San Juan Bautista State Historic Park [CA]
This park is part of a nationally recognized historic landmark and can be found adjacent to the extant portion of one of California's 21 Spanish-era mission church sites. The park and its Plaza represent what was once the "town square" of the largest town in central California and a vital crossroad for travel between northern and southern California. In the park visitors can gain an appreciation of California peoples, from Native Americans, through the Spanish and Mexican cultural influences, right up to the American period in the late 19th century. The park site includes several structures built in the 1800s. These include the four main historic structures of the Plaza Hotel, the Zanetta House/Plaza Hall as well as Plaza Stables, and the newly reopened Castro-Breen Adobe with colorful and informative exhibits to help create a learning environment for people of all ages. Many of the interiors are arranged as furnished vignettes. The park also features a blacksmith shop, the historic jail, and an early American settler's cabin.
The park offers exhibits, tours, and occasional living history events.