• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

San Diego Blog Logo - San Diego Explorer

San Diego Blog

  • Welcome to San Diego!
  • About Us
    • Work With US
    • Privacy Policy
  • Contact us
  • Welcome to San Diego!
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Work With US
  • San Diego Attractions
  • San Diego Eat & Drink
  • San Diego Hotels
  • San Diego Travel Tips
  • Beyond San Diego
  • Search
  • San Diego Travel Tips
  • San Diego Hotels
  • San Diego Attractions
  • San Diego Eat & Drink
  • Beyond San Diego
  • Search
Home » Beyond San Diego » Julian Apple Picking Season is NOW: Best Orchards & Tastiest Apple Pies

Julian Apple Picking Season is NOW: Best Orchards & Tastiest Apple Pies

August 24, 2022 By: Noreen Kompanik This article may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you buy through our links.

Please share our article here:

345 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
Julian Apple Pie is famous throughout Southern California and beyond and a trip to this little country town in Southern California is the perfect fall getaway. From apple picking to the obligatory apple pie tasting, there are lots of fun fall activities in Julian, California - San Diego Things to do in October - October in San Diego - Fall in San Diego - Julian California - Julian Apple Pie - Julian Apples - San Diego Getaway - San Diego day trip - Mining Town - Apple Orchards - Apple Harvest

Fall is here and that means it’s time for apple picking in Julian, California! September and October are prime apple picking months, so it’s an ideal time to be outdoors and plan a fun family outing.

And nothing is better than gathering up your own apples and taking them home for eating, cooking, and baking. So, let’s head to the mountains of Julian for these wholesome fall treats and maybe try some of the famous Julian apple pies. 

Woman with long dark hair and a tan hat standing in an apple orchard in San Diego holding a basket with apples - Julian Apple Picking
Apple Picking in Julian California

History of Julian Apples

The town of Julian is the place to go for apples. Located just an hour northeast of San Diego in the foothills of the Cuyamaca Mountains at an elevation of 4,225 feet, Julian is a refreshing throwback to simpler times.

Once a bustling gold mining town, Julian’s mines eventually dried up, but a new treasure had already been taking hold — apples. All thanks to a widower named James T. Madison who relocated here from New Orleans and quickly discovered the fertile soil of Julian was perfect for fruit orchards.

Madison traveled to San Bernardino with a four-horse wagon and returned with it filled with apple trees. And the rest is history. 

By the 1890s, Julian was proclaimed the “greatest apple belt in the world” and its fruit and pies were winning one national award after another. Julian’s legacy lives on today with its apple farms and famous apple pies.

Julian Apple Picking: Where and When to Pick Julian Apples

Here’s a listing of places to pick apples in Julian. However, it’s a good idea to check the website or give these businesses a call for updated information before you go.

Fall in Julian California - Fall landscape with colorful trees during fall in Julian California
Fall in Julian California

Peacefield Orchard

Address: 3803 Wynola Rd, Julian, CA 92036
310-902-6321 kenb.anewleaf@gmail.com
Website
Dates: starts on August 27, 2022 Dates have not been announced yet

Peacefield Orchard U-Pick and Farmstand is currently open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 2 pm (or until the day’s ripe apples run out). So, it’s a good idea to arrive early! Orchard tours and u-pick by appointments are also available. Please make reservations for groups larger than 2 cars. Pick Granny Smith, Red and Golden Delicious, Jonathan and Jonagold on 2 1/2 Acres widely spaced lanes made for socially distancing! 

Cost: $20 per bag (1/2 peck) with no entry fee.

Julian Mining Company

Address: 4444 CA-78, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (951) 312-9940
Website
Dates: starts on October 15, 2022

Julian Mining Company is all about connecting living history with a working farm. Yes, there are apples, but this orchard offers a whole lot more.

Apple picking begins October 15 with a variety of fun activities like fall goodies, pumpkins, gold mining & gold panning, fossil digging, a mini train ride, and of course, apple picking. The farm is open Saturdays 10-4 and Sundays 12-4. Check Instagram @julianminingco_ for updates.

Cost: $18 per bag (can be shared) and $3 per person entry fee.

