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San Juan Bautista

319 Third St · San Juan Bautista, CA

Why you should go…

Spirit of San Juan Bautista is the nonprofit tourism and economic development organization for the city of San Juan Bautista, California, and it runs the town's Welcome Center at 319 Third Street. The organization promotes local businesses, events, and the town's historic character, and it is funded in part by the Community Foundation of San Benito County, the City of San Juan Bautista, and San Benito County. San Juan Bautista was founded in 1797 with the establishment of Mission San Juan Bautista and sits just off Highway 101.

  • #history
  • #mission
  • #small town
  • #welcome center
  • #road trip

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to San Juan Bautista, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Tours
    Quirky Fun

    Monterey Touring Vehicles

    $50+

    Drive a classic or vintage car on a guided or self-guided tour of the Monterey Peninsula and Big Sur.

    12 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

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    Local Gem

    Gilroy

    Free

    Destination marketing organization for Gilroy, California, the self-proclaimed Garlic Capital of the World.

    12 mi awayMore like this

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    Sea Goddess Whale Watching

    $50+

    Whale watching cruises departing Moss Landing into Monterey Bay's nutrient-rich submarine canyon.

    14 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    Sanctuary Cruises

    $50+

    Whale-watching boat tours departing Moss Landing into Monterey Bay's deep-water canyon.

    14 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Morgan Hill

    Free

    South Silicon Valley city known for wine tasting, farm-to-table dining, and Henry Coe State Park access.

    21 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Capitola

    Free

    A pastel-colored Santa Cruz County beach village built around a small wharf and Capitola Village's shops and restaurants.

    25 mi awayMore like this