Castle Rock State Park

San Juan Bautista State Historic Park in San Juan Bautista, California is a collection of restored historic buildings that were constructed in the 1800s, including a hotel, residence, stable, blacksmith shop, jail and other structures. The main buildings face the original plaza. Visitors take a self-guided tour, viewing exhibits of the Mission, Mexican and early American periods of California. Park rangers offer guided tours as well as family-friendly programs throughout the year. The park is popular with families, children and history buffs.Parking and public transportation at San Juan Bautista State Historic ParkFree street parking is available throughout San Juan Bautista. On busy days, you may have to park several blocks away. San Benito County Express offers an inter-county route between Hollister and Gilroy via San Juan Bautista, from Monday to Saturday. The schedule and stops are limited.Best and worst time to go to San Juan Bautista State Historic ParkThe park is fun to visit during any day of the month of the year. It can be busy between March and May when many schools take field trips to the park.Admission to San Juan Bautista State Historic ParkOpen daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the park entrance is at the Plaza Hotel. The admission fee is less than $5 per person, which includes access to all the buildings.Must see/do at San Juan Bautista State Historic ParkBe sure to check out the Plaza Hall, also known as the Zanetta House, in which the rooms on the first floor display historic furnishings. Next door is the Plaza Stable that exhibit wagons, carriages, stagecoaches and fire wagons. To experience what it's like to live in San Juan Bautista in the 1800s, visit the park on the first Saturday of the month to participate in the park's Live History Days.Other places to visit near San Juan Bautista State Historic ParkNext door to the park is Mission San Juan Bautista, one of the 21 California missions established by Spanish Franciscan friars in the 18th century.For hiking or camping, visit Fremont Peak State Park, about 11 miles south of San Juan Bautista, which has an observatory where the Fremont Peak Observatory Association offers free public programs, usually from April to October.Several blocks from the historic park is Vertigo Coffee, a coffee house that roasts and sells coffee beans, as well as sells coffee and tea drinks, pastries, sandwiches, pizza and craft beer.Insider tip for visitors to San Juan Bautista State Historic ParkThe main street of San Juan Bautista is a block away, where you can find shops, antique stores, art galleries and restaurants. Some businesses close on Mondays.Author's bio: Susan Echaore-McDavid writes Take 25 to Hollister, a blog about Hollister, San Benito County and nearby areas.