Incorporated as a city in August of 1872, Hollister soon became the most important city the area. When San Benito County was formed Hollister was designated county seat. Downtown Hollister was listed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1993. The city's downtown area is representative of a pre-world war II character spanning the years form 1880 to 1942.The design of buildings in the area ranges in architectural style including Italinate, late Gothic Revival, Greek Revival, Neo-Classical Revival, and Mediterranean Revival. Today you will find Hollister an attractive, friendly, historic commercial hub. Downtown hosts most of Hollister City and County government offices, library and county court house, fine retail and other commercial interests. The downtown district is bordered on two sides by tree-lined neighborhoods of attractive single-family homes.


San Juan Bautista

City of San Juan Bautista stretches for nearly 310 acres. As you stroll across the plaza, you will see the picturesque and historical Mission San Juan Bautista, which was founded in 1797 and is the largest church in the California Mission chain. You will also find stately buildings as the Castro Adobe, the Plaza Hotel, and the stable with its fine collection of buggies and wagons, as well as the old blacksmith shop. You will find many choices for dining; choose casual or elegant, indoor or outdoor seating, with traditional Mexican fare, Italian, California, or continental cuisine. Popular day trips include a short drive to the Fremont Peak State Park, where astronomical observatory is open to the public. The new Fred Couples designed San Juan Oaks Golf Course is just a few miles from the heart of the city.

Demographics

You'll find San Benito County at the southern end of the Santa Clara Valley. Framed by the Gabilan Mountain range to the west and the Diablos to the east, San Benito County displays a wide range of California geography. The rugged Diablo peaks beautifully complement the area's native oak and grassland ranges.
San Benito County 1,396 square miles - 893,440 acres

Climate

Lying between the coastal marine layer fog and the San Joaquin Valley heat, the county has a pleasant moderate climate. Boasting around 333 days of sunshine, with temperatures averaging in the high 60's making it pleasant for agriculture and recreation. Typically 10 to 12 inches of rain can be expected annually.
Productivity is at its premium when weather is most agreeable. San Benito County has a great climate, which translates into a cash value to our recreation, agriculture and industry. Average temperatures on a monthly average in the high 60's are perfect for the wide range of outdoor activities enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. There is uniformity throughout the seasons. Winters are cool but not too cold, yielding an average rainfall of about 12 inches, turning the hills to a lush green. Summers are warm and do produce a few hot days. Coastal ocean breezes typically arrive around midday, cooling the afternoons and leaving the nights comfortable, perfect for sleeping.

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San Benito County Schools
San Juan Bautista Chamber of Commerce
San Benito County Chamber of Commerce