Things to Do in Julian, California

Julian Things to Do

Julian, California is an old mining town in the eastern, mountainous area of San Diego County. The town is still small and rural and many of the buildings retain their historical charm.

Visit Historical Buildings

Most of the buildings in town are kept exactly the way they were when they were first built in the late 1800s. All along main street, you will see informational plaques talking about when and how the buildings were used at that time, such as the temporary housing for miners or the building of the first town hall. Many of these buildings currently house modern businesses such as restaurants and shops, but still look authentic even on the inside. You can view an authentic one-room school house up on a hill behind Main Street. Signs of the old west, including a look at what jail was like back then, are everywhere. You can even tour an old mine.

Enjoy the Outdoors

The area around Julian is surrounded by publically-accessible lands and parks. Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and Heise Park are all within a short day drive. You can also visit Volcan Mountain just north of town, though you can only go part-way up on days when tours aren’t given.

Located at about 3,500 feet, Julian does get some snow during the winter, which attracts a lot of visitors. You can take a carriage ride and enjoy the rural snow-covered scenery. After doing all that, be sure to try one of many of the local restaurants around town.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Julian, California.