Pies & Pickaxes: Take a Historical (and Tasty) Walking Tour of Julian, CA!
View of Main Street in Julian, CA
About:
Step back in time on a self-guided walking tour of Julian, where gold rush history comes alive through historic buildings, museums, and captivating stories. You’ll hear about some of Julian’s early residents and see some historic sites still scattered around town. We’ll also show you where to stop for pie and some of the other attractions Julian has to offer. Join us on this fun tour that’s as delicious as it is informative!
To take the tour, download our free app:
Open the app, tap on Nearby Walks, then tap on the Pies & Pickaxes tour.
Once you activate the tour and start walking, content will automatically play as you approach each stop. Or, if you feel like exploring from the comfort of home, you can experience it virtually by paging through the content and manually playing the audio from each stop on the tour!
How Julian Got Started:
Back in 1869, A.E. "Fred" Coleman, a former slave, stumbled upon some gold glinting in Coleman Creek. It didn’t take long before this discovery led to a gold rush, attracting prospectors from far and wide. By the 1870s, Julian was a bustling mining town, named after its founder, Mike Julian.
Julian Hotel
One notable figure in Julian's history is Dr. John A. Shepard, a respected physician who dedicated his life to the community. His legacy endures through the Julian Pioneer Museum, which houses artifacts and documents from the town's early days. Another notable resident was 'Dutch Pete', a notorious outlaw who, despite his criminal activities, left a mark on Julian's history.
Julian’s Main Street
You can learn about these residents and more at the Julian Pioneer Museum. Another great attraction worth visiting is the Eagle Mining Company where you can take a tour of one of the old gold mines! Show them the Drives & Detours app for $1 off admission.
Honoring Black Pioneers of Julian
While the gold rush days are long gone, Julian has found a new treasure in its apple orchards. Today, the town is famous for its apple pies, with countless visitors flocking here each year to savor the sweet, homemade delights. You can pick your own apples in the orchards, enjoy a slice of pie in town, or just explore the charming downtown with its country stores and restaurants. If you’re like me and your first priority is pie, you have several choices but my personal favorite is Mom’s.
Old Julian Jail
From the dusty days of the gold rush to the sweet aroma of freshly baked pies, Julian's journey is a testament to the enduring spirit of this mountain town.
Historic Bailey House
What are you waiting for? Download the app and prepare to discover the magic of Julian!
