Kristen’s Julian Guidebook
Food scene
Soups & Such Cafe
2000 Main StGreat lunch spot!
Fat Anthonys Italian Delicatessen
2128 4th StreetDelicious deli in town.
Usually the latest open restaurant in town for dinner options. Pizza, salads, barbecue.
45 locals recommend
Julian Brewing Company
2307 Main StUsually the latest open restaurant in town for dinner options. Pizza, salads, barbecue.
Jack's Grocery
2117 Main StClosest grocery store and deli.
Regulars Wanted - Beanery Corporation
1921 Main StClosest coffee in town.
The Pub at Lake Cuyamaca
15027 California 79Delicious burgers!
Neighborhoods
15 min from El Castillo. Farmers market on weekends, grocery store, lunch, hardware/gift shop.
13 locals recommend
Santa Ysabel
15 min from El Castillo. Farmers market on weekends, grocery store, lunch, hardware/gift shop.
10 mins from El Castillo. Tourist attractions, bakeries, restaurants, pizza, fine dining, mine tour, kid's activities, farms/u-pick.
8 locals recommend
Wynola
10 mins from El Castillo. Tourist attractions, bakeries, restaurants, pizza, fine dining, mine tour, kid's activities, farms/u-pick.
5 mins from el Castillo. Coffee shop, pie shops, breweries, gift shops, breakfast/lunch/dinner, gas station, groceries, markets.
245 locals recommend
Julian
5 mins from el Castillo. Coffee shop, pie shops, breweries, gift shops, breakfast/lunch/dinner, gas station, groceries, markets.
Lake Cuyamaca 1076 Dam
20 mins from el Castillo. Nearest lake with fishing.
Activities/Sightseeing
Mount Laguna
30-40 mins from el Castillo. Hiking, sightseeing.
The Olde Goat
2106 Main StreetGoat yoga and other activities!
Volcan Valley Apple Farm
1284 Julian Orchards DrU-Pick Apple Orchard
Menghini Winery
1150 Julian Orchards DrWine Tasting
Julian Farm & Orchard
4381 CA-78Various seasonal activities throughout the year.
Lake Cuyamaca Recreation & Park
15027 CA-79Picnic and fishing
City/town information
Western/country town with more amenities like big name stores, shopping, services, etc.
26 locals recommend
Ramona
Western/country town with more amenities like big name stores, shopping, services, etc.
Considered one of San Diego's mountain towns. Has more amenities like groceries and services than Julian. Near Vieja's reservation/casino.
7 locals recommend
Alpine
Considered one of San Diego's mountain towns. Has more amenities like groceries and services than Julian. Near Vieja's reservation/casino.
San Diego
Closest large city with suburbs. Has everything!
Cute and quaint town on the way up to Julian. Has little shops and a restaurant. Last place to fill up on the way up the 79.
6 locals recommend
Descanso
Cute and quaint town on the way up to Julian. Has little shops and a restaurant. Last place to fill up on the way up the 79.
Pies
Julian Pie Company
21976 CA-79Apple Alley Bakery
2122 Main StThe only gluten free pie option in town.
Two locations - one in Julian and one in Wynola (5 mins away.) Have sugar free options.
30 locals recommend
Mom's Pie House
2119 Main StTwo locations - one in Julian and one in Wynola (5 mins away.) Have sugar free options.
California Mountain Bakery
4367 CA-78Variety of baked goods + pie!
City advice
Getting around
Winter Time
Unless you have 4-wheel drive, chains are required on the highways in the winter when it snows.
Getting around
Dark Sky Community
Julian is a dark sky community. So it's typically quite dark everywhere. We recommend arriving before dark which will vary depending on the time of year you are visiting.
Book before you go
Gold Mining Experience
Make a reservation ahead of time.
Book before you go
Horse Back Riding
Make a reservation ahead of time.
Getting around
Fill up your tank!
If heading up to Julian on the 79, Descanso is the last place to fill up.
Don't miss
The pie!
Multiple pie shops around town. Discover your favorite!
Useful phrases
"Down the hill."
Referring to driving down the mountain or things you can only find in San Diego or bigger towns/suburbs of San Diego.