Things To Do
Mission San Juan Bautista
This is where we will be getting married on Saturday, but we highly encourage you to tour the beautiful mission grounds! Here are some fun facts: 1. Mission San Juan Bautista was founded on June 24, 1797 in the region of the Mutsun Ohlone people. 2. Mission San Juan Bautista is an active parish, but the buildings surrounding it in the downtown plaza are part of San Bautista State Historic Park. 3. The mission church is the only three-aisled church in the California mission chain. 4. Its nickname is "The Mission of Music." 5. There is a "Cat Door" carved into the blue side door in the Guadalupe Chapel. This allowed cats access at all times to catch mice. In the 1800s mice were serious pests eating much of the harvest.
San Juan Bautista State Historic Park
This is right next door to the mission and is steeped in history. The state park includes the picnic areas, rest rooms, lawn, famous Plaza Hotel, Castro/Breen Adobe (home to Donner Party survivors), the Stable filled with wagons and carriages, and the Victorian home called Plaza Hall. There is an entry fee if you wish to tour the museum. View the website for more information.
Vertigo Coffee Roasters
Are you a coffee lover? Looking for a delicious bite to eat? Check out Vertigo Coffee Roasters, an independently owned and operated coffee roasting company in San Juan Bautista! Aside from coffee, they have a robust breakfast and lunch menu, including wood-fired pizzas made with naturally leavened, twice fermented, signature sourdough, and fresh pastries made daily using locally sourced eggs and ingredients. Not to mention, beer on tap! As one random yelp reviewer states, this place has "great vibes." And as another random yelp reviewer mentions, "San Juan Bautista is known for it's mission but this little gem has definitely made their presence known." Fun fact, this coffee shop is named in honor of the classic Hitchcock film, "Vertigo," which was filmed at Mission San Juan Bautista.
The Smoke Point BBQ & Provisions
San Juan Bakery & Grocery
Known for their incredible blueberry doughnuts, this bakery is worth a stop for your baked goods!
Lolla
Margot's Ice Cream Parlor
Along with serving Lappert's ice cream, this parlor also offers espresso and fine chocolates.
Fremont Peak State Park
In honor of our love for hiking, we would be remiss not to include an outdoor, nature hike to do. This State Park includes a hike to Fremont Peak, which offers expansive 360 degree views of Monterey Bay and Salinas Valley at an elevation of 3,000 feet. On a clear day, one can see Monterey Bay and the Monterey Peninsula, with the Santa Lucia Range and Big Sur area beyond. According to AllTrails, a hiking app that frequently lies according to Jesus, this hike is ranked "moderate" and is a 1.1 mile loop. So take that with a grain of salt. Could be more difficult. Could be easier. Could be a half mile longer than reported. But do know, this hike is beloved among those who have completed it. At least according to people on Reddit.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
If you're looking for a day trip out in Monterey, we highly recommend checking out Monterey Bay Aquarium. We love this aquarium and have visited it a couple times together. Jenna's favorite exhibit is the jellyfish. Jesus's favorite exhibit is the kelp forest.
Inaka Fusion
This is a Japanese fusion restaurant located in the town of San Juan Bautista. Inaka Fusion brings together fresh ingredients and innovative culinary ideas to create a memorable fusion dining experience.
