There’s something about driving up to Julian in the fall that immediately feels different from the rest of San Diego. The air changes, the landscape shifts, and suddenly you’re in a place where seasonal traditions actually make sense. Julian Farm and Orchard’s Harvest Fest leans into that shift, offering the kind of fall experience that’s hard to replicate closer to the coast.
More Than Just Pumpkins
General admission is $10, and parking is free, which is a solid start. From there, you can pick and choose activities or go with the Unlimited Activity Armband for $30, which gets you access to the petting zoo, tractor-pulled hayride, rock wall, axe throwing, and the bell ringer challenge.
Axe throwing uses professional 3-pound axes and requires closed-toed shoes, which should go without saying but apparently needs to be stated.
The bell ringer challenge hands you a 10-pound hammer and lets you test your strength, carnival-style. And new this year, there are Apple Cannons – exactly what they sound like – where you aim and fire apples at targets across the field. It’s ridiculous in the best way.
There are also rustic photo spots, pumpkin decorating, sandboxes, and John Deere trikes for younger kids who just want to cruise around pretending to be farmers.
U-Pick Everything
The U-Cut Pumpkin Patch is open with varieties like Cinderella, Blue Doll, Moon Light, Warty Goblin, and traditional carving pumpkins. Prices range from $3 for minis up to $30 and beyond for the giant ones. You can also fill a cup with fresh flowers for $20 – all you can fit – which is a pretty good deal if you’re into that sort of thing.
Raspberries are sold by the container with limited daily supply, so it’s first-come, first-served. Strawberries and blackberries are available depending on the day, and apples aren’t ready yet but you can check the website for updates.
Food and Extras
The Julian Food Truck is open all weekend serving seasonal meals, and the Beverage Barn has local drinks if you need a break. The Farm Gift Shop is free to enter and sells Julian apples, fall décor, and gifts. Gaby’s Facepainting is available Saturdays and Sundays, priced per design.
If you’re planning a group visit or field trip, they offer special pricing by appointment.
Why It’s Worth the Drive
Julian Farm and Orchard is about three miles west of historic Julian in Santa Ysabel, and the location matters. You’re getting mountain views and crisp autumn air that actually feels like fall instead of the 75-degree “autumn” we get at the beach.
It’s a legitimate seasonal shift, and the farm maximizes that with activities and U-pick options that feel appropriate for October.
See You There!
Head up the mountain, grab some pumpkins, fire an apple cannon, and enjoy fall the way it’s supposed to feel.
📆 Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through October 26, 2025, 10 AM – 4 PM
📍 4381 Julian Hwy, Julian
ℹ️ More info here
See you there, San Diego!