Life is meant for good friends and great adventures. Find them both when you take a trip to San Juan Bautista, a beautiful city in San Benito County, California, the USA. Visit a city steeped in heritage yet packed with modern attractions and natural parks that appeal to travellers from all over the world. The city’s unique name originated from the Mission San Juan Bautista founded in 1797 and named after Saint John the Baptist. With its historic downtown, arts and culture destinations, gorgeous hillsides, outdoor festivals, and street fairs, the splendour of San Juan Bautista will take your breath away. Simply scroll on to discover the top things to do in San Juan Bautista, California.
1. Celebrate western heritage at Southwest Roundup Studio Gallery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Historic San Juan Bautista, CA - slow your pace down at the end of the week, leave the highway traffic, visit unique and...
Posted by Southwest Roundup Gallery on Friday, June 8, 2018
Dedicated to celebrating the beauty of traditional western heritage, Southwest Roundup Studio Gallery displays the work of artisans from the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Visitors will be impressed by the wealth of cultures and tradition captured in fine art paintings, crafted furnishings, accessories, pit-fired pottery, and wool weavings. Be amazed by the variety of western-style traditional custom saddles and gear that are reminiscent of “vaquero” and “buckaroo” styles from long ago. Just as amazing are the one-of-a-kind lightings, lampshades, etchings, decorative items, apparel, jewellery, and art prints that reflect the unique skills of their artisans. The gallery always looks new as items within are refreshed regularly to keep visitors coming back.
Southwest Roundup Studio Gallery
Address: 106 Third Street, San Juan Bautista, CA, United States
Website: Southwest Roundup Studio Gallery
Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 11am - 4pm (closed on Sun - Wed)
Price: Free
2. Appreciate history at its finest at Mission San Juan Bautista
Like fine wine, Mission San Juan Bautista has aged gracefully since it was founded in 1797 by Fermín Lasuén of the Franciscan order. Remarkably well-built, Mission San Juan Bautista was the 15th of the Spanish missions and stands tall today as the largest mission church in California. Also known as the mission of music, the active parish church is attended by the Spanish-speaking community in San Juan Bautista. In fact, the mission is part of the San Juan Bautista Plaza Historic District, a national historic landmark that pays tribute to traditional Spanish-Mexican colonial architecture.
Mission San Juan Bautista
Address: 406 2nd St, San Juan Bautista, CA 95045, United States
Website: Mission San Juan Bautista
Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
3. Explore the city's history at San Juan Bautista State Historic Park
History shows us a window into our past and that holds true at San Juan Bautista State Historic Park, the iconic historic landmark at the heart of San Juan Bautista. Comprised of four main historic museums namely, Castro-Breen Adobe, Plaza Stables, Zanetta House/Plaza Hall, and Plaza Hotel, the park also features several distinctive buildings with origins dating back to 1800s. What visitors find most impressive is the flourish of cultures that explore Spanish and Mexican heritage and eclectic influences. Stroll past history when you explore the museums, historic jail, blacksmith shop, and early American settler’s cabin within the park. Guided walking tours are available with registration.
San Juan Bautista State Historic Park
Address: 2211 Garden Rd, San Juan Bautista, CA 93940, United States
Website: San Juan Bautista State Historic Park
Opening hours: 10am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: 3 USD per person; Annual passes from 50 USD
4. Taste fine wines and beers at 18th Barrel Tasting Room
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Live music tonight— Vic Silva’s blues band plays from 5-10pm, come bring your dancing shoes and we’ll see you soon!...
Posted by 18th Barrel Tasting Room on Saturday, July 3, 2021
There’s always time for a glass of fine wine or mug of great ale at 18th Barrel Tasting Room, the happening place in San Juan Bautista for awesome live music, good barbecue, and friendly service. An authentic wine and beer tasting destination, the 18th Barrel Tasting Room serves a huge variety of pilsners, pale lagers, wheat beers, blonde and pale ales, porters and stouts. Drink and be merry with an extensive menu of strong ales, sour and fruit beers, ciders, meads and specialty beers to tickle your palate. Known as a great spot to chill and relax with your fave tipple in hand, this popular place attracts a fair crowd of locals and tourists on any day.
18th Barrel Tasting Room
Address: 322 Third St, San Juan Bautista, CA 95045, United States
Website: 18th Barrel Tasting Room
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 12pm - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm; Wed - Thu: 3pm - 8pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
5. Get your artisanal fix at Artisan Addiction
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Explore the wonders of authentic native American arts and crafts at Artisan Addiction, the charming boutique and art gallery that features all things vintage. Inside, you’ll find a treasure of antiques, heritage items, artefacts, and collectibles that are great souvenirs for travellers to San Juan Bautista. It also features stellar works by renowned Navajo master silversmiths, vintage quilts, art works, jewellery, hand-made bags, and many items that range from affordable to premium prices. Doing a spot of shopping? Artisan Addiction will get you addicted to what’s best and beautiful in San Juan Bautista.
