San Juan Bautista

Leave Santa Cruz heading south on Hwy 1 and travel for about 20 miles to Hwy 129 where you head east. Continue on the 129 for approximately 16 miles through small farms and rolling hills to San Juan Bautista and its most attractive mission. There is far more to see here than just an old church, for an area of the town has been restored to the way it was 150 years ago with the mission as its focus. Facing the square is the restored Plaza Hotel, now a museum where tickets are sold for admission to the attractions in the park. Directly across from the mission is a most interesting house, nicely restored, and furnished as it must have looked many years ago. Adjacent to this is a blacksmith’s shop and stables where there is a colorful display of old coaches. Next door to the Plaza Hotel is another home now open as a museum with period furnishings.