Apple Orchard with ripe apples and people picking apples in the background
Fall is Apple Picking Season in Julian

Volcan Valley Apple Farm

Address: 1284 Julian Orchards Dr, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (760) 302-4574
Facebook
Dates: Expected early to mid September 2022, but no dates announced yet

A seasonal u-pick orchard with 8,000 trellis-grown apple trees and 7 apple varieties, Volcan Valley Apple Farm is all about family fun and is starting this years apple picking season on September 5, 2021. 

Hours of operation are Friday-Monday, 9 am to 4:30 pm (last sale). Gates close at 5. 

Cost: $15 per bag which holds about 6-7 lbs. and includes one admission. Active military with an ID pay $10. Extra admission is $5 per person. Children 5 and under are free. 

Tractor with boxes filled with apples in front of apple orchard on a sunny day with blue sky
Best Farms for Apple Picking in Julian

Crosscut Farm and Orchard

1209 Farmer Rd, Julian, CA 92036
(605) 431-0136
Website
Dates: September 10-18, 2022

Gather your friends and family and be ready when the family-owned and operated Crosscut Farm and Orchard opens for apple picking on September 10-18, 2022.

Reservations are required. Walk-ins are not permitted. 10 people per group minimum-50 people per group maximum. Call 605-430-9791 for reservations or buy online.

Cost: $20 per bag and $5 per person entry fee (kids 4 and under are free) which includes parking, a narrative on apple farming and local history, a cider demonstration, and a picnic site.

young girl walking through apple orchard with a bag of apples in her hand
Apple Picking Farms in Julian
Young girl picking apples in Julian California
Apple Harvest in Julian

Calico Apple and Pear Ranch & Cidery

Address: 4228 Firefighter Steven Rucker Memorial Hwy, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (858) 586-0392
Website
Dates: 2022 apple picking dates have not been announced yet

This family-run ranch has been in operation for over 90 years and is a great place to pick apples and pears. While this year, they are already picked out, you should definitely keep them on your radar for next year and also stop by for their cider, which luckily, has not run dry yet.

Their cidery is open Friday-Sunday 11 AM to Sunset and all their ciders are made from their own apples.

Cost: $7 per 1/4 peck bag, which is about 7 lbs. Cash preferred.

Apple Picking Tips: What to Wear and How to Prepare

Our first recommendation is to check the weather report as Julian can sometimes see cooler temperatures than the rest of San Diego due to its elevation. Comfortable, cotton clothing should be worn along with comfy shoes (preferably tennis shoes) as you’ll be trapsing through orchards. 

A short orientation on proper picking techniques is available at each orchard prior to apple picking. Orchards require masks and social distancing within the rows. We’d also recommend you pack hand sanitizer, wipes, and bottles of water. Each of the orchards has bathroom facilities available.

Think about spending the night…. Yes, Julian is an easy day trip from San Diego or Los Angeles, but if you spend the night, you REALLY get to enjoy it.

Here are some really great places to stay in Julian:

  • Julian Hotel
  • Oak Hill Inn
  • The Julian Inn
Entrance and porch of Julian hotel, an old school hotel in Julian, California
Julian Hotel – Photo Courtesy of Julian Hotel

Other Apple(y) Fun Things to Do in Julian

Stop in for a Piece of Apple Pie in Julian

You can’t be in Julian and not try a big slice of flaky, sweet, delectable apple pie, a true Julian treasure. Several pie companies in town offer either sit-down or window service, but you just have to do it.

Large piece of apple pie on white plate in front of pie tin sitting on a wooden table with forks and apples in the background - Julian Apple Pie
Best Apple Pie in Julian, California

These are the best apple pies in the universe (and even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top). We guarantee you’ll be taking one home with you.

But which bakery has the best apple pie in Julian? It seems like every family in Southern California has their personal favorite and some are hard set on only eating apple pie from “their” bakery.

