"An Apple Pie Vacation in Julian" Top 5 Page for this destination Julian by lmkluque

Julian Travel Guide: 61 reviews and 150 photos

Downtown Julian before 29 October 2003

A Day Trip or Wonderful Weekend

Welcome to my Julian page,

One of the best aspects of living in San Diego is the opportunity for mini-vacations. Instead of baking an Apple pie. Instead of going to the grocery store to buy an Apple pie. Instead of going to the local restaurant and ordering an Apple pie. I like to pile the kids in the car drive an hour through the outer reaches of San Diego and end up in Julian, a little mountain town, pick one of many places that serve the famous Julian Apple Pie and enjoy.

A town with wooden walk ways along the main street and cozy cafes offering home cooked meals and the best apple pie around. While in Julian, it's fun to walk through the shops, tour the mine, or just explore the area.

About an hours drive east of San Diego, at the crossroads of Highway 79 (north) and Highway 78 (west) you'll find Julian. An old mining town.

Julian has become a popular place, especially during the Apple Festival Days held in October, for San Diegans to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Once a quiet, old fashioned town, it has become ever more populated by those wanting to experience country living. It is still possible to see the quiet of this little town, by visiting during the week in the "off" season.

A view of Julian's main street from the Julian Hotel.

I Hope You Enjoy Your Visit,
Linda

2003 Forest Fires

WARNING: Today, 29 October 2003

Julian is surrounded by fire and is in grave danger of burning down completely. The forest in this area has already burned and Julian is next in the path of destruction.

Update: 5 December 2003

It took over a month but today the fires are 100% contained and Julian still stands!

This is a photo of the beach, which is located more than an hour's drive from Julian taken the same day Julian was threatened by the hungry flames. The smoke and ash filled sky gives evidence of the power of fire.

Smoke and Ash fill the sky as far away as to the Pacific Ocean!

Pros and Cons

Pros:A world away from the big city.
Cons:Too many people agree that it's a wonderful get-away spot.
In a nutshell:Still worth the drive up!

Last visit to Julian: Oct 2011
Intro Updated Feb 9, 2013
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Reviews (12)

Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires! Warnings and Dangers (1)

Except in the case of lightening striking or power lines falling. To give you an idea how hellish forest fires are,... more travel advice

Take Your Time Traveling To Julian Off The Beaten Path (2)

If Your route to Julian is from the southwest, you'll go through the southern section of the Cleveland National Forest.... more travel advice

Lake Cuyamaca Off The Beaten Path (2)

Lake Cuyamaca is located on Highway 79 in the Cleveland National Forest, on the way to Julian. It's a great place for... more travel advice

Cole and Other Buildings Things to Do (1)

Shopping on the main street of downtown Julian is especially fun because so many of the buildings are... more travel advice

Travelogues (2)

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Comments (7)

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Nemorino Sep 23, 2012 at 2:33 PM

It's scary that this nice town was almost destroyed nine years ago by a forest fire. Do you know what condition the town is in now?
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JOE9007 Oct 30, 2007 at 1:45 AM

SOME MANY YEARS AGO I FRIEND FLEW ME IN TO JULIAN FOR A LOAF OF BREAD WOULD YOU BELIEVE? iT WAS THE BIGGEST BAKERY I VER SAW AND NEVER HAD BREAD AS GOOD SINCE IS IT STILL THERE?
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Pawtuxet Jan 25, 2005 at 4:55 AM

I missed Julian on this trip. Fond memories of the wooden sidewalks and marvelous apple pie. Glad the town has survived.
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matcrazy1 Jan 14, 2005 at 7:35 AM

Great to hear that Julian still stands! Lovely page, I like especially Off The Beaten Path tips!
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Imbi Nov 3, 2003 at 11:11 PM

Great page Linda. sorry to hear about fire.
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craic Oct 29, 2003 at 3:06 PM

So sad to hear that this lovely little town has gone. Please don't ever remove this page but leave it as a monument.
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keeweechic Oct 26, 2002 at 3:40 PM

What a wonderful set up you had with your boys - great way to explore and this place sounds a real treasure