About this experience
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.
At a glance
- Duration: 1 hr–2 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 1 hr–2 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What is included
- App & Tour Download
- Flexible Usage (unlimited access within 30-days)
- Downloadable Content (pre-download tour to save data)
Not included
- A Smartphone
- Transportation
Itinerary and highlights
See the home of Drue Bailey, the founder of Julian, and hear a funny story about one of the pranks he pulled in town.
Climb the hill to get a bird's eye view of town and see the graves of some of Julian's earliest residents.
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.
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.
See another historic building on Julian's Main Street, the first in the backcountry to be built of brick.
Hear the story of an Italian immigrant named Frank De Luca who moved to Julian and started a grocery store.
See the wheelbarrow that Porter Perrin Wheaton used to survey 2328 miles of county roads in 1900.
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!
See the small concrete jail house that replaced a smaller wooden jail that couldn't seem to prevent detainees from escaping.
See an old schoolhouse that was relocated and restored by the Julian Historical Society.
The Julian Pioneer Museum showcases artifacts and exhibits that portray the rich history of Julian and its early residents.
Meeting and pickup information
- Use your favorite navigation app to make your way to the front of the Bailey House, at 2315 Main St, Julian, CA 92036. Once there, open the Drives & Detours app to begin.
Languages and tickets
- English — Audio
- English — Written
- Spanish — Audio
- Spanish — Written
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Drives & Detours
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- 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
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
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What accessibility information is provided?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
What is the cancellation policy?
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