A few miles off of Highway 101 nestled in the heart of the San Juan Valley is the small town of San Juan Bautista.  Known as the "City of History" because of its unparalleled collection of Spanish colonial architecture, San Juan Bautista exudes the charm and the character of the past.  The location for Alfred Hitchcock's cinematic masterpiece, Vertigo, this Spanish mission town lures visitors with turn-of-the-century architecture, wooden sidewalks in parts of the historic district, tall Western storefronts, Adobes and, the centerpiece of the town, a stately mission church, offering an authentic glimpse into Old California like no other. 

Today, in a rich and authentic setting, the tale-telling relics of the mission—in continuous use since 1812—fascinate visitors, including quirky details such as a cat door carved into the chapel door and 180-year old paw prints on the floor tiles.  Surrounded by meticulously groomed gardens, the mission sits on what is the last original Spanish plaza in the state.  A striking example of a 19th century village built on a traditional Spanish-Mexican colonial plaza plan, this National Historic Landmark is composed of five buildings completed between 1813 and 1874.  It features the Casto-Breen Adobe, the Plaza hotel, originally built to house Spanish soldiers protecting the mission, a stable with a collection of buggies and wagons, a blacksmith shop, a saloon, a jail and other furnished buildings that augment the frontier atmosphere of the town.  A historic walking tour of the area encompasses nearly 50 sites of interest.

The city also boasts a variety of cultural experiences ranging from the "Living History" events held each month to the celebrated theatrical presentations of California’s most acclaimed bi-lingual troupe Teatro Campesino.  All over town, San Juan celebrates its ties to Mexican and other southwestern traditions.  From artists studios, antique shops and distinctive restaurants, the colorful past of Old San Juan is brought to life.

"The city of San Juan Bautista is history at its best," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  "The Mission and its surrounding grounds provide a tangible link to the town’s colonial past and it is unlike any other destination in the state of California."

"Great architecture, fabulous weather, friendly natives and cock-a-doodling roosters, who could ask for anything more?" said Jan McClintock, City Manager of San Juan Bautista. "Walking down our streets is taking a step back to a less stressful time. You feel the slower pace, your cares melt away, you breathe a little slower and you relax."

Located on the De Anza Trail, San Juan Bautista offers visitors the opportunity to retrace the route of the historic Anza Expedition as it made its way north to settle San Francisco. 

The trail can be experienced on foot, bike or horseback and there are nearly 100 historical sites along the way to be explored.  Other outdoor adventures include the Fremont Peak State Park.  The 11-mile drive along a twisting road takes visitors through canyons and over ridges, offering expansive views of Monterey Bay.