Tag: california itinerary

Julian

Julian Jail

Julian is a small town that can easily be explored in just a short time. What is especially nice is that, although it is a tourist attraction, the town is not “tacky touristy”. Rather, you get the feeling you are in the last century as you wander through the streets and stop to browse at some of the antique shops, visit the small historical museum in the old brewery, and enjoy refreshment at the soda fountain in the 1880s drug store.

If you want to delve deeply into gold mining, just a short drive (or long walk) away on the outskirts of town is the Eagle Mine, founded by pioneers from Georgia, many of them soldiers who came here after the Civil War. Tours are taken deep into the mine and a narration gives not only the history of the mine, but the history of Julian.

Julian, sunset

When visiting Julian in the fall, you can enjoy another of the town’s offerings—apples. Although you can sample Julian’s wonderful apples throughout the year (every restaurant has its own special apple pie on the menu), the apple becomes king during the fall harvest. Beginning in October and continuing on into November, special crafts shows and events are held in the Julian Town Hall. If you visit one of the packing plants on the edge of town you can buy not only apples, but every conceivable item that has apples as a theme.

It is only a short drive north from Julian on Hwy 79 to Santa Ysabel where you turn right at the main intersection. At this junction you see Dudley’s Bakery, a rather nondescript-looking building that houses a great bakery: loyal customers drive all the way from San Diego just to buy one of their 21 varieties of tasty bread.

When you have finished your tour of town take time to visit and  taste the offerings at some of the  fine boutique wineries that have cropped up in the Julian vicinity.

Orhcard Hill Country Inn, Julian, California

Located just off Main Street, Julian’s Orchard Hill Country Inn is an excellent place to stay. The luxurious Inn mixes the best of a five star hotel with the intimacy and friendliness of a highly rate Bed and Breakfast Inn. Orchard Hill Country Inn offers private cottages as well as smaller guestrooms in the elegant main Lodge. Delicious dinners are served on selected nights in the romantic setting of the lodge.

Julian scenery

From the redwood forests of the north to the sunny shores of San Diego to the snow-capped peaks perfect for skiers, California offers a little something for everyone. With so much do and see, planning that California trip can be a little daunting, so the best advice is pick a region and explore.

From the North to the South

One way to hit a lot of major attractions is to plan a coastal trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles; you’ll be amazed at the scenery and the myriad of places to visit. You’ll want to spend at least two or three days exploring San Francisco, hitting the big sites such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf and maybe Alcatraz and Chinatown. From San Francisco, head south toward Monterey and Big Sur, where you’ll find some of the best views on Earth, as well as some of the best bed and breakfasts. 

If budget is an issue, the Sea View Inn in Carmel (winner of the Karen Brown Reader’s Choice Award for Greatest Value in California) offers the best location with the best rates. The charming historic Victorian is within walking distance to Carmel’s beautiful beaches, and the home’s third story offers a peak view of the sea. Continental breakfast is served, as well as afternoon tea and evening wine and sherry.

If it’s romance you seek, the Tickle Pink Inn is ideal for couples. Many of the rooms boast stunning ocean views, and guests can enjoy a soak in the ocean-view spa. Several rooms have wood-burning fireplaces and balconies. The Deluxe Ocean View Suites include the aforementioned, as well as a whirlpool tub and wet bar. Upon arrival, guests are treated to a glass of champagne, and each night there is a wine and cheese reception. The Tickle Pink Inn won the Readers’ Choice Award for Most Romantic in California. Check out this great California inn.

After your stop in Carmel, head south to Hearst Castle and on to Santa Barbara, where you’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants. After that, it’s just over an hour’s drive to the edge of Los Angeles, where you’ll find everything from the finest shopping to art galleries to museums to amusement parks to spectacular sunsets at the beach. Head into Orange County for a trip to Disneyland or the art Mecca of Laguna Beach.

Check out our detailed California Travel Itineraries to make your next trip a memoriable one.