Family-friendly events, hands-on activities and outings for all ages.
1 pick
Section: Family Outingshistoric site
San Juan Bautista State Historic Park
The restored Spanish, Mexican and American buildings around the old town plaza next to California's 15th mission, with museums, exhibits and family programs.
Hours
Daily 10am-4:30pm; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day
Places whose official source says dogs or pets are welcome.
1 pick
Section: Pet-Friendlyrecreation area
Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area
Pets OK
California State Parks' first off-highway vehicle park: over 6,800 acres and nearly 200 miles of trails, plus Mudstone Ranch. The Nature Area trails are closed for trail repairs (est. November 2026).
Hours
Open 365 days a year; vehicle operation and day use sunrise to sunset
Cost
Vehicle day use $5
Dogs
Dogs allowed on leash (6 ft max) in day-use and camping areas and Mudstone Ranch.
Parks, trails, beaches, gardens and nature reserves.
3 picks
Section: Outdoors and Naturerecreation area
Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area
Pets OK
California State Parks' first off-highway vehicle park: over 6,800 acres and nearly 200 miles of trails, plus Mudstone Ranch. The Nature Area trails are closed for trail repairs (est. November 2026).
Hours
Open 365 days a year; vehicle operation and day use sunrise to sunset
Cost
Vehicle day use $5
Dogs
Dogs allowed on leash (6 ft max) in day-use and camping areas and Mudstone Ranch.
The restored Spanish, Mexican and American buildings around the old town plaza next to California's 15th mission, with museums, exhibits and family programs.
Hours
Daily 10am-4:30pm; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day
Art, history and science museums, with hours and prices from each source.
1 pick
Section: Museumshistoric site
San Juan Bautista State Historic Park
The restored Spanish, Mexican and American buildings around the old town plaza next to California's 15th mission, with museums, exhibits and family programs.
Hours
Daily 10am-4:30pm; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day
Section: Family Outingshistoric site
