Local Activities

In case you need a few ideas outside of the wedding activities when you’re in town, we’ve thrown a number of suggestions onto this map, which handily you can add to your Google maps app and reference when you’re out here. We’ve spanned the Bay Area as well as San Benito County – including some tried and true favorites + spots we’ve never been to but have heard good things about. Some highlights are described below (but note there are many, many more marked out in the map). Please feel free to reach out to either of us with any questions.

Nearby Activities (driving time estimate from Paicines Ranch):

• Calera Wines (18 min) // known for pioneering pinot noir in California (and, there are actually quite a few other wineries in and around Hollister that offer tastings)
• Marich Confectionary (23 min) // chocolate shop, brought to you by the creator of Jelly Belly’s
• Pinnacles National Park* (22 min) // CA’s newest national park, great hikes with pinnacle rock formations – check this out on your own or join us there on Sunday 10/28!
• Mission San Juan Bautista (30 min) // historic Spanish mission church dating from 1797
• Fremont Peak State Park (1 hr) // peak views of Monterey Bay and San Benito Valley
• Monterey Bay Aquarium* (1+ hr) // perfect for seal-watching, otter-watching, penguin-watching…
• Point Lobos State Reserve* (1+ hr) // great park with short hikes that offer the most beautiful ocean views… you may even see whales and/or porpoises off the coast!
• Arcangeli Grocery* (2 hrs) // a local market with the most amazing artichoke bread… grab some on your way to / from SF!

Restaurant Recommendations:

• Paicines / Hollister area
  • Suncoast Organic Farm & Bakery
  • Inn at Tres Pinos
  • Farmhouse Cafe
  • The Heavenly Bakery
  • Lighthouse 55 Bakery
• Monterey / Carmel area
  • Dametra Cafe
  • La Bicyclette
  • Bistro Moulin*
• See map for Bay Area (SF, Oakland, etc.) restaurant recommendations – we have many!

* Indicates a David and/or Patty favorite