Local Attractions

The park is part of a nationally recognized historic landmark adjacent to Mission San Juan Bautista. The park and its plaza constitute what would have at one time been considered the town square. Learn about the history of native Californians, including the influences of Native Americans, Spanish and Mexican people. Join them for fun events such as the Early Days Celebration every June and the Living History, celebrated the first Saturday each month with lots of activities: spinning, candle making, dancing, loom weaving and much more. Take a self-guided tour! Click here for map

A state park with expansive 360-degree panoramas by day and stellar views of stars and constellations by night. You’ll get incomparable vistas of Monterey Bay and the Salinas and San Benito valleys from its hiking trails at the 3,169-foot peak. You’ll also be treated to views of the Santa Cruz, Diablo, and Gavilan ranges, and the Santa Lucia Mountains. Picnic, camp, or explore the pine and oak woodlands, home to many birds and mammals. After sundown, stargazers will want to head to the astronomical observatory and its 30-inch Challenger telescope, open for public programs on selected evenings, to delight in the wonders of the night sky.

The San Juan Bautista De Anza Trail is the 5.3-mile section of the larger 1,200-mile Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail that traces the story of the Anza Expedition of 1776, when Lt. Colonel Juan Bautista de Anza led more than 240 men, women, and children from Nogales, Arizona, across New Spain to establish a settlement at San Francisco Bay. The San Juan Bautista stretch is an excellent biking, hiking and horseback riding trail that takes the adventurer into incredibly beautiful ecosystems. "¡Vayan Subiendo!"("Everyone mount up!") was de Anza’s familiar call.