Things to do in Hollister
Fremont Peak State Park
This park features expansive views of Monterey Bay, from its hiking trails in the grasslands of the higher peaks of the Gavilan Range. Other views include the San Benito Valley, Salinas Valley, and the Santa Lucia Mountains east of Big Sur. Pine and oak woodlands in the park are home to many birds and mammals. There are camping and picnic facilities in the park. The park also features an astronomical observatory with a 30-inch telescope, which is open for public programs on selected evenings. Call 831-623-4255 for more information.
Hollister Hills State Vehicle Recreation Area
This area is a motorcycle, four-wheel drive, all-terrain vehicle, and dune buggy use area. Four-wheel drive and dune buggy visitors should call ahead as this area can be closed for special events.
Pacheco State Park
Pacheco State Park is the last remaining portion of the Mexican land grant, El Rancho San Luis Gonzaga. Francisco Pacheco and his son Juan were granted the property and built the first house in Merced County on this land in 1843. The land remained in the Pacheco family through five generations until Paula Fatjo, the great-great granddaughter of Francisco Pacheco, donated the land in 1992 to be a park for future generations who share her love of animals, horse back riding, history, and unspoiled land. This land has been a horse and a cattle ranch since 1843 and has breath taking views of the Central Valley to the east and the Santa Clara Valley to the west. Call 209-826-6283 for more information.
San Juan Bautista
Spanish Corporal Juan Ballesteros and five men came to the site of Mission San Juan Bautista ("Saint John the Baptist") in the late spring of 1797. In a month they had erected a chapel, houses for themselves and the padres, and a granary. Then Father Lasuén arrived for the formal dedication on June 24, 1797. The first baptism, an Indian lad about ten years old, occurred a little over two weeks later, with the corporal as sponsor. The first white baptism was that of a son of the corporal. The first funeral, in September, was for the corporal's infant son. Thus, by these simple acts of faith, Corporal Ballesteros gained his small niche in mission history.
San Juan Bautista State Historic Park
This park is adjacent to one of California's 21 Franciscan missions. The location was once the largest town in central California and the hub of travel between northern and central California. The mission is owned and operated by the Catholic Church and has been in continuous use since July 1, 1812. The park site includes several structures built in the 1800s. These include the Plaza Hotel, Plaza Hall and stable, blacksmith shop, granary, jail, and the newly reopened Castro-Breen Adobe with colorful and informative exhibits to help create a unique learning environment for people of all ages. Call 831-623-4526 for more information.