San Juan Bautista State Historic Park is the site of one of California's 21 Franciscan Missions. The location was once the largest town in central California. Founded in 1797, the mission church (the largest of its kind) has been in continuous use since July 1, 1812. Other structures include the Plaza Hotel and stable, blacksmith shop, granary, jail and several houses. Park exhibits show California life of the Mission, Mexican and early American periods.
The park overlooks the fertile San Benito Valley in the city of San Juan Bautista on Hwy 156, 3 miles east of Hwy 101, 7 miles west of Hollister.
