Nestled in the Cuyamaca Mountain, Julian is an historic mining town that transports visitors back to Gold Rush era California. This quaint mountain town still boasts original buildings that date back to the 1870s. Visitors can experience life as it was back then, with a leisurely ride down Main Street in a horse-drawn carriage or a gold mine tour, where you can pan for real gold!
Julian’s historic Main Street (Photo: Perttu Raivio via Flickr/CC BY 2.0)
Julian’s quaintness can be further experienced with a stay in one of the town’s historic bed and breakfasts. TravelMag’s editors have compared the town’s offerings and have highlighted the best options below. These properties are known for their hospitality, complimentary breakfasts and modern amenities.
Eaglenest Bed and Breakfast
The view from Eaglenest Bed and Breakfast (Photo: Courtesy of Eaglenest Bed and Breakfast)
Fly away to the Eaglenest Bed and Breakfast for a traditional B and B experience in the heart of Julian. Though it’s located just a block above Main Street’s shops and restaurants, the Eaglenest offers a private, relaxing respite from it all. The innkeepers and their Golden Retrievers welcome guests to their Victorian home, which features four suites with full private baths, A/C, heat and free WiFi. The pool is open seasonally, while the hot tub is heated year round! A full country breakfast is served each morning at 9am and includes fresh squeezed juices and hot entrees.
2609 D Street
Wikiup Bed and Breakfast
A room at the Wikiup Bed and Breakfast (Photo: Booking.com)
Tucked away in the woods, the Wikiup Bed and Breakfast is a romantic and relaxed property in a rural setting. The secluded property is just a mile from downtown Julian and offers five themed guest rooms with private decks. Guests can choose from the Pueblo Dreamcatcher, Willow Warren or Klondike Kate’s “Shady Lady” room. These rooms include full private baths and either an in-room spa or outdoor wood fired hot tub. Gourmet, hot breakfast is provided each morning. The Wikiup is also known for its half-day llama treks, which take visitors either to a nearby vineyard or gold mine.
1645 Whispering Pines Drive
Butterfield Bed and Breakfast
The Butterfield Bed and Breakfast has been welcoming guests to Julian since 1987. This country-style bed and breakfast is nestled in the woods less than 2 miles from downtown Julian. Butterfield has five traditional guest rooms with en suite bathrooms, with some rooms also including a fireplace. Other amenities include free WiFi, cable TV and board games. Guests can chat with fellow lodgers over a full two-course breakfast, which can be modified to suit special dietary needs. The innkeepers personally check in guests and can provide recommendations on what to do while visiting Julian!
2284 Sunset Drive
Julian Lodge
The Julian Lodge (Photo: Booking.com)
The Julian Lodge offers a bed and breakfast experience in the heart of this historic mining town. The 23-room lodge is just steps away from Julian’s Main Street and top attractions. The rooms have been newly renovated and include modern conveniences like coffee makers, air conditioning and free WiFi. Rooms feature antique furnishings and private baths. The lodge offers a king, queen or double/double room configuration, making it a top choice for couples or friends traveling together. A deluxe continental breakfast is provided each morning, with an assortment of pastries, cereals and juices.
2720 C Street
Julian Gold Rush Hotel
The Julian Gold Rush Hotel (Photo: Booking.com)
Dating back to the 1890s, the Julian Gold Rush Hotel is an authentically restored inn and a National Historic Landmark. It is ideally located in Julian’s Historic District, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the old mining town’s laid-back way of life. The restored Victorian inn has 16 rooms with private baths, individual air conditioning units and free WiFi. The Honeymoon House has extra amenities like a fireplace and claw-foot tub. Complimentary continental breakfast is provided in the dining room each morning, and afternoon tea is served from 5-6pm.
2032 Main Street
By Paul Joseph