The family owned Julian Cider Mill is located on the main street of the charming town of Julian, which is just an hour east of San Diego, in the beautiful Cuyamaca mountains. A popular pit-stop for locals and tourists alike looking for all kinds of handmade goodies like fudge, raw local honey, snacks, classic preserves, nostalgic candies and of course fresh cider pressed from Julian-only apples.
Parking and public transportation at Julian Cider Mill
Parking at the Julian Cider Mill is free, since you'll be parking on the street. There's no designated parking lot. On weekends, finding a parking spot can be difficult, but not impossible. For public transportation, there are two buses that will take you there, but they have a couple of restrictions. Bus #892 only works on Thursdays and Bus #891 will take you there on a Friday. In my opinion, renting a car makes for a shorter trip and better option or you can ask a local relative to take you.
Best and worst times to go to Julian Cider Mill
Weekends, summers and holidays are the worst times to go to the Julian Cider Mill. You'll spend a long while looking for street parking and the lines at the Julian Cider Mill are really long. The place is completely packed as well, so is difficult to browse in peace. On weekdays during the school year, at any time you can go to the Julian Cider Mill and find parking right in front of it.
Admission to Julian Cider Mill
The Julian Cider Mill doesn't have an admission fee and is open most days except Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and Easter Sunday. Business hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Must see/do at Julian Cider Mill
- Visit during apple season (roughly September through December) to witness them pressing cider on their antique cider press.
- Sample all kinds of candies, fresh cider and bagged snacks. You can try some of it before you buy.
- Sit in front of the Julian Cider Mill, you can enjoy a drink and have some yummy snacks while you people watch.
Other places to visit near Julian Cider Mill
- Indulge on caramel apple cider from Julian Cafe and enjoy your drink alongside a slice of apple pie from the Julian Pie Company.
- Hike the trails near Julian for wonderful views of the surrounding countryside.
- Shop at Mountain Gypsy for flowy dresses, one-of-a-kind clothing and eclectic jewelry.
Insider tip for visitors to Julian Cider Mill
Apple cider is a seasonal product (available between September and January), so get a gallon or two when you visit the Julian Cider Mill. It will keep for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator, but you can also freeze it almost indefinitely.
Rose Wheeler has lived in San Diego for over nine years. She's been published in "La Jolla Patch," "Global Post" and Yahoo. Her blog regularly features great local finds and trending style tips.