rent a boat, fish, birdwatch, picnic or take an easy shoreline walk. The Pub pairs casual food with a mountain-lake view.
15027 Highway 79, Julian, CA 92036
760-765-0515 Website Directions -
One of the region’s best effort-to-viewpoint hikes: a steady climb to 360-degree mountain, desert and lake views.
13652 Highway 79, Julian, CA 92036
760-765-3020 Website Directions -
A shaded creekside stop with cascades and shallow pools when water is running. Confirm access and conditions before driving down.
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Highway 79, Julian, CA 92036
760-765-3020 Website Directions -
A dramatic three-tier waterfall reached by a steep, exposed route. Best after seasonal rain; carry ample water and avoid peak heat.
Boulder Creek Road, Descanso, CA 91916
619-445-6235 Website Directions -
Apple picking, animal encounters and rotating harvest activities on select fall weekends. Check the season calendar before visiting.
4381 Julian Highway, Julian, CA 92036
760-765-5494 Website Directions -
Pan for gold, sluice gems, ride the ore-cart train and try hands-on old-west activities beneath mature oaks.
4444 Highway 78, Julian, CA 92036
760-765-8680 Website Directions -
Seasonal farm tours, archery, tomahawk throwing, crafts and living-history programs with plenty of playful frontier energy.
4425 Highway 78, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070
951-847-1904 Website Directions -
Rolling grasslands, oak woodland and wide-open views on the Kanaka Loop and connected multi-use trails.
29313 Highway 78, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070
760-765-4098 Website Directions -
A scenic backcountry lake with fishing, boat rentals, camping and an on-site café. Call ahead for current lake and rental conditions.
26439 Highway 76, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070
760-782-3501 Website Directions -
See the famed 200-inch Hale Telescope and visitor exhibits. Weather can close the road or dome, so check status before the drive.
35899 Canfield Road, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060
760-742-2119 Website Directions -
A cool, high-elevation forest of conifers, meadows and overlooks. An excellent companion stop to the observatory.
19952 State Park Drive, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060
760-742-3462 Website Directions -
A genuinely unusual working farm with camel encounters and seasonal open-farm events. Visits are schedule-dependent; confirm before arrival.
26757 Old Julian Trail, Ramona, CA 92065
760-787-0983 Website Directions -
A longtime downtown favorite for classic Italian dishes in a cozy, casual setting.
2718 B Street, Julian, CA 92036
760-765-1003 Directions -
A relaxed stop along Highway 78 for a hearty meal on the way into or out of town.
4355 Highway 78, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070
760-765-1004 Directions -
A lively downtown brewery with house beer, smoked meats and pizza; a natural late-afternoon gathering stop.
2315 Main Street, Julian, CA 92036
760-765-3757 Website Directions -
Seasonal, chef-driven comfort food and local ingredients in Wynola; reservations are worth considering.
4354 Highway 78, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070
760-765-1587 Website Directions -
A downtown choice for elevated Mexican dishes and a savory break from Julian's pie circuit.
2603 B Street, Julian, CA 92036
760-765-1560 Directions -
Classic country breakfasts, comfort food and house-baked pie in the heart of historic downtown.
2112 Main Street, Julian, CA 92036
760-765-2712 Website Directions -
A playful old-fashioned soda-fountain setting for burgers, shakes and casual family meals.
2134 Main Street, Julian, CA 92036
760-765-3753 Website Directions -
A polished dinner option at the Julian Lodge, suited to a slower evening or celebratory meal.
2502 Washington Street, Julian, CA 92036
760-270-2596 Website Directions -
A cozy café stop for coffee and lighter bites near the edge of downtown.
2907 Washington Street, Julian, CA 92036
760-695-4021 Directions -
A longtime Main Street bakery known for apple pie and other fresh-baked treats.
2122 Main Street, Julian, CA 92036
760-765-2532 Website Directions -
One of Julian's signature pie counters, with whole pies, slices and seasonal fruit favorites.
2119 Main Street, Julian, CA 92036
760-765-2472 Website Directions -
A popular stop for classic Julian apple pie, crumb toppings and take-home whole pies.
2225 Main Street, Julian, CA 92036
760-765-2449 Website Directions -
A charming tea-room experience with sandwiches, scones and sweets; reserve ahead for full tea service.
2124 Third Street, Julian, CA 92036
760-765-0832 Website Directions -
Casual food beside Lake Cuyamaca, easy to pair with fishing, a lakeside walk or a scenic drive.
15027 Highway 79, Julian, CA 92036
760-765-0077 Website Directions -
A classic Santa Ysabel bakery for fresh bread, pastries and road-trip provisions.
30218 Highway 78, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070
760-765-0488 Website Directions -
Another downtown pie stop for guests who want to make their own Julian taste test.
1921 Main Street, Julian, CA 92036
619-737-6442 Directions -
A relaxed estate winery tucked among orchards south of town, with tastings and picnic-friendly grounds.
1150 Julian Orchards Drive, Julian, CA 92036
760-765-2072 Website Directions -
Wine tasting in a vineyard-and-orchard setting just outside town, including estate wines and seasonal specialties.
1255 Julian Orchards Drive, Julian, CA 92036
760-765-3267 Website Directions -
A small mountain brewery with rotating taps and an easygoing outdoor beer garden.
1485 Hollow Glen Road, Julian, CA 92036
760-765-2337 Website Directions -
Fresh cider, fudge, local honey and nostalgic provisions in a historic downtown shop.
2103 Main Street, Julian, CA 92036
760-765-1430 Website Directions
Mountain note. Cell service can be inconsistent. Download directions before leaving, carry water and layers, and check fire restrictions after dry or windy weather. Hours, fees and trail conditions change, so call ahead before heading out.
Getting Here
- The Dempsey
- 2960 La Posada Way, Julian, CA 92036 Get directions
- From San Diego
- About one hour
- From Los Angeles
- About 2.5 hours
- Nearest airport
- 1 hour 15 minutes from San Diego International Airport
- Mountain driving
- Roads into Julian are scenic and winding. Winter weather can occasionally affect driving conditions, so guests should check road conditions before heading up.