Being in close proximity to most Southern California cities, Julian is a popular place to get away from the hustle of city life. The 1800s mining town is world-famous for its freshly made apple pie. It’s also one of the few places within San Diego County one can experience all four seasons of the year. Yes, it snows in sunny San Diego! Being just an hour away from the beach and twenty minutes from the desert makes this mountain town the perfect place to experience San Diego’s vast microclimates. Take a stroll down the 150-year-old Historic District or enjoy a day on the lake at Lake Cuyamaca. With a long and diverse list of local attractions, this charming town offers something for everyone. Don’t believe me? Check out the list of things to do in Julian for yourself.
Now I know what you’re thinking after reading that list. “There is so much to do here you can’t possibly fit it in all in one day!” You’re exactly right, so I have put together a few links to my favorite vacation rentals. Your Julian getaway awaits!
Alter Experiences
Alter Experiences takes the hassle out of camping. When you stay with them, they provide everything, even an outdoor kitchen sink. Sleep up in the trees or on a comfortable bed inside a fully decorated bell tent. Either way, you’ll wake up to the birds singing and the fresh mountain air in the Cleveland National Forest.
Crooked Pine Farmhouse
Do Chip and Jo have you craving the farmhouse lifestyle? Well, I have good news for you. You do not need to go to Waco to experience it for yourself. The Crooked Pine Farmhouse owners, Mary and Jim, have thought of everything. The house is decorated with a modern farmhouse feel and with lots of Julian charm. It features an open floor plan, reclaimed barnwood floors, vaulted ceilings, shiplap walls, and a wraparound porch, which of course has a porch swing. (Jo would totally approve!)
Julian Lake Cuyamaca Retreat
Nestled between the Cuyamaca State Park and the Cleveland National Forest, the Julian Lake Cuyamaca Retreat sits at just under 6,000 feet above sea level. The home offers a stunning eastern view of Lake Cuyamaca. To the west, it has an ocean view like no other you’ve seen.
Green Pine Haven
This mountain cabin has Julian charm everywhere you look. It’s perched upon a hill that gives visitors the feeling of being in a treehouse, and it features a spectacular view of Vocal Mountain and the east county. The home itself is cozy yet very spacious. It’s a perfect place to unwind.
The Julian Project
This was my childhood dream home! If that’s not enough to put this place on your must-visit list, let me tell you a little about this beautiful property. The Julian Project is a re-creation of the American Dream, where the Parker and Elasra families commune with visitors. Dedicated to providing genuine hospitality, unique outdoor experiences, and micro-farming, they’ll be sure your stay here will be like no other.
BOOK NOW
Wow! Can you believe how incredible these places are? We’re so blessed. Now that Julian is on your must-visit list, and I have put together all the local insights in one place, all that’s left to do is to book one of these amazing rentals. New AirBnB accounts created through my link get $55 off their first trip. What are you waiting for? Book now!
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are AirBnB affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Which is great, because I was going to share them with you anyway!