Pies & Pickaxes: A Historic Walking Tour of Julian, CA in San Diego
San Diego, United States

Pies & Pickaxes: A Historic Walking Tour of Julian, CA

Outty Ranking 64 5.0 · 5 traveler reviews1 hoursFrom $10

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

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From, per person$10
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Outty Ranking

64/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Pies & Pickaxes: A Historic Walking Tour of Julian, CA worth booking?

Pies & Pickaxes: A Historic Walking Tour of Julian, CA is a 1-hour experience in San Diego, United States, from $10 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 5/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
64 / 100
Rating
5/5 (5)
Duration
1 hours
From
$10 per person

Just over an hour from San Diego, Julian sits at an elevation of 4,226 feet and offers a charming mountain escape, with a rich gold rush history, delicious apple pies, and stunning scenery. Take a stroll down Julian's hi

What you get

    About this experience

    Just over an hour from San Diego, Julian sits at an elevation of 4,226 feet and offers a charming mountain escape, with a rich gold rush history, delicious apple pies, and stunning scenery. Take a stroll down Julian's historic Main Street on this self-guided audio tour as the echoes of mining pioneers mingle with the sweet smell of apple pies. You'll get a bird's-eye view of town from atop the cemetery hill as you hear stories about the lives of some of Julian's early residents. You'll also discover how this once bustling mining town transitioned to the charming mountain escape that it is today.

    What's included

    Included

    • App & Tour Download
    • Flexible Usage (unlimited access within 30-days)
    • Downloadable Content (pre-download tour to save data)

    Not included

    • A Smartphone
    • Transportation

    What you'll see and do

    1. See the home of Drue Bailey, the founder of Julian, and hear a funny story about one of the pranks he pulled in town.

      5 minutes here

    2. Climb the hill to get a bird's eye view of town and see the graves of some of Julian's earliest residents.

      5 minutes here

    3. Hear about how Julian's early residents helped transform the town from a focus on mining to apple orchards. Stop in Julian Pie Company for a slice of apple pie or an apple cider donut.

      5 minutes here

    4. Stop in front of one of Julian historic mercantile buildings, known as the Jacoby building, as you hear about how this early resident made a living in Julian.

      5 minutes here

    5. See another historic building on Julian's Main Street, the first in the backcountry to be built of brick.

      5 minutes here

    6. Hear the story of an Italian immigrant named Frank De Luca who moved to Julian and started a grocery store.

      5 minutes here

    7. See the wheelbarrow that Porter Perrin Wheaton used to survey 2328 miles of county roads in 1900.

      5 minutes here

    8. Check out the oldest continually-operating hotel in Southern California and hear about the ex-Missouri slave, Albert Robinson, and his wife Margaret, who started it!

      5 minutes here

    9. Julian Jail

      See the small concrete jail house that replaced a smaller wooden jail that couldn't seem to prevent detainees from escaping.

      5 minutes here

    10. See an old schoolhouse that was relocated and restored by the Julian Historical Society.

      Pass by without stopping

    11. Julian Pioneer Museum

      The Julian Pioneer Museum showcases artifacts and exhibits that portray the rich history of Julian and its early residents.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    San Diego

    Use your favorite navigation app to make your way to the front of the Bailey House, at 2315 Main St, Julian, CA 92036. Once there, open the Drives & Detours app to begin.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    The tour ends at the Julian pioneer museum, just around the corner from the starting point.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Drives & Detours

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Children under 11 are free

    Photos

    Julian's Main StreetView from the Julian Cemetery in 1890Bailey HousePies at Julian Pie CompanyMiner's DinerDe Luca Store

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    2 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    1 mention

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Value for money

    1 mention

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Pace and timing

    1 mention

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Traveler reviews

    5 verified traveler reviews for Pies & Pickaxes: A Historic Walking Tour of Julian, CA. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    5
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    John_K · February 2026

    The app was very easy to...

    The app was very easy to use as you’re walking down the street your phone vibrates alerting you that you’re at your next stop and then the information is provided to you about that location

    Response from the operator: We're glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review!

    via Viator

    Chris_K · November 2025

    What a great way to start the morning discovering the place we’re staying at our bed-and-breakfast

    It’s a nice short trip around the town of Julian helping you to recognize all his historic buildings and stories that surround them. We’ve been to Julian many times, but some of the information was very new to us.

    Response from the operator: That's awesome, glad to hear you enjoyed it! And thank you for taking the time to leave us a review.

    via Viator

    Ken S · September 2024

    Leisurely tour of Julian

    On our first visit to Julian, we purchased this self guided tour. This was a very informative tour at your own pace covering much history of the town.

    Response from the operator: We're glad you enjoyed the tour and appreciate you taking the time to leave a review!

    via Tripadvisor

    Rebecca_O · June 2024

    Beautiful views and great information!

    Ok we just had to take another tour since we were in the area! I really love that these tours shows us the best things to do in the area as well as informs us about the history and points us to some incredible views and scenery! This one was no different. I really hope this company makes plenty more easy to navigate self tours.

    via Viator

    janicedR6019XK · May 2024

    Trip to Julian

    Great self guided tour. Worth the $ could turn it in or off as we walked. We enjoyed the short and concise history as we walked through town

    Response from the operator: Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    1 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 64

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)82
    Review evidence (18% weight)24
    Booking momentum (14% weight)17
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)80
    Local standing (8% weight)58
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Pies & Pickaxes: A Historic Walking Tour of Julian, CA: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Diego.

    How much does Pies & Pickaxes: A Historic Walking Tour of Julian, CA cost?

    +

    Prices start at $10 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in San Diego usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Pies & Pickaxes: A Historic Walking Tour of Julian, CA take?

    +

    Plan for about 1 hour from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in San Diego is not rushed.

    Is Pies & Pickaxes: A Historic Walking Tour of Julian, CA worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in San Diego, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Pies & Pickaxes: A Historic Walking Tour of Julian, CA?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Pies & Pickaxes: A Historic Walking Tour of Julian, CA suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Pies & Pickaxes: A Historic Walking Tour of Julian, CA?

    +

    Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in San Diego can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in San Diego and add a light layer if any part of the 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Pies & Pickaxes: A Historic Walking Tour of Julian, CA start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central San Diego within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in San Diego?

    +

    San Diego is an outdoor-first city: whale watching from December through April, La Jolla kayak and snorkel runs year round, harbour cruises and the USS Midway, plus Balboa Park museums when the marine layer sits low. We rank water operators on group ratios and gear quality, which is where the cheap La Jolla trips fall down. On Outty we rank every San Diego experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include USS Midway Museum Admission: Valid Any Date, Taste of Little Italy in San Diego, San Diego Whale Watching Cruise. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit San Diego?

    +

    March to May and September to November, either side of the June overcast. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in San Diego?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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