Artisan Addiction
Address: 308 Third St, San Juan Bautista, CA 95045, United States
Website: Artisan Addiction
6. Take a peek at the starry skies at Fremont Peak Observatory
Something incredible is waiting to be discovered in the night skies every time you visit Fremont Peak Observatory, the famous astronomical observatory located in Fremont Peak State Park. Owned and managed by the Fremont Peak Observatory Association, a non-profit organisation aimed at bringing the wonders of astronomy to the public, this destination is simply astronomical! Popular with school excursions, scouts’ teams and even church groups, it’s the Challenger Telescope within the observatory that dazzles the crowds. Through it, visitors and astronomer wannabes can gaze at the skies by night, beyond the galactic horizon, and be amazed by the universe.
Fremont Peak Observatory
Address: San Juan Bautista, CA 95045, United States
Website: Fremont Peak Observatory
Price: Free (6 USD per vehicle state park parking fee applies)
7. Reconnect with nature at Juan Bautista De Anza Historic Trailhead
Experience the great outdoors at Juan Bautista De Anza Historic Trailhead and experience a little bit of history every step of the way. Encompassing 1,210 miles (1,947 kilometres), the Juan Bautista De Anza Historic Trailhead is a must-visit destination thanks to its rich diversity of history, culture, and tradition. What’s amazing is the trail that extends over 20 counties of Arizona and California, making it a treasure find for adventure seekers and adrenaline junkies. Simply step out to explore the deserts, grasslands, woodlands, rivers, hiking sites, historic landmarks, and scenic landscapes that make learning history with nature, fun.
Juan Bautista De Anza Historic Trailhead
Address: Old Stage Coach Rd Closed to Vehicular Traffic, San Juan Bautista, CA 95045, United States
Website: Juan Bautista De Anza Historic Trailhead
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: Free
8. Enjoy a cuppa at Vertigo Coffee Roasters
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Each coffee growing region is unique. What are some of your favorites?
Posted by Vertigo Coffee Roasters on Thursday, March 25, 2021
Go where the excellent coffee aroma leads you and you’ll likely head for Vertigo Coffee Roasters, the famed coffee roasting company in San Juan Bautista. What makes them outstanding is their selection of best coffees sourced from all over the world to indulge coffee connoisseurs and discerning drinkers. Visit their vibrant cafe to enjoy a menu of delights ranging from pizzas, pastries, seasonal food, and drinks that will satiate all appetites. Best of all, the cafe is located amidst an agricultural landscape that provides them access to local farmers, bakeries, craft breweries, and wineries for the freshest produce and local delicacies.
Vertigo Coffee Roasters
Address: 81 4th St, San Juan Bautista, CA 95045, United States
Website: Vertigo Coffee Roasters
Opening hours: Wed: 8am - 4pm; Thu - Sun: 8am - 8pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
9. Discover everything delicious at Jardines De San Juan
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Who needs a sizzling plate of fajitas?!
Posted by Jardines de San Juan on Thursday, September 2, 2021
Nothing brings people together like good food at Jardines De San Juan, a Mexican restaurant sited amidst enchanting gardens. Offering a wide menu of Mexican delights, the restaurant’s popular dishes include enchilada, carne asada (steak marinated in red wine and herbs), tacos and grilled rock cod fillet. Wildly popular as well are their award-winning people’s choice burrito, Manuel’s salad, and speciality guacamole. In fact, Jardines De San Juan is a popular venue for celebrations and weddings thanks to their delicious food, professional service, and beautiful location next to the rolling hills of San Juan Bautista.
Jardines De San Juan
Address: 115 3rd St San Juan Bautista, California 95045, United States
Website: Jardines De San Juan
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11:30am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 10pm
10. Enjoy theatrical performances at El Teatro Campesino
A great place for theatre lovers, El Teatro Campesino brings together the best of performing arts, musical works, and even puppet shows for the public. The multi-generational theatre founded by Luis Valdez in 1965 is ever popular today as the beacon of culture and arts in San Juan Bautista. Hosting performances in Spanish and English, thousands of guests have attended shows at this theatre of delights over the years. El Teatro Campesino also supports the arts in schools programme which provides video lessons, instruction packets, and creative inspiration to students at home.
El Teatro Campesino
Address: 705 4th St, San Juan Bautista, CA 95045, United States
Website: El Teatro Campesino
Price: Free (Admission prices to shows and exhibitions vary)
Be wowed by San Juan Bautista and all its splendour
Make memories you’ll never forget with family and friends when you make a trip to San Juan Bautista. Enjoy the best that the city has to offer as you discover the top things to do in San Juan Bautista, California. Just in case of closures, do check with the respective destinations before your planned visit.
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