A classic apple pie is an iconic American dessert, and for some, the ultimate comfort pie. Of course, not all pies are created equal. What could be better than discovering the best pie in Southern California? Perhaps realizing that the scenic drive that leads you to it is almost as delicious.
Just off of Interstate 8 in San Diego is the Sunrise National Scenic Byway, a beautiful stretch of highway that takes you through wild and diverse landscapes on your way to one of Southern California’s cutest towns and some fabulous pie.
Andrew Stanick/Google Local County Route S1, County Rte S1, California, USA
This scenic drive offers epic views of pine-filled forests, rugged mountain ranges, and overviews of the Anza-Borrego desert. Each season brings a new experience and a unique set of eye-catching views, from wildflowers to snow.
Andrew Stanick/Google Local
Wide open spaces and grassy meadows open up along the road, golden in fall and winter months, green in spring and summer.
Andrew Stanick/Google Local
The roads to Julian, and the town itself, are particularly special in the fall when the fields and mountains are filled with changing colors.
Bradley Vb/Google Local
When you reach quaint Julian, you will feel like you have traveled back to the Gold Rush era when this town was established. Take some time to explore or take your sweet tooth straight to the Julian Pie Company.
and13Tenby/TripAdvisor Julian, CA 92036, USA
Julian Pie Company is a family-owned and operated business in the darling mountain town of Julian. Specializing in classic apple pie, this tiny shop has made a real name for itself and many Southern Californians agree that these are the best pies ever. In fact, if you want to stretch your road trip a little, you can continue through Julian to Santa Ysabel and see the second location of this popular country bakery.
Scotty Brown/Google Local 21976 CA-79, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070, USA
Do not make the mistake of thinking that apple pie means just one thing. The Original Apple pie is just the beginning, but you can also try a variety of apple and apple combo pies like Caramel Dutch Apple, Peach Apple Crumb, Apple Mountain Berry Crumb, and others. And what would a fresh apple-based company be without some homemade cider donuts?
Deja StarCatcher/Google Local
During the fall harvest season, Julian Pie Company bakes over 10,000 apple pies per week. The nearby town of Julian, the bakery’s namesake, is home to the company’s large apple orchard with 17,000 trees that produce over 21 apple varieties. The orchard supplies all of the apples for two Julian Pie Company locations as well as much of the country.
Diane Sun/Google Local
Whether you choose the best-selling apple pie or one of the other freshly baked fruit pies, or even a berry crisp, chances are you won’t want to leave without enjoying a warm piece a la mode before taking one to go.
Diane Sun/Google Local
The Old West town of Julian is already utterly charming, but add a layer of fresh snow and it is simply irresistible, kind of like their famous pie!
Irish Cherokee/Google Local
We think this gorgeous drive and the mouthwatering pie it leads to make for an unbeatable day trip. What do you think? Have you tasted an apple pie from Julian Pie Company, or taken this vista-filled drive? Tell us about your experience. Want some more scenic drive ideas? Here are some of Southern California’s most beautiful backroads.
Andrew Stanick/Google Local
County Route S1, County Rte S1, California, USA
Bradley Vb/Google Local
and13Tenby/TripAdvisor
Julian, CA 92036, USA
Scotty Brown/Google Local
21976 CA-79, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070, USA
Deja StarCatcher/Google Local
Diane Sun/Google Local
Irish Cherokee/Google Local
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