Open sunrise to sunset, Mudstone Ranch is five miles south of Hollister in Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area. The unique element of Mudstone Ranch is its specific designation for equestrians, hikers, and mountain bikers as no motorized vehicles are allowed. This makes for quiet trails with great views of nature. And because the trails offer different levels of difficulty, the ranch suits all trailblazers.

Of course, you can bring your favorite four-legged friend, who must be on a leash, and if you want to make a day of it, bring plenty of water and snacks or even lunch to eat at the Pepper Tree Picnic Area. Once you choose your trail, let the beauty of the ranch and its inhabitants overtake your worries. You might catch sight of grazing cattle, the historic barn, and certainly a myriad of birds and lizards. You’ll also find more than one great resting spot to take in the hills and vistas. Once the daydreaming is over and you’re back to a heart-healthy hike or ride, you can double-back or choose another trail to shorten or lengthen any trip. Either way, you’ll enjoy how these Gabilan Range foothill trails fill you with pioneering spirit.

MUDSTONE RANCH
7800 Cienega Road
Hollister, CA 95023

Phone: 831.637.8186

Hours of Operation
Sunrise to Sunset

Eden Rift sits on historic vineyard land, which has been under vine since 1849. The latest proprietors mind the history while also focusing on the calcareous and limestone rich soil. Pinot noir and chardonnay varieties do especially well at Eden Rift, who offers daily tastings from 11:00am to 4:00pm.

While you’re on the property, take note of Dickinson House, a solid example of Prairie School architecture. Designed by Walter Burley Griffin, an associate of Frank Lloyd Wright, and built in 1906, the home looks to have sprung from the land and serves as a residence to this day. Eden Rift also boasts an olive oil press room, whose output includes certified organic oil and can be used by locals who’d like to process their own olives into oil. If you go, enjoy the drive through Cienega Valley. In 1982 it was anointed an American Viticulture Area, but the valley and the region at large have also been featured in many of literature’s finest works. The whole of it—the path in and the final destination—make Eden Rift a gem of California culture.

EDEN RIFT VINEYARDS
10034 Cienega Road
Hollister, CA 95023

Phone: 831.636.1991

Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday | 9:00am – 5:00pm

TASTING ROOM
Open: Daily | 11:00am – 4:00pm
Or, by scheduled appointment.

Established in 1869, San Juan Bautista puts early California history on full display. The village, which includes a nationally registered historic district, is made up of old west buildings and adobes built two centuries ago. San Juan Bautista is also home to Old Mission San Juan Bautista, a picturesque mission with daily mass and a museum and gift shop. The historic authenticity continues with locally-owned downtown shops and galleries, whose wares and goods represent San Juan Bautista style. Restaurants are also run by chefs and beverage masters paying homage to those that settled the land and farmed the region. A day trip might be best planned during of the town’s many multicultural festivals, fairs, or art events, and if you need lodging, the area’s boutique hotels offer both modern comfort and vintage charm. The good news is, the drive to and from Hollister comes in under 30 minutes, making it easy to include a wildflower trail hike, geology tour, or historical or ghost walk into any of the day trips you take each year.

WELCOME CENTER
319 Third St
San Juan Bautista, CA 95045

After being at it for 90+ years, the San Benito Country Fair remains a spirited event full of family fun. With livestock, music, food, art crafts, and carnival rides and games galore, there’s much to discover. The grounds are thoughtfully laid out and the schedules are packed with good time events, crafty demonstrations, and unique competitions. Local entertainers and food and beverage vendors give the fair a hometown feel, and though you won’t know everyone, you will be amongst neighbors and friends.

Running from Thursday to Sunday in October each year, the fair is a multicultural, multi-interest, cross generational outing for one and all.

SAN BENITO COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
9000 Airline Highway
Tres Pinos, CA 95075

Phone: 831.628.3421

If it’s date night, it’s a night for upscale dining at The Inn at Tres Pinos. But don’t be fooled, the atmosphere is country casual and the menu is full of simple dishes done well. So well, the restaurant is four-star rated. Open Tuesday through Sunday, dinner service begins at 5:00pm. The delicious food, fantastic wine list, and comfortable atmosphere are the reason to go, but The Inn draws you in with its great history. Built in 1880, The Inn became a bustling part of the already established railroad town. If only the walls could talk.

The Inn at Tres Pinos
6991 Airline Highway
Tres Pinos, CA 95075

Phone: 831.628.3320

Hours of Operation
Tuesday – Sunday | 5:00pm – 9:00pm

As the self-described home to the friendliest cyclists in San Benito County, Off the Chain Bike Shop’s Saturday Morning Casual rides are a good time with good folks. Low-key and laid back, this ride is great for newcomers too. Riders take off from the shop at 8:00am and then take a 15-mile back roads ride that lasts about an hour or so. While you’re there, check out the shop’s other scheduled rides and spin classes. Or look around at all the great gear, including scooters, skateboards, and apparel for it all. Local owner and fellow cyclist, Brian, can even help you coordinate a bike maintenance workshop with family, friends, or co-workers. Just inquire at the counter, where we bet one of those friendly cyclists is waiting to help.

