Things to Do in Julian, CA
Updated: Mar 10, 2022
What is there to do in Julian? A lot actually! Julian offers locally-owned restaurants, charming shops, scenic hikes, animal attractions, historical must-sees, agrotourism, craft distilleries, and so much more! I promise you, Julian is more than just apples.
Before you hit the backcountry roads, I have shared all my local knowledge on everything one should know before visiting Julian, here.
Check out this list of all the things to do in Julian, CA!
I Spy
Long drives can be boring with few entertainment options. As you make your way out of the city, there are lots to see on these backcountry roads so let’s play a game of I Spy on your way to Julian!
I Spy My Way To Julian along Highway 78 East, linked here.
I Spy My Way to Julian: Highway 79 North, linked here.
Shopping
The Julian Historical District, Wynola, and Santa Ysabel have unique shops. Here you can find art galleries, antiques, candy, and souvenir shops.
Eating
Feeling like Mexican, Italian, American, or BBQ? Julian has your cravings covered. Our local restaurants offer a variety of tasty restaurants for you to choose from.
Julian is famous for its apple pies. Everyone wants to know where the best place to get pie is in Julian. You can't get a bad pie in this all-American town. Learn all about Julian Apple Pie here.
Apple pie isn't the only apple treat you can find in town. Check out these mouth-watering apple treats and beverages.
Julian with Kids
Kids are welcome everywhere, so you will have no trouble finding things to do with them. I want you to have the best time possible, so on behalf of every parent who has forgotten or wished they’d known about something prior to their trip to Julian, I am overloading this guide with must-haves and don’t-forgets. You can thank me later.
Before you leave... I have just a few tips to help make your experience the best it can be.
Be prepared for anything. I mean anything. If you might need it, bring it with you. Chances are you won't find it in a local store when you need it.
The drive to Julian is long. To help keep the kids entertained, here’s a fun Eye Spy game.
Make sure the kids have closed-toed shoes on. I can’t tell you how frequently kids forget shoes or break a flip flop while here.
Check the weather beforehand and dress your family members appropriately.
Have your children use the restroom right before the drive. Be prepared to stop in Ramona for a bathroom break if needed. There are no restrooms along the 23 miles between Ramona and Julian.
The drive is also very windy. I highly encourage you to bring extra clothes, barf bags, wipes, and some drinking water. If there is a mishap, Julian Mercantile has a very small selection of kids’ clothing.
Bring snacks and drinks. During peak tourism days (August through New Year, on a holiday weekend, or on a snow day) restaurants have long wait times. A snack to hold the kids over will keep everyone happy.
Learn more about exploring Julian with kids here.