A large percentage of visitors to Julian bring their dogs with them. There aren't many places that allow dogs up here. Many dog lovers have to resort to leaving their dogs in the car for a given period of time. In the spring and summer, it is especially dangerous to walk your dog around on the hot side walks/asphalt roads and leave them in hot cars. I recommend leaving them at home. For those who have to bring their furry friends with them, it's important to plan ahead. I've put together this guide to help you plan ahead. Enjoy!
Service Animals
First off, for anyone who needs a refresher, according to the American With Disabilities Act (ADA) "Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities." It is important to keep in mind that "The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA." For more information on service dogs please refer to the ADA Requirements: Service Dogs.
Places to Play and Walk
Jess Martin Park located on the edge of the Julian Historical District on your way to Lake Cuyamaca, is a great place to walk your dog. Dogs are allowed to run off their lease in the designated no leash area from August 1st to January 1st.
The San Diego County Open Space Preserve East & West and the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve allow you to walk your dog on a leash.
Shops
Julian Station in Wynola is super dog friendly! Pop into Julian Hard Cider to grab yourself a nice glass of one of their famous hard cider flavors and they will give your furry friend a treat too. Dogs are allowed everywhere except in the dining area. No need to worry, if you’d like to enjoy Mr. Manitas Fruteria has wonderful food, you can enjoy it on their large, dog-friendly patio. There’s water out there too.
P.S. You can find Mountain Made candles here.
The Barn Vintage Market Place is dog-friendly inside and out.
Tracy at Wynola Junction Antiques welcomes your furry friends...just as long as they don't eat the cat food.
Oakwood Creek was once an old dairy house for the local dairy farmer. Today, Miss Emma, the cat, runs the house. She is often spotted relaxing on her chair as she is bathed in customer affection. Sometimes you can also find Rose Bud, Fisher, and Fanny hanging around. If they're not there don't worry, they have left dog treats with Sherry at the counter.
Restaurants
Wynola Pizza has a large, dog-friendly outdoor patio. They even provide water bowls for dogs.
Jeremy's On The Hill loves seeing you and your dogs. They have a large covered patio for you to enjoy their outstanding cuisines. Jeremy and his family love dogs so much they even provide fresh dog treats made on the farm.
One of Julian's newest restaurants, Heroes, has a nice patio for you to enjoy a fabulous meal with your furry friend by your side.
Tourist Attractions
Fort Cross Old Timely Adventures and Julian Old Time Photography welcome all dogs as long as Doreen Cross gets to snuggle with them. In addition to free snuggles, they have water bowls throughout the fort.
Places to Stay
Come spend the night with your furry friends just blocks from Main Street Julian in the Julian, CA Historic Apple & Gold Town A-Frame. This cozy apartment really couldn't be in a better location, it right across the street from Nickle Beer!
For those looking for a more cabin feel, check out the Whispering Pines Historical Cabin.
Tucked away in one of Julian's famous apple orchards you can find The Apple Lane Cottage. This adorable house is also known as The Olde Julian Farmhouse.
An Eagle In The Pines Cabin is located just one mile outside of historic Julian. "This warm and cozy retreat has all the comforts you could hope for, two bedrooms and two full bathrooms, a Full Modern Kitchen, and a comfortable living room." And you guessed it, it's pet friendly!
Mountain Rose Retreat is a home in the Whispering Pines neighborhood that is pet friendly inside and out. The front deck has gates, there's a doggie door, and backyard all fenced with mesh to keep pets from getting through.
Snow Days
For the health and safety of your pets, it is strongly advised against bringing your dogs with you to experience the snow. Most dogs aren't used to windy roads and long car drives. During snowstorms, the San Diego mountain regions experience LARGE amounts of traffic which means that you and your pet will be cooped in the car for an extended period of time. San Diego dogs aren't acclimated to the cold weather and walking on snow/ice. If you are cold, so are your pets. The snow, ice, and wet pavement are extremely cold for dogs to walk on.
When there's snow, outdoor dining is limited or closed. This means you will need to leave your pet in the car for extended periods of time.
In December of 2020, I witnessed a nasty dog fight in the Julian Historic District. I have also witnessed many close calls. We only have one animal hospital with very limited hours in Julian.
Jess Martin Park is the only place dogs are allowed to run off their lease in the designated no leash area from August 1st to January 1st. The Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and Palomar State Park only allow leashed dogs on select paved areas. This means the dogs are not allowed throughout most of the park, including where visitors play in the snow. Dogs are permitted in the National Forest Wilderness. Once you enter the Cleveland National Park, dogs are not permitted. Pets are only allowed in certain areas for your animals safely, the public safety, to preserve the natural habitat, and due to wildlife. Please be considerate of your pet and the environment you bring them to. Law enforcement is very present on snow days and will enforce the rules.
If you bring your pets with you they need to be comfortable around large crowds, strange dogs, and being left in the car. You need to bring pet food, water/bowl, collar/leash, poop bags, a warm dog coat, and paw bodies. These items are not sold in any local retailers.
Be for you go
Please pick up after your pets.
On your way home, stop by our neighbors at Kahoots Pet and Feed Store in Ramona. Their friendly staff will help you find the best products to care for your best friend.
**All information provided in this post was correct to the best of my knowledge at the time the post was published. Information provided in this post may change without notice. Please double-check with the individual business for the most up to date information.**