Off the Chain Bike Shop
101 McCray Street #101
Hollister, CA 95023

Phone: 831.636.0802

If you’re up for some market hopping, consider setting aside a Wednesday to explore some of the area’s finest farms. You may want to start at The Farm Bertuccio’s Market on Airline Highway. Bertuccio’s features a wide array of nuts, dried fruits, and jams alongside interesting condiments, oils, and Gilroy’s famous garlic braids. Once you finish up there, you can head to Downtown Hollister, where each Wednesday, May through September, they host a farmers’ market full of locally grown produce, fresh foodstuffs and flowers, and handcrafted wares. That’s where you’ll find Swank Farms, who have been farming in San Benito Country since 1928. And because Swank Farms has a full line up of events and festivals each year, stop at their stand, have a chat, and find out the best days to visit the farm.

THE FARM BERTUCCIO’S MARKET
2410 Airline Highway
Hollister, CA 95023

Phone: 831.636.0821

Hours of Operation
Monday – Saturday | 10:00am – 5:30pm
Sunday | 11:00am – 4:00pm

Ready for a one-of-a-kind concert experience? Hollister Concerts has you covered. With their outdoor amphitheater tucked into the foothills near their vineyard, the site elevates any performance. And what Hollister Concerts does best is attitude! From talented tribute bands for some of the most loved musical groups of all time (think Fleetwood Mac, Eagles, Queen) to current beloved rock and country bands, Hollister Concerts’ yearly line up focuses on musicians that bring the energy and fun this beautiful looking and sounding place. The venue offers barbeque, beverages, and friendly staff. You bring a blanket or low-back chair for lawn seating. Once you’re settled in, under the California sky, there’s nothing to do but let the music play. That is, until you’re on your feet, dancing.

HOLLISTER CONCERTS
500 John Smith Road
Hollister, CA 95023

Phone: 831.902.9106

The history of Cannery Row, the beachcombing on McAbee Beach, and the sheer joy of seaside learning at Monterey Bay Aquarium, these are just a few reasons to take a drive to Monterey and stay for the day. Little things here will surprise you. Like the bold art in the charming Monterey Museum of Art or the lively fishing boat activity at Old Fisherman’s Wharf. Or the vintage finds at the Cannery Row Antique Mall. Walking Cannery Row is a must. You’ll to enjoy the beachy air, linger at shop windows, or pop into local restaurants for off-the-boat fresh seafood. Monterey is also host to boat tours, hiking trails, and spas that accommodate day-trippers looking for a few hours of relaxation. Monterey is a hop, skip, and jump from Hollister, but if you want to spend a night, there are large hotels and more private B&Bs offering sunset views over the grey-blue and bustling bay waters.

MONTEREY VISITORS CENTER
401 Camino El Estero
Monterey, CA 93940

Phone: 1.888.221.1010

In a nook off Highway 1, The Henry Miller Memorial Library sits waiting for curious visitors. They say it’s a place where nothing ever happens, but the huge trees and expansive grounds would tell you otherwise. Bookish events, film festivals, author visits, and concerts are all happening there. And though the Library is unassuming, it exhibits the very spirit of Henry Miller, his writing and books, and the culture of Big Sur. As someone who valued free-thinking, Miller would appreciate dedicated library staff who keeps things arty and varied. If you go, check the weather before heading out. On good days, Highway 1 through Big Sur offers views of nature at its finest, but on foggy, windy, or rainy days, the road is rough to travel. This makes getting to the Library all the more interesting. Be sure to allow time to stop and snap photos, view the lighthouse, and maybe grab lunch at Nepenthe, a cliffside eatery with unbelievable ocean views and comfort food. After all, lingering in Big Sur is Henry Miller approved.

The Henry Miller Memorial Library
48603 CA-1
Big Sur, CA 93920

Phone: 831.667.2574

Hours of Operation
Wednesday – Sunday | 11:00am – 5:00pm

Each year in the spring, the San Benito County Arts Council presents their Open Studios Art Tour, a self-guided tour of art studios throughout the county. With 40+ local artists, artisans, and craftspeople opening their studio doors, tour attendees enjoy the behind-the-scenes doings of painters, photographers, potters, glass-workers, and jewelry makers, to name just a few. This special event allows art lovers and collectors the chance to discuss the process, tools, and personal vision of local artists who also give demonstrations and have art pieces available for purchase. The tour is family-friendly and includes an artful youth scavenger hunt. As you take this scenic tour through San Benito County, you’ll get to know the thriving art community and artists that call this area home.

San Benito County Arts Council ARTspace
240 5th Street
Hollister, CA 95023

ARTspace Annex
217 Fifth St
Hollister, CA 95023

Phone: 831.636.2787