Julian, California

This small town has a reputation for scrumptious pies that started from the history of apple growing in the surrounding region. The Julian Apple Days Festival has been held each October for over 100 years. The town was named by Drue Bailey after his cousin Mike Julian, who later was elected San Diego County Assessor. Train rides are available on the 18" narrow gauge Smith Ranch & Julian Railroad, to explore a hand-dug 1870 gold rush mine and pan for gold. The Anza Borrego Desert State Park is just east of town. We highly recommend Julian as a day trip from San Diego, as this small town is just 1 hour east in the Cuyamaca Mountains.