Food Scene
Excellent food, coffee, and even beers! Plus they display local artists, grind/roast their own beans, and even have a book swap! C.Mon, who doesn't love a good ol' fashioned book swap!? ;-) It's sooooooo SJB.
9 locals recommend
Vertigo Coffee Roasters
81 4th StExcellent food, coffee, and even beers! Plus they display local artists, grind/roast their own beans, and even have a book swap! C.Mon, who doesn't love a good ol' fashioned book swap!? ;-) It's sooooooo SJB.
If you love authentic Mexican food , then head to Jardines. Grab a seat on the patio, and order the nachos . . . it's delicioso, AND . . . it'll feed a family of four! Serio, seriamente.
14 locals recommend
Jardines de San Juan
115 Third StIf you love authentic Mexican food , then head to Jardines. Grab a seat on the patio, and order the nachos . . . it's delicioso, AND . . . it'll feed a family of four! Serio, seriamente.
Good burger & fries joint where you can still get a glass bottle of Coke - or Fanta! A bit pricey, but everything in SJB is.
7 locals recommend
J J's Homemade Burgers
100 The AlamedaGood burger & fries joint where you can still get a glass bottle of Coke - or Fanta! A bit pricey, but everything in SJB is.
Basic home style Mexican cuisine. After you've tried Jardines downtown, this could be your next stop. Ole!
Doña Esther's Mexican Restaurant
25 Franklin StBasic home style Mexican cuisine. After you've tried Jardines downtown, this could be your next stop. Ole!
Entertainment & Activities
There's always something happening at the Aquarium, and we have free guest passes on a first-come, first served basis!!!
Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery RowThere's always something to see at the Aquarium!
It ain't Disneyland, but kinda feels like it. With more water fun, plants/trees, and tame rides.
63 locals recommend
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
3050 Hecker Pass HwyIt ain't Disneyland, but kinda feels like it. With more water fun, plants/trees, and tame rides.
It's the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk . . . in the warm California sun! Roller coasters, arcade, bowling, and the beach!
744 locals recommend
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
400 Beach StIt's the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk . . . in the warm California sun! Roller coasters, arcade, bowling, and the beach!
Essentials
It's SJB, so there's no Walmart, Safeway, or Whole Foods . . . but we've got Windmill! It's a local market, but they'll have what you need in a pinch. Deli is quite good, and the fresh produce beats the big guys.
8 locals recommend
Windmill Market
301 The AlamedaIt's SJB, so there's no Walmart, Safeway, or Whole Foods . . . but we've got Windmill! It's a local market, but they'll have what you need in a pinch. Deli is quite good, and the fresh produce beats the big guys.
Sightseeing
Mission San Juan Bautista
406 2nd StHistoric Mission that's worth a visit - and it's free!
Parks & Nature
Go explore Monterey - from under the water! Gear, certifications, etc.
Bamboo Reef Scuba Diving Centers
614 Lighthouse AveGo explore Monterey - from under the water! Gear, certifications, etc.
Bring the Jeep or 4x4, and make it an off road adventure weekend!
12 locals recommend
Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area
7800 Cienega RdBring the Jeep or 4x4, and make it an off road adventure weekend!
Fantastic hikes of all difficulty levels - and amazing views! Definitely worth a day trip.
79 locals recommend
Pinnacles National Park
Fantastic hikes of all difficulty levels - and amazing views! Definitely worth a day trip.
Great hikes in California's unspoiled natural flora & fauna.
39 locals recommend
Fort Ord National Monument
Toro Creek RoadGreat hikes in California's unspoiled natural flora & fauna.
Shopping
It's the Gilroy outlets! Outdoor type of shopping mall w/PLENTY of healthy walking(!), so bring some solid walking shoes to keep you going all day . . .
103 locals recommend
Gilroy Premium Outlets
681 Leavesley RdIt's the Gilroy outlets! Outdoor type of shopping mall w/PLENTY of healthy walking(!), so bring some solid walking shoes to keep you going all day . . .
Local Restaurants
San Juan Bautista is a small town, but luckily, there are a few great places to eat!
The #1 place in San Juan Bautista to eat! Excellent and authentic Mexican food w/GINORMOUS portions. I personally recommend getting 1 order of the chicken nachos - with 2 or more plates to split it. You'll all still go home full! And happy too if you wash it down with a margarita . . . ;-)
14 locals recommend
Jardines de San Juan
115 Third StThe #1 place in San Juan Bautista to eat! Excellent and authentic Mexican food w/GINORMOUS portions. I personally recommend getting 1 order of the chicken nachos - with 2 or more plates to split it. You'll all still go home full! And happy too if you wash it down with a margarita . . . ;-)
Hard to beat a great burger, fries and a coke - old school glass bottle and all! Prices are a bit steep here, but at least the burgers are worth it.
7 locals recommend
J J's Homemade Burgers
100 The AlamedaHard to beat a great burger, fries and a coke - old school glass bottle and all! Prices are a bit steep here, but at least the burgers are worth it.
Local coffee shop that makes a mean cuppa joe. Great coffees, they grind there own beans right inside the shop, and they have one of the nicer patios in town. Relax, sip your latte, and grab a book from the book swap outside!
9 locals recommend
Vertigo Coffee Roasters
81 4th StLocal coffee shop that makes a mean cuppa joe. Great coffees, they grind there own beans right inside the shop, and they have one of the nicer patios in town. Relax, sip your latte, and grab a book from the book swap outside!
Solid Japanese food, sushi, sashimi, and right downtown close to all the action!
Inaka Japanese Restaurant
313 Third StSolid Japanese food, sushi, sashimi, and right downtown close to all the action!