Fremont Peak and San Juan Bautista
Lunch was upon us, and we took it seriously. We popped over to Jardine’ s Mexican restaurant for a light( LOL) lunch on their welcoming patio. Afterward, we toured the Castro-Breen Adobe, the Plaza Stables, the Plaza Hotel, and the Zanetta House, all part of the San Juan Bautista State Historic Park. Each building tells a chapter of California’ s early history, and together they paint a vivid picture of 19th-century life. All are meticulously preserved and maintained by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. Hats off to everyone who keeps them in such excellent shape.
As the sun headed northwest over the coast, we stopped in the newly re-opened Inaka Fusion for dinner. Owners Ellie coffee or meal( lots of other great food in town!). However, if you really want to experience the " City of History," one day may not be enough— especially with kids in tow. The town rewards every minute you give it, whether that’ s a long afternoon or a full weekend. From the 3,000-foot views atop Fremont Peak to the roses blooming in the mission courtyard and along city streets, from wood-fired pizza at Vertigo Coffee Roasters to an unforgettable dinner at Inaka Fusion— San Juan Bautista isn’ t just worth the drive. It’ s worth the whole weekend.
For photos, tips, links, and more stories about San Juan Bautista, visit us at gmhtoday. com. And, check out the links below for more information on everything discussed in this article and more. and Drew Quintana have created something truly special. Inaka Fusion is a warm, inviting space with an ever-evolving menu inspired by travel, culture, and community. Drew’ s culinary background includes over two decades managing high-end restaurants in the Pebble Beach area, and it shows in every dish. Ellie runs the front of house and somehow makes every single person feel like the only guest in the room. Inaka Fusion deserves its own story, and we plan to give it one in an upcoming issue. Stay tuned.
San Juan Bautista is one of those rare places that can slow you down in the best possible way. You can pop in for a quick visit,
Links to explore San Juan Bautista:
Visit San Juan Bautista Mission San Juan Bautista
San Juan Bautista State Park
San Juan Bautista State Historic Park Brochure
Vertigo Coffee Roasters
Inaka Fusion SJB
Trip Advisor: things to do SJB
Vineyards and Wineries of San Benito County
Fremont Peak State Park Fremont Peak Brochure
24 SPRING 2026 Gilroy • Morgan Hill TODAY Magazine: Go. Make history... gmhtoday. com