San Juan Bautista State Historic Park

Picnic Area

A large picnic area between the Mission and the Zanetta House has tables that may be usable on a packed gravel suface. The tables provide knee space at each end that is only a bit short of requirements for persons using wheelchairs.

Exhibits/Programs

Short, narrow historic doorways and high thresholds have been modified where possible to enhance accessibility, and most of the park is usable, excluding the upper floors. Ramped entries are available to several areas. Routes of travel along city sidewalks are mostly usable. The following areas are the most accessible.

The Castro Breen Adobe, exhibits and visitor path of travel have been redesigned to provide enhanced accessibility as well direct access to more rooms. A captioned video is available showing the upper floors. Listening assistance devices are available. Staff assistance is available to unlock security gates to the courtyard behind Castro Breen.

The Plaza Hotel ground floor is generally accessible. Some persons may need assistance getting over the high historic threshold.

The Stables. A ramped entry allows access to the stables and blacksmith shop and a view of the exterior of the Zanetta House and gardens and the San Juan Eagle historic fire wagon.

Restrooms. The restrooms behind the Zanetta House permit side transfers only; these restrooms are open on a limited basis. Restrooms near the historic jail may have enough space (44") to permit front transfers. Both restrooms have some slight slopes along the path of travel and other minor deficiencies, but one or the other may be usable for some wheelchair users.

Diablo Range District - Rescinded Orders

Paid Interpreter-Led Programs for Schools

San Juan Bautista State Historic Park is proud to offer fourth-grade curriculum-based educational programs in English and Español to enrich your class field trip. Programs are offered four times each day, Wednesday through Friday, with two programs conducted at 10:30 am and two at 12 noon.

To make a reservation for a paid Interpreter-Led program:

To book your program, call the state park interpreter's office at (831) 623-2753.

To book a FREE self-guided visit:

Call Reserve-California at 1-866-240-4655. If you are having difficulty making a reservation with Reserve California please contact us directly.

State Park Interpreters offer four different paid programs:

Mission Life, $75 - the best program for fall visitors. The students learn about the local indigenous Amah Mutsun Tribe, the Spanish reasons for colonizing the area, and the layout of a typical mission. Using wooden blocks, the children design a mission that creates an efficient architectural layout.

California Overtime, $75 - the best program for an overview of California history. Students learn about the four main cultural groups living in California - the indigenous Amah Mutsun people, the Spanish, the Mexicans, and the Americans. The missions, ranchos, gold rush, and pioneer eras are covered. A few of the children will be chosen to place their faces in life-sized cardboard cutouts and “become” a person of the past.

Wagons West, $75 - the best program for learning about covered wagon travel. The students are placed into groups and decide which items they will carry in shoebox-sized “wagons”. A Wagon Master is chosen and the pioneers “head west”. Early travel methods are taught while the groups brainstorm to overcome hardships or enjoy good times. If the wagons don’t reach California by the end of the program, they have “busted”.

Days of Alta California, $75– Bienvenidos! This program explores Alta California and its people in an hour-long discovery of historic lifeways. Students learn about aspects of Alta California’s unique culture revealed by an interactive examination of the roles of its people. Students understand that Californio women could own property; know the difference between Californio caballeros and California Native American vaqueros; and identify who would spend hours in the cocina, preparing meals including tortillas. Students experience tortilla making and can taste the finished product! The program integrates Spanish vocabulary throughout.

NOTE: The tortillas are made from wheat flour. Please notify park staff of dietary concerns. Due to a lack of materials, only one “Days of Alta California” program can be conducted each program period.

Please remember:

• Schools that DO NOT make a valid reservation to the park will be charged the park's day-use FEE.
• Reservations to the Park DO NOT include the Mission, reservations at the Mission are made separately.
• Mission Reservations, www.oldmissionsjb.org/activities/field-trips 831-623-4528. The mission is CLOSED ON MONDAY & TUESDAYS.
• Paid programs also include all-day admission to the state park with no additional reservation required.
• Paid Interpreter-Led programs require extra staff, failure to submit payment or last-minute cancellations will result in an invoice to the school’s district.
• Programs and activities may be limited or changed by weather.
• A teacher must be present during all Interpreter-Led programs.
• Can’t come to us? Call the state park and ask about Outreach Programs, at (831) 623-2753.