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