Historical Queen Anne–Style House in Century-Old District

Like a scene straight out of the 1870s, Julian, California’s Main Street still contains frontier-style houses and the occasional horse-drawn carriage. Though it’s been more than 130 years since the town had a brief but prosperous gold rush, many of its historical buildings have been preserved and restored to their century-old glory. Among them, Julian Gold Rush Hotel Bed & Breakfast stands out as the town’s only nationally designated historic landmark, and one of Southern California’s oldest continually operated hotels. Originally built in 1897, the hotel charms with a broad, white-and-cherry-colored porch in front of a classic Queen Anne–style façade.

Inside the hotel, the staff has meticulously recreated an authentic Victorian flair with every detail, from the lace curtains and wainscoted walls to the colorful quilts draped over the beds. Sixteen rooms are spread throughout the hotel’s two floors, and some rooms have enough space for claw-foot bathtubs, adding to the vintage look.

Breakfast is served daily in the dining room, which has hosted notable figures such as James Joyce, Lord Curzon, and Cap’n Crunch. Dishes range from sweet to savory, and guests are invited back each afternoon for tea, coffee, or lemonade with pastries. This deal includes an apple pie or two slices a la mode courtesy of a The Julian Pie Company, using apples from the town’s famed orchards.

Julian, California: Historic Mining Town Backed by Cuyamaca Mountains

Located about an hour northwest of San Diego and in the shadow of the Cuyamaca Mountains, Julian has relied on its apple and pear orchards as a main source of industry ever since the end of the gold rush. To taste Julian’s trademark apple pies, head to one of a handful of bakeries located amid the antique shops in the historical district, with many bake shops housed in century-old buildings. The Eagle and High Peak mine offers a glimpse into one of the original gold mines that put Julian on the map. The nearby Julian Pioneer Museum completes the experience with its displays of 19th-century clothing, mining tools, and a collection of old photographs.

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