Visit San Juan Bautista: A Journey Through California History

If you’ve ever desired to step back in time, now’s your chance. You can travel to 19th-century California when you visit San Juan Bautista, a piece of well-preserved California history. Its historic mission is one of the few in California that has never fallen into ruin; it has been in continuous use since 1812. The mission faces a plaza that remains largely unchanged since the late-19th century, featuring a hotel, stable, and two adobe mansions, all original buildings over 100 years old.

Why Should You Go?

San Juan Bautista attracts history lovers and those seeking a peaceful day out, offering a unique glimpse into California’s rich past.

What to Do

• Mission San Juan Bautista: As one of California’s best-preserved missions, Mission San Juan Bautista has been in continuous use since its construction, with the entire complex intact. Intriguingly, the bell tower where Vertigo’s main character meets her demise never actually existed aside from Hollywood effects.
• Mini Historical Scavenger Hunt: Inside the mission church, seek out 180-year-old paw prints on the floor tiles. Also, discover an old barrel organ in a side room; its origins remain a mystery, likely more familiar to sailors than to the church’s founders.
• San Juan Bautista State Historic Park: Surrounding the mission, this park features remarkable examples of early California architecture. Historic re-enactors enhance the experience, providing a sense of timelessness.
• San Andreas Fault: The notorious crack in California runs parallel to the bluff just below the mission. A historic marker is available to educate visitors about it; additionally, a tour of the San Andreas Fault offers more insights.
• Shopping: The quaint downtown area of San Juan Bautista boasts charming shops where you can browse and purchase unique items.

Pinnacles National Park

Located about 40 miles away, Pinnacles National Park features striking rocky formations from an ancient volcanic landscape. It serves as a release site for the California condor, providing opportunities to observe these magnificent birds in flight. Be sure to bring a flashlight if you’re interested in hiking through the park’s captivating lava caves.

Best Time to Go

You can visit San Juan Bautista at any time; however, since walking is the ideal way to explore, it may be best to avoid extremely rainy days. Expect busier crowds during holiday and summer weekends, and weekdays may have many school groups visiting the mission. While the mission is open, it functions as an active church, so the sanctuary will not be accessible during Mass, weddings, and similar gatherings.

Where to Stay

You’ll find a diverse range of accommodations in San Juan Bautista, from motels to country club resorts for those considering an overnight visit.

How to Get There

San Juan Bautista is conveniently situated between Salinas and Gilroy. To reach it, exit US Highway 101 onto CA Highway 156 heading toward Hollister, paying attention to signs for San Juan Bautista. It is 45 miles from San Jose, 90 miles from San Francisco, and 158 miles from Sacramento, making it an excellent day trip from these locations and an easy stop for travelers on US 101 visiting nearby Monterey.

Remember the scene in Alfred Hitchcock’s movie Vertigo where Jimmy Stewart and Kim Novak drive to the mission? The eucalyptus trees they navigate are along US 101 north of San Juan Bautista.