San Benito reveals a geologically distinctive side in the rocks of Pinnacles National Park: they are remnants of the Pinnacles-Neenach Volcanic Field. The park is in the southern part of San Benito County and has entrances on its north and south sides. Check entrance regulations before setting out. More than 30 miles of trails range from easy to challenging, offering different ways to experience the landscape.
Rocky Landscapes, Trails and Sweeping Views
Pinnacles National Park is also a refuge for the California condor. A reintroduction and recovery program is underway there. Those interested in climbing will find routes for beginners and experienced climbers; seasonal restrictions may apply in some climbing areas to protect wildlife. Check which areas are affected before your visit.
At Fremont Peak State Park, views take in Monterey Bay, the San Benito Valley, the Salinas Valley and the Santa Lucia Mountains. The park is also home to an astronomical observatory with a 30-inch telescope. Public programs take place on selected evenings; dates depend on the observatory’s current program and the weather. The park has 25 campsites and two large group campsites. Check availability before your trip.
The campsites at Pinnacles National Park also have a specific location: the only campground is within the park’s eastern boundary and offers sites for tents, RVs and groups. Check availability and reservations before you arrive. Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area offers a different landscape contrast, spanning the San Andreas Fault and featuring clay and granite landscapes.
History, Art and City Walks
San Juan Bautista State Historic Park includes parts of the original mission complex, which is about 200 years old. Living history demonstrations featuring costumed interpreters and displays of early crafts bring historical topics to life. Check the event calendar before your visit.
A self-guided tour of public art in Hollister and along Highway 25 showcases murals, sculptures, medallions and architectural designs dating from 1932 to the present. San Benito Historical Park, meanwhile, features historic buildings that have been relocated there over the years from various places in San Benito County. The two offer different perspectives: public art and buildings with a history of changing locations.
The Historic Downtown Walking Tour covers about 1.5 miles through downtown Hollister and lists more than 56 points of interest. If you plan to take the tour, check the route materials in advance: they may change. This lets you account for the approximate distance when planning your day without assuming that the listed number of stops corresponds to a fixed route.
Wine Tastings with Different Highlights
At Eden Rift Vineyards, you can choose between two different experiences: the 90-minute Dickinson House Outdoor Tasting includes five estate-grown wines. A guided ATV tour combines a wine tasting with a ride across 120 acres of vineyard. Reservation requirements and experience details may change; check them in advance.
The Calera Overlook Tasting is a seated tasting of Calera wines with sweeping views of the Gabilan Mountain Range. Calera’s Heritage Tasting includes four Mt. Harlan wines and a paired caviar accompaniment. Gabilan Ridge Winery offers tastings of wine and locally brewed beer. Its scenic ridge-top grounds are reached via an easy two-minute walk through oak trees and native plants. For these wine experiences too, it’s a good idea to check reservations and offerings in advance, as they may change.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Hollister, San Juan Bautista, Tres Pinos, Paicines, Nevada, Butte, Calaveras County, Tuolumne.
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