Tours & Activities

San Juan Bautista State Historic Park, http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=24968

San Juan Bautista State Historic Park offers guided walking tours Tuesday - Sundays for groups of up to 25 people with advance reservations. Reservations must be made at least two weeks prior to the date and are limited to 25 people. If a group has more then 25 people they must make a second reservation. Tours are 1 to 1.5 hours and can be customized to meet the interests and needs of your group. Tours can include Mission San Juan Bautista for an additional fee. Tours are 1 to 1.5 hours and can be customized to meet the interests and needs of your group. Tours can include Mission San Juan Bautista for an additional fee. For more information call (831) 623-2753 or Send email

Geology Field Trips to the San Juan Bautista Region

The geology around San Juan Bautista is some of the most spectacular in North America. This geology fieldtrips website provides field trips (hiking, biking, and driving) to destinations throught the region around San Juan Bautista, Hollister, and Gilroy. Field trips focus on destinations where the San Andreas, Calaveras, and other regional faults, as well as an abundance of rocks, landscape features, and wildlife habitats, can be viewed.

Self Guided Tour: http://geologycafe.com/fieldtrips/index.html

San Juan De Anza National Historic Trail, http://www.nps.gov/juba

The Anzar National Historic Trail goes through San Juan Bautista. The trail route follows an unpaved 8 mile section of trail through the northern Gabilan Range starting near downtown San Juan along the Alameda south of Highway 156 at the intersection with San Juan Canyon Road, Salinas Road, and Mission Vineyard Road. Park near the trailhead, and walk this scenic mountain trail to explore local geology, wildlife, and wildflowers in the spring. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the unpaved portion of the trail, however, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and dog walking are approved. Learn more about the Anza Trail at, http://www.solideas.com/DeAnza/TrailGuide/

Fremont Peak State Park, http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=564

This park features expansive views of Monterey Bay, from its hiking trails in the grasslands of the higher peaks of the Gavilan Range. Other views include the San Benito Valley, Salinas Valley, and the Santa Lucia Mountains east of Big Sur. Pine and oak woodlands in the park are home to many birds and mammals. A mile-long loop trail leads to the mountain peak. There are camping and picnic facilities in the park. The park also features an astronomical observatory with a 30-inch telescope, which is open for public programs on selected evenings. It's best to arrive before sundown as vehicle headlights after sunset disrupt astronomers' night vision. Clouds or rain will cancel astronomy programs. Call the park for weather and program updates before you go. In general, astronomers are friendly, outgoing, and happy to allow you to view through their telescopes and answer your questions.

El Teatro Campesino, http://www.elteatrocampesino.com

705 Fourth Street San Juan Bautista, CA 95045 Ph: (831) 623-2444

For indoor and outdoor theater performances, visit their website. About El Teatro Campesino: Since its inception, El Teatro Campesino and its founder and artistic director, Luis Valdez, have set the standard for professional Latino theatrical production in the United States. Founded in 1965 on the Delano Grape Strike picket lines of Cesar Chavez’s United Farmworkers Union, the company created and performed “actos” or short skits on flatbed trucks and in union halls. Taking the “actos” on tour to dramatize the plight and cause of the farmworkers, El Teatro Campesino was honored in 1969 with an Obie Award for “demonstrating the politics of survival” and with the Los Angeles Drama Critics Award in 1969 and 1972. “It is our mission to create a popular art with a 21st century tools that presents a more just and accurate account of human history, while encouraging the young women and men of a new generation to take control of their own destiny through creative discipline, vibrant education, economic independence, and artistic excellence”.

Pinnacles National Park, http://www.nps.gov/pinn

People come to Pinnacles to hike, rock climb, watch and study wildlife, view wildflowers, and experience nature. Pinnacles offers solitude, challenge, and escape from urban development. Unlike many national parks, Pinnacles is most popular in the cooler months. During the spring, when the grasses are green and a variety of wildflowers can be seen along any trail, hiking is at its best. Fall and winter are also excellent times to visit. During the summer, extreme temperatures can make hiking uncomfortable at best, and possibly dangerous for those who are unprepared. If you plan to visit Pinnacles during the months of July or August, please check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Carrying and drinking at least a liter of water per hour per person is recommended during hot weather. For more information please visit, http://www.nps.gov/pinn/planyourvisit/camp.htm

Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area,
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1179

Hollister Hills offers recreation for motorcyclists, 4-wheelers, picnickers, and campers in the Gabilan Mountains just a 15 minute drive from San Juan Bautista. Park elevations range from 660 feet to 2,425 feet. The Upper Ranch area is800-acres, which has about 24 miles of trails, is used for 4-wheel drive recreation and for 4-wheel drive and motorcycle special events; a fenced motocross track is also located here. Four-wheel drive operators should call before coming, especially on weekends, to make sure that the area isn't reserved for a special event. To use the area for the day, register first at the park office. If your vehicle gets stuck or breaks down, you are responsible for removing it. The Upper Ranch may be accessed for day use from 8 a.m. to sunset. Vehicle operation is allowed only between sunrise and sunset. The Lower Ranch Section is 3,300-acres set aside for motorcycle and ATV use only, has about 128 miles of trails and several hill climbs. There are also two picnic areas, a practice Motocross Track, an ATV Track for three and four wheeled vehicles, a TT track, a mini-bike trail, and a mini-track. Riding is allowed from sunrise to sunset.

Elkhorn Slough, http://www.elkhornslough.org/

Elkhorn Slough is located about 20 minutes west of San Juan Bautista along the border between Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. The slough (pronounced "slew") is a 4 mile-long tidal estuary surrounded by extensive tidal marsh habitats. The slough is home to hundreds of species of animals, birds, and plants. The slough is a destination for kayaking and wildlife watching. Access to the slough is from Kirby Park (on Elkhorn Road), the Elkhorn Slough Marine Sanctuary (on Elkhorn Road), and from Moss Landing Harbor (on Highway 1).