San Juan Bautista - (CA)

California's history comes alive in the charming town of San Juan Bautista, located in San Benito County, directly east of Santa Cruz County, just two miles from the juncture of route 156 and Highway 101.   Home to the San Juan Bautista State Historic Park (located on second street, between Mariposa and Franklin streets) this delightful town is of particular interest to those interested in days gone by.

The centerpiece of the park is Mission San Juan Bautista, founded in 1797, which boasts the largest church in the California mission chain.   Visitors can stroll through the 40-foot chapel with its brightly painted walls, visit the mission museum, which contains antiques thought to be more than 200 years old, the tranquil mission garden and large burial ground.

The park also contains two blocks of restored 19th-century buildings, including the 1840 Castro-Breen Adobe and an old stable, once used by the Plaza Hotel, a famous stagecoach stop, brochure is available at the Chamber of Commerce.

The mission is open daily from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. The other buildings are open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 am to 4.30 pm.   The State Historic Park personnel re-create history during "Living History Day" the first Saturday every month.  Visitors are transported to life as it was in 1860, when staff dress as Civil War soldiers,  dance-hall girls, blacksmiths, ladies in hoop-skirts and even Mexican banditos.

San Juan Bautista also offers visitor a delightful assortment of antique . art, gift and speciality shops, as well as indoor and outdoor dining at any of several restaurants.

To the south of San Juan Bautista, on Highway 156, is the lovely town of Hollister.  The San Benito County Historical Park - and the county's oldest home - is located here.   The San Juan Justo Reservoir, also in Hollister , is on Union Road off of highway 156, One of the state 's newest recreation lakes.   San Justo is ideal for sailing, wind-surfing, boating (electric - powered craft only) and fishing.  A six-mile hiking trail circles the reservoir.

For complete visitor information about this region, contact the Gilroy Visitor's Bureau at

   (408) 842 6436