Pies & Pickaxes: A Historic Walking Tour of Julian, CA

Just over an hour from San Diego, Julian sits at an elevation of 4,226 feet and offers a charming mountain escape, with a rich gold rush history, delicious apple pies, and stunning scenery. Take a stroll down Julian's historic Main Street on this self-guided audio tour as the echoes of mining pioneers mingle with the sweet smell of apple pies. You'll get a bird's-eye view of town from atop the cemetery hill as you hear stories about the lives of some of Julian's early residents. You'll also discover how this once bustling mining town transitioned to the charming mountain escape that it is today.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   5 min

   See the home of Drue Bailey, the founder of Julian, and hear a funny story about one of the pranks he pulled in town.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   5 min

   Climb the hill to get a bird's eye view of town and see the graves of some of Julian's earliest residents.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   5 min

   Hear about how Julian's early residents helped transform the town from a focus on mining to apple orchards. Stop in Julian Pie Company for a slice of apple pie or an apple cider donut.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   5 min

   Stop in front of one of Julian historic mercantile buildings, known as the Jacoby building, as you hear about how this early resident made a living in Julian.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   5 min

   See another historic building on Julian's Main Street, the first in the backcountry to be built of brick.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   5 min

   Hear the story of an Italian immigrant named Frank De Luca who moved to Julian and started a grocery store.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   5 min

   See the wheelbarrow that Porter Perrin Wheaton used to survey 2328 miles of county roads in 1900.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   5 min

   Check out the oldest continually-operating hotel in Southern California and hear about the ex-Missouri slave, Albert Robinson, and his wife Margaret, who started it!

9. 9

   Julian Jail

   5 min

   See the small concrete jail house that replaced a smaller wooden jail that couldn't seem to prevent detainees from escaping.

10. 10

    Stop 10

    Pass by

    See an old schoolhouse that was relocated and restored by the Julian Historical Society.

11. 11

    Julian Pioneer Museum

    Pass by

    The Julian Pioneer Museum showcases artifacts and exhibits that portray the rich history of Julian and its early residents.

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Children under 11 are free

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.