The weather is beautiful here all year. Bring your family and your dogs. Kids love seeing the horse drawn carriages go up and down the main 1/2 mile drag, gold panning or wandering through the toy shop or candy store. Adults live the olde timey feel. The shops are eclectic mountain shops selling stones, clothing, jewelry, art, books, and food. Stop at the visitor center for local info on mine tours, rafting outings, apple picking, numerous camp grounds and local Indian traditions.
Two must stops: Julian Pie Company and the book store at the north side of town. The pie company has amazing desserts, cookies and pies. The book store reminds one's sole why books should be in print. The smell and texture of the printed word overcomes you. I remember the first book i bought here. You will too! And if you want your kids to find a love of books too, share this experience with them too.
This is a no expense destination. You don't have to pay for parking and you never feel obligated to buy anything. Bring a sack lunch and you are good.
Now, there are three main ways to get here from the inland empire, google it and take a different route to and from. All of the drives are beautiful and offer different views. Going through temecula on the 79 will take you through rolling pastures and along the Pacific Crest Trail. Through Rainbow, CA and Pala, you see mountain ruggedness and mysterious trails. Most impressive, are the orange groves. Stop at a stand and grab fresh fruit in your way up too. The other direct route is by taking the 15 to the 8 to the 79n. Coming in through this route, you see open forest and drive hair pin turns and switch backs but the vistas a beautiful. One will also pass lake cuiyamaca (i know hat spelling in wayyyyy off). You can stop here and paddle boat, fish or camp.
Necessities: sack lunch, sun screen, sun glasses, $ for gold panning or apple picking.