I have tried a few of them and have to say, they are all amazing and you won’t find a bad piece of pie in Julian, promise. Here are some of the best Julian Apple Pie Bakeries in town:

  • Julian Pie Company
  • Julian Cafe & Bakery
  • Mom’s Pie House
  • Apple Alley Bakery
Julian Cafe and Bakery - sign over entrance of the Julian Cafe and Bakery - Best Apple Pie in Julian -
Julian Cafe & Bakery – Best Apple Pie in Julian, California

Visit Volcan Mountain Winery

Address: 1255 Julian Orchards Dr, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (760) 765-3267
Website

Open Friday through Sunday 11-5, Volcan Mountain Winery is located directly across from picturesque apple orchards. Sparkling, white, and reds are available for tasting, but their apple wines like the Pomme D’Amour sparkling and Dolcezza, an estate-grown apple white are unique and luscious. This is one of the best wineries in San Diego county. Don’t miss this!

Patio of Volcan Mountain Winery in Julian
Volcan Mountain Winery Julian

Check out Julian Hard Cider

Address: 4470 Julian Rd, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (760) 703-7307
Website

Yes, you can get apple cider at various places throughout the town of Julian, but there’s the really good hard stuff too. Julian Hard Cider’s Miners’ Saloon is located in a former apple packing facility.

They feature a variety of premium fresh-pressed ciders from harvest apple to cherry, berry, pear, and yes, even apple pie. Open Friday to Sunday from 12 to 6 pm, it’s a super fun way to toast the autumn!  

Have fun with the apple picking in Julian, and be sure to share your experience with us!

Take a look at these other Fall Activities in San Diego:

  • 8 Ways to Celebrate Fall in San Diego
  • Things to do on Halloween in San Diego
  • Best Haunted Houses in San Diego

Julian Apple Picking – Pin for Later:

Julian Apple Pie is famous throughout Southern California and beyond and a trip to this little country town in Southern California is the perfect fall getaway. From apple picking to the obligatory apple pie tasting, there are lots of fun fall activities in Julian, California - San Diego Things to do in October - October in San Diego - Fall in San Diego - Julian California - Julian Apple Pie - Julian Apples - San Diego Getaway - San Diego day trip - Mining Town - Apple Orchards - Apple Harvest
Julian Apple Pie is famous throughout Southern California and beyond and a trip to this little country town in Southern California is the perfect fall getaway. From apple picking to the obligatory apple pie tasting, there are lots of fun fall activities in Julian, California - San Diego Things to do in October - October in San Diego - Fall in San Diego - Julian Apple Pie  - Julian California - Julian Apples - San Diego Getaway - San Diego day trip - Mining Town - Apple Harvest - Apple Orchards

Last Updated on August 24, 2022 by sandiegoexplorer

Filed Under: Beyond San Diego Tagged With: Fall in San Diego, San Diego Day Trips, San Diego Getways

About Noreen Kompanik

Noreen Kompanik is a freelance writer and registered nurse who fell in love with San Diego when her husband, a retired naval officer was first stationed here in 1999.

Despite other moves around the world, from that day forward she declared San Diego to be home, and in 2008 returned for good. She loves beaches, delectable food, good wine, traveling with family and friends, and introducing others to “Americas Finest City.”

Please take a look at her website: https://noreenkompanik.com/

Previous Post: «colorful beach toys and buckets laying in the sand with three kids playing on the beach in the background San Diego: Free Kids Activities Your Kids Will Love
Next Post: Best Breakfast in San Diego That Will Make Your Mouth Water Several plates filled with breakfast foods near glasses of mimosas are displayed on a table with more chairs and the beach in the background»

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

We are Greg and Maria (and Robby the dog), San Diego locals and explorers. San Diego Explorer is our local San Diego Blog, where we share our favorite hangout spots, restaurants and things to do in San Diego. We hope this site becomes a valuable resource for locals and visitors alike.

Check out our Brand New YouTube Channel

Screenshot of San Diego Explorer's YouTube Header with logo and San Diego Skyline

Follow San Diego Explorer

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Footer

Follow us on Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • San Diego Travel Tips
  • San Diego Hotels
  • San Diego Attractions
  • San Diego Eat & Drink
  • Beyond San Diego
  • Search

Site Footer

SanDiegoExplorer.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Copyright © 2023 · Mai Lifestyle Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress

345 shares