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About Us
"The City of History," like a jewel is one of the few places where the oldest California history, in a most scenic setting, is undisturbed by turbulent, modern times; and where history joins hands with the present. It was in the year 1797, with the arrival of the Spanish settlers, that the history of San Juan Bautista began. A Roman Catholic pilgrimage led by Father Junipero Serra was to bring Christianity to the wilderness. The Franciscan friars chose the site for the 15th and most spectacular mission at the foot of the Gavilan Mountains, which they named Mission San Juan Bautista, after St. John the Baptist. They wasted little time in bringing the Catholic religion to the local Mutsun Indians. Around the mission grew a thriving pueblo, which became a Mecca of travel and commerce. In its heyday, San Juan Bautista had enough clout to sustain four newspapers and 17 saloons! Every hour, a stagecoach rumbled into town bringing with it padres, vaqueros, and banditos as well as historical figures such as Susan B. Anthony and Civil War hero, William T. Sherman. Attractions include turn of the century architecture, showcasing interiors decorated with preserved relics of the era. You will find Spanish, Victorian and Renaissance Revival influences throughout the city, bringing to life the colorful past of Old San Juan. Many of these buildings are open to the public as is the San Juan Bautista State Park and the Old mission San Juan Bautista. Boutiques, artist studios and restaurants are also available for visitors to enjoy. Ample accommodations are available including nearby motels, retreats, RV parks and campgrounds. San Juan Bautista is known throughout the country for its unique selection of shopping boutiques. You will find an eclectic collection of glassworks, clothing, candy, candles, Christmas ornaments, weavings, Indian jewelry, artifacts and, of course, antiques. The city also boasts an abundance of local artists and crafts people who look forward to sharing their talents with visitors. Many have galleries showcasing their work and others partake in regularly scheduled artists showings. San Juan Bautista offers unique cultural experiences through the "Living History' events held each month and the famous theatrical presentations by El Teatro Campesino. El Teatro's founder and leader, Luis Valdez, is one of San Juan's most distinguished citizens. He has directed a number of Hollywood films, including "La Bamba," about the life of rock legend Richie Valens. Even a first-time visitor can tell you there is no place quite like Old San Juan, a place that seems to exist in another, more peaceful time, with all the conveniences of today. As you stroll the narrow streets you can hear Mariachi or German music playing from the open air restaurants, which as the horse and buggies take visitors on guided tours, stop for ice cream or simply take in the sights, sounds and shopping of historic San Juan. The choices for dining are many; chose casual or elegant, indoor or outdoor seating, with traditional Mexican fare, Chinese, California or continental cuisine. After dinner you may wish to spend some time sipping on spirits and listening to a live music at one of the local saloons or go for a stroll in the moonlight. Day excursions include a short drive to the famous Pinnacles National Monument or to Fremont Peak State Park, where an astronomical observatory is open to the public. Golf and tennis facilities are also just a few miles from the heart of the city. Or, if you are a movie buff, you may want to stroll through the very Plaza in which Jimmy Stewart chased Kim Novac in Alfred Hitchcock's movie "Vertigo." Many other films were shot in San Juan including "The Long Road Home" with Mark Harmon, and "La Pastorella", with Linda Ronstadt. Juan Bautista de Anza, a third generation frontier soldier of New Spain, shepherded 198 emigrants and their escorts and 1,000 head of livestock on the first overland colonizing expedition from Sonora, Mexico in Alto, or Upper, California. This expedition led to the founding of the Presidio of San Francisco and mission San Francisco de Asis (mission Dolores) and Santa Clara de Asis. Anza's expedition and the route it established are commemorated by the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail located on the Old Stage Road at the outskirts of town and is open to foot and bicycle traffic.
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