Location: San Juan Bautista
Top Things to do in San Juan Bautista
The 10 Best Things to Do in San Juan Bautista, United States
San Juan Bautista (English: "Saint John the Baptist") is a city in San Benito County, California, United States. The population was 1,862 at the 2010 census, up from 1,549 at the 2000 census. The city of San Juan Bautista was named after Mission San Juan Bautista. San Juan is primarily an agricultural town.
Restaurants in San Juan Bautista
1. Mission San Juan Bautista
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
Reviewed By Woodpecker48 - Walnut Creek, California
Really like this mission. It is on it's own property and looks like what I imagine one of the old missions would look like. Long hallway with arches was beautiful. Large church was beautiful from the outside. Unfortunately, when I visited everything was closed because it was Thanksgiving. The grounds are very interesting and beautiful. I will return to this great little town and this great mission.
2. San Juan Bautista State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By merryheartmarie - San Juan Bautista, California
This Sate Historic Park is rich with history and tradition beautifully preserved and presented. A visit here is a walk back to Spanish colonial days. The local residents here are so proud that the mission here has never ceased holding masses and ringing the bells. Close to amazing restaurants, beautiful walks and easy to get to, just minutes from Highway 101.
3. Third Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By barbgal
At 302 Third. It has the best textiles I have found outside Mexico. Plus, the owner hand-picks new and interesting designs, so, she has found what I consider high fashion designs constructed with traditional textiles and embroidery techniques. You'll find clothing as well as home decor.
4. Fremont Peak State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
The hilly terrain of this park provides a serene setting for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Reviewed By Cynthia C - Aptos, California
We went to this campground for the special observatory events where members of the Fremont Peak Observatory Club set up multiple observation telescopes to share viewing of the galaxy with the public. The members are very nice and accommodating, giving both children and adults a great opportunity to learn and see more about the various star systems and satellites. We viewed the sun where there were very few people there, and went back at night when it was very crowded. We enjoyed both of those events, even if it was a bit unorganized compared to what we had expected (we missed the lecture because it was unannounced and too crowded in the small room when we did find it). We were a bit more disappointed with the campground in general, as the pit toilets were pretty gross and seemed to need more chemicals in them. We had a beautiful site, but avoid the handicap site unless it is extremely necessary...it is actually on the path to the bathroom, and you will feel very awkward camping on the path to the restroom (I mean actually ON THE PATH...that is where you sit and the path is between your tent and the table and fire pit.) We were not allowed to have fires due to high fire danger, but we had fun otherwise. We were glad to have visited, but probably will not go back.
If you are interested in the observatory programs, check the website, as they are only on certain nights. There is great star-gazing on your own anytime it is not too cloudy.
5. Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By jbezy520
hollister hills is right outside of san jose there are thousands and thousands of acres of hills and trails. the camping is first come first serve but it's usually not a problem getting a spot on friday evening unless it's a holiday weekend they have a well packed store and there's also motorcycle repair
6. San Juan Oaks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Designed by PGA touring pro Fred Couples, this championship course offers five sets of tees on a layout measuring more than 7,100 yards from the back and 4,770 from the front, challenging golfers at all skill levels.
Reviewed By merryheartmarie - San Juan Bautista, California
San Juan Oaks is a spectacular golf course with a view of the San Juan Valley, plenty of parking, excellent staff and fine dining. This is the favorite venue for events: weddings, anniversaries, proms and banquets, non-profit fund-raisers. The facilities are lovely and the atmosphere is restful and serene.
7. Fremont Peak Observatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Siew-wen99 - Monterey, California, United States
I wanted to go for a stargazing event on 8 Sep 2012 but didn't have any experience and deep knowledge about astronomy. I do not know what are constellations, where is the milky way, etc... Despite these, my wife and i decided to give it a try at such event. I did not bring anything, just my camera. The tips on the website helps. No torchlights, warm clothings, etc.. Upon reaching the place (with houses), there were enthusiasts setting up hugh telescope using dim red lights.. I continued my way up to the observatory and found the 'tour' has started and the group are being led to the telescope (challenger) to see the galaxies and stars..
The staff are using strong laser pointers that shoots right to the stars so that you know exactly what you're looking at through the telescope. I had the opportunity to speak to Ron, one of the staff with immerse knowledge and huge passion on astronomy. He patiently explained to us the name of stars, how many light years away, as well as constellations such as Northern cross, swan, hercules, M13 galaxy, Dipper, scorpion ice cream cone and of course, the milky way.. (sorry for the layman's terms, it helps a newbie like me). Anyway, we sense the passion and desire to impart knowledge to you. There was a moment of student - Teacher/friend feeling. It was educational but friendly. You can see through their telescope (of course, politely asking the staff) to look at the beautiful stars/ galaxies..
I would call this tour an educational tour because it's not like a carnival whereby people are selling telescopes, souvenirs or asking donations, etc.. I find it suitable to bring your loved ones, family, kids or friends there to have a great time enjoying the peaceful, beautiful but busy skies.. We happened to see shooting stars!!! It's definitely one of the highlights of my 1 year stay in California!
Ron, thanks for your time, i hope you've managed to obtain the data that you need. To the rest of the staff at the observatory, thanks for your patience and weekends to share your knowledge and passion with strangers like myself and my wife. I'll certainly dropby again when i visit California again. Hopefully, it's during a meteor shower!
Chong/ Siew-wen
8. Mission Clocks & Watches
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, California
We enjoyed shopping at Mission Clock and Watches in San Juan Bautista. It has a variety of vintage as well as newer watches and clocks. They also offer repair services.
It is on 3rd street in San Juan Bautista which is the main shopping and dining street.
9. Twilight Cellars
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Richard and Aurora Gumerman share their passion for food and wine pairings by making every wine tasting experience educational and fun. Food themes from around the world are featured to delight our Tasting Room Guests with samples of food and cheese to show how our wines pair with food. The wines are aged before they go in the bottle so they are ready to drink when you open them.
Reviewed By Fricknpets - Ventura, California
Our favorite winery in Paso Robles!. Great Ports! If you are looking for a family-owned winery with fabulous wines, great food pairings and a beautiful setting, check out Thunderbolt (soon changing their name...). We were hoping Aurora would open a restaurant so we could try more of her wonderful cuisine but apparently this is not an option for her based on Paso politics. Good luck with the new name and logo. We will be back soon!
10. 18th Barrel Tasting Room
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By PINONVY - Sonoma, CA
Very comfy beer/wine room. Excellent selection of all sorts of beers, and local wines. Personable staff very knowledgeable about their products. Really good vibe.
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