Julian with Kids!
Julian, CA is a popular mountain town where families with kids enjoy heading for seasonal festivities. Located in mild-weathered San Diego County, locals enjoy Julian for its larger weather fluctuations and livelier seasonal changes. Activities such as apple picking at local orchards, apple pie tasting at various bakeries, visiting historical museums, hiking, camping, snow play, and holiday celebrations in town are great visitor experiences.
It’s always a good idea to check local conditions and events prior to visiting. Here’s a live stream of Downtown Julian.
Location: east of Ramona, off Highways 78 & 79, 33°4′15″N 116°35′8″W. Within the Cuyamaca Mountains.
Hiking!
Many hiking opportunities for families with kids abound around Julian and its outskirts. If your family would like to stay in one area, hiking around 929-acre William Heise County Park is a great way to experience the environment. Hikes outside of the park can be lengthier and more difficult.
William Heise Self-Guided Nature Trail is a great 0.5-mile loop for the youngest of hikers. It is slightly hilly, but there are steps to climb and nice views. Plant and animal informational plaques also line the trail. Day use parking is $3.
Location: 4945 Heise Park Road, Julian, CA 92036; trailhead near Group Camp Area 2.
Cedar Trail is a leisurely 1-mile loop, also located in William Heise County Park. Tree remnants from the 2003 Cedar Fire can be spotted along this mostly shaded hike.
We hiked this trail during a semi-muddy time of year and spotted many animal footprints, which my kids enjoyed. Although, simply running up and down the short inclines/declines (and there are many) seemed to be the most amusing part of the trail. Day use parking is $3.
Location: 4945 Heise Park Road, Julian, CA 92036; trailhead near cabin loop.
Volcan Mountain Trail is a 4.8-mile out-and-back hike with a 1,220 elevation gain. The hike out is mostly uphill and there’s not much shade (excepting the occasional oak or manzanita grove). However, you can always adjust the journey length according to your child’s needs.
We found it interesting to come across old chimney remains of the Volcan Mountain Observatory Outpost. The outpost was built in the 1920s and served as a temporary station for dark sky observation. The site was being considered to house the Hale Telescope at the time. However, Palomar Mountain, was chosen instead.
Location: 1209 Farmer Road at Wynola Road, Julian, CA 92036.
Eagle Rock Trail is an easy, but long hike, which is fine for families with older kids. At 6.3 miles out-and-back, the trail out begins in a shady oak forest and ends in sun-exposed grassland/pasture. Nevertheless, the ending rock formation, shaped as a perfectly large eagle silhouette, will undoubtedly excite most kids. Note: once you pass cows in their pasture, you’ll want to take a left turn at the next fork.
Location: trailhead begins next to Warner Springs Fire Station, 31049 CA-79, Warner Springs, CA 92086.
Exploring!
Downtown Julian is the main attraction for most visitors. This is for good reason; it has quaint shops, abundant restaurants, and a down-home country feel. Travelers will also find museums, apple pie, and seasonal festivals.
Location: 33°4′15″N 116°35′8″W
Apple Picking is the most popular activity in Julian during the months of September and October. There are multiple orchards that offer U-Pick experiences. Smaller orchards often require reservations, but may include a tour/presentation and additional experiences such as apple cider making, games, or photo opportunities.
Location: varies; a directory can be found HERE.
The Eagle Mining Co. offers tours and insight into a late 19th century gold mining operation during California’s gold rush (the boom helped shape Julian into the town it is today, with its sudden population growth and even introduction of young apple trees). The tour takes visitors through Eagle Mine and High Peak Mine with stories of important figures involved, information about the mining process, and a chance to pan for gold.
My kids loved this fun, educational tour in Julian. They also loved the gift shop, with its inexpensive rocks, minerals, and other small knickknacks.
You can find more information HERE.
Location: 2320 C St, Julian, CA 92036.
Santa Ysabel Nature Center is located in the neighboring community of Santa Ysabel. There kids will find interactive nature displays, educational exhibits about local wildlife, and even a nature-inspired playground. In addition, surrounding the facility are 20 miles of meandering trails.
Check HERE for hours and information.
Location: 22135 Highway 79, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070.
Other notable places to tour/explore are California Wolf Center, Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures, and Oasis Camel Dairy.
Camping!
William Heise County Park has the only public campground within Julian. Only about 5 miles from downtown Julian, William Heise sits in an oak, pine, and cedar forest. It has 104 campsites (including group sites and sites with partial hookups) and 14 cabins. The campground also has flush toilets, showers, and drinking water. In addition, there are multiple hiking trails, equestrian and biking trails, a playground, and animals roaming around such as mule deer and wild turkey.
The camp cabins are perfect for families who tent camp, but perhaps not in the cold. Or even families who don’t camp at all. Just be aware that the cabins contain bare wooden bunk beds, so make sure to bring your sleeping bags and mats, Also included are tables, chairs, heater, and outdoor fire pit.
The campground map can be found HERE.
Location: 4945 Heise Park Road, Julian, CA 92036
