San Juan Bautista

Sitting in the northwestern corner of San Benito County, San Juan Bautista brings residents to the forefront of history with a small town full of personality. “It might be a small town, but it would be hard to call it quiet,” says local resident Don Shriver. “Even though it’s a small community, we know how to have fun. Weekends almost have something fun to do between different festivals and things downtown. It’s a small but surprising area.”

The cozy streets of San Juan Bautista hold equally comfortable housing options for newcomers hoping to settle in this exciting small town. Spanish-inspired bungalows stand alongside contemporary ranch-style builds and minimal traditional dwellings. Tight properties often come wrapped in white picket fences along the sidewalk-lined streets, where residents can walk to see the many historical buildings that have stood for generations, along with the stone features and tile roofs of the modern homes that give each block its own personality. Homes in San Juan Bautista start at $650,000 for humble ranch homes that keep you close to the action, while spacious properties in the outlying areas of town run upwards of $1.5 million, closer to the high end of San Benito County’s median sales price of $770,000.

This town’s biggest claim to fame is the hallowed halls of the Mission San Juan Bautista. Standing in the center of town since 1797, this opulently designed Spanish-inspired church attracts visitors from around the region who come to see the beauty for themselves, or even to participate in the masses still regularly hosted by the church. El Teatro Campesino, another long-standing cultural institution, brings locals and visitors alike who come to enjoy local productions of authentic Chicano arts programs that include live music, theater and many other community gatherings throughout the year.

Along with its rich historical background, San Juan Bautista also makes the most out of its secluded place in San Benito County. A beautiful nature getaway waits at McAlpine Lake & Park, just northwest of the town’s main area. Here, residents flock to unwind by the serene shores of the lake where fisherman cast their reels into the fish-filled water and birdwatchers bring their binoculars to catch a glimpse of the local species. Residents frequently visit San Juan Bautista State Historic Park across from the historic Plaza de San Juan. Residents and visitors alike come to transport themselves back in time to the days of the town’s founding by observing the historic Spanish buildings and preserved artifacts from the Mission.

Every year, numerous events and festivals like The Great San Juan Bautista Rib Cook-Off or the Los Padrinos Car Show occur in the city’s parks and charming downtown area. While visiting downtown, be sure to check out some of the flavors that fill local stomachs every day. The Smoke Point BBQ & Provisions serves up the area’s best barbeque classics, made from meats smoked fresh on-site daily. Unwind with your neighbors at 18th Barrel Tasting Room, the local favorite place for craft beers and a wine list sourced from the many local and regional vineyards along California’s wine country.

San Juan Bautista’s school system has two schools where young students can pursue their educational goals. San Juan School hosts the town’s K-8 students close to home across The Alameda State Highway. Meanwhile, high school students can travel up San Juan Highway to attend Anzar High School, where students can take part in engaging curriculums and state-sponsored athletic programs.

Travel back in time to San Juan Bautista, a piece of history waiting to be discovered by the next lucky homebuyer. “There’s a ton of history in this town and it’s on display in so many places,” Shriver says. “Despite being a small town, we actually attract a lot of tourism because of all the landmarks and different festivals that come through. We absolutely love living here.”

Written By

Alex Falls

Photography Contributed By

Paul Winner

Video By

Remi Cox