ABOUT SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
All paintings on this page are by local artist Les Anderson.
Helen Hunt Jackson, who began her novel Ramona on a visit to
San Juan Bautista, in 1883, wrote that "At San Juan there lingers
more of an atmosphere of the olden time than is to be found in any
other place in California." Over one hundred years later, this
statement still rings true. 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, yet with all the conveniences of
today.
San Juan Bautista is known
throughout the country for its unique selection shopping boutiques,
artist studios, restaurants, and turn of the century architecture.
You will find an eclectic collection of glassworks, clothing, candy,
clocks, Christmas ornaments, weavings, Indian jewelry, artifacts, antiques, and,
of course, the Mission San Juan Bautista.
What you won't find are the trappings of commercialism; no fast food
chains or strip malls.
Just old fashion charm and hospitality.
As you stroll the narrow streets you can hear the Mariachi or German
music playing from the open air restaurants, watch 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; choose
casual or elegant, indoor or outdoor seating, with traditional Mexican fare,
Italian, California, or continental cuisine. After dinner you may wish to spend
some time sipping on spirits and listening to live music at one of the
local saloons or go for a stroll in the moonlight.
Or, if you are a movie buff, you may want
to stroll through the very plaza in which Jimmy Stewart chased Kim Novak 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. San Juan Bautista aoffers 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, Luiz Valdez, makes
his home in San Juan Bautista. He has directed
a number of Hollywood films, including "La Bamba," about the life of rock legend
Richie Valens.
As you stroll across the plaza, you will see
the picturesque and historical Mission San Juan Bautista, which was founded
in 1797 and is the largest church in the California Mission chain. You will also
experience buildings as the Castro Adobe, the Plaza Hotel, and the stable with its
fine collection of buggies and wagons, as well as the old blacksmith shop. Day excursions
include a short drive to the world famous Pinnacles National Monument or to Fremont
Peak State Park, where astronomical observatory is open to the public. The new Fred Couples San
Juan Oaks golf course is just a few miles from the heart of the city.
Stop back in time and relive California history in San Juan Bautista.
More About San Juan History
Back to San Juan Bautista Home Directory
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