Julian California Historic Gold
Mining Town
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Julian
California is an historic gold mining town located
in the Cuyamaca mountains east of San Diego. Although the
gold rush in Julian only lasted a few years, the towns folk
stayed on and began farming. As it turned out apples thrived
in the the rich land and many orchards now surround the
town of Julian. Apples are harvested in the fall but any
time of the year is good for a trip to this historic town.
Some of the activities you can enjoy in Julian are: gold
mine tours, shopping, u-pick apples during season, camping,
hiking and of course eating apple pie. The downtown district
is only about three blocks long and four blocks wide, which
makes walking the best way to see it. As you stroll along
Main Street through the town’s many historical buildings
---some dating back to the post-Civil War period when the
town was founded— you’ll pass by a variety of
shops in ranging from tacky tourist to normal small-town
fixtures like hardware and drug stores, antique malls, book
boutiques, and restaurants – including an ice cream
parlor with a turn-of-the-century style soda fountain. Kids
will enjoy the Candy Mine downstairs in the Miner’s
Diner, and the historic comedy skits that are staged three
times each weekend afternoon during the summer out on the
town's Main Street. At 4,235 feet, Julian’s high elevation
provides clean air, blue skies and average summer temperatures
in the 80s, making it a perfect getaway for couples and
families.
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Julian is a popular Southern California
day trip. During weekends the town fills up with visitors
eager for a slice of the famous apple pie. For a more relaxed
time, take a drive up to Julian during the week. There are
several restaurants and bakery's offer apple pie, the most
popular being Julian Pie Company on main street. Julian also
has several quaint bed and breakfast inns if you are planning
an overnight getaway. Julian is a nice escape from the city,
the drive up the mountain is very scenic and tranquil. When
you arrive you can enjoy a small town atmosphere which is
hard to find these days. Take a trip back in time to this
historic California town. Julian
California directions:
From Los Angeles and Orange County take 5 or 15 south to 76
East to 79, turn right to 78/79 (Santa Ysabel) turn left to
Julian, or take 5 or 15 South to 78 east to Julian. From San
Diego take I-8 east to highway 67 (toward Ramona). 67 turns
into 78 in Ramona, follow to Julian, or take I-8 east to 79
(through the Cuyamaca State Park) to Julian. From the Carlsbad
- Vista take 78 east to Julian. You can pick up 78 east from
I-15 in Escondido or I-5 in Carlsbad. |
| Julian gold rush tours
and field trips for groups. Tour includes interactive historical
gold rush musical/reader's theater "Gold HIll", visit
to a historic gold mine, guided tour of the town site and lunch
complete with apple pie. Take your school or club on a tour
with Enthrall
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Smith
Ranch & Julian Railroad, Julian, CA - Perfect
for school or group tours. Take a trip back in time aboard
Julian's only working railway. The mile long journey takes
you around the historic Smith Ranch with a stop at a real
1870's Julian gold rush mine. Smith Ranch offers three tours
for visiting groups: Pioneerways Adventure Tour - 3½
hrs; Jr. Pioneerways Adventure Tour - 2½ hrs; and Julian
Train and Gold Mine Tour - 1 hr. All ages are welcome and
each tour includes a 1-mile train ride. These tours are available
by advanced, group reservation only. Smith Ranch provides
family and education oriented tours. Each tour is California
State Curriculum friendly. All aboard for pioneer fun and
adventure! Smith Ranch. Smith
Ranch & Julian Railroad. |
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Julian gold rush
tours and field trips for groups. Tour includes interactive
historical gold rush musical/reader's theater "Gold HIll",
visit to a historic gold mine, guided tour of the town site
and lunch complete with apple pie. Take your school or club
on a Julian tour with Enthrall
Inc. |
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