Rancho San Andrés Castro Adobe Park Property

Park Hours

Closed to the public at this time, except by special event or appointment.

Contact Information

(831) 226-9669

Are dogs Allowed?

No

Reservation Availability

No upcoming camping/lodging reservations at this time.

About Rancho San Andrés Castro Adobe Park Property

Two-story adobe hacienda that takes visitors back in time to the Mexican Rancho period of the mid-1800s when it became one of the social centers of the central California coast.

The Castro Adobe is located at 184 Old Adobe Road, Watsonville. Take Highway 1 and exit on Buena Vista Drive (exit #428). Drive east on Buena Vista Drive for a half mile until the Larkin Valley Road intersection stop sign. Turn left, then immediately turn right diagonally, going up the hill to Old Adobe Road, a one lane private road. Travel up Old Adobe Road approximately 1 mile. The Rancho San Andrés Castro Adobe State Historic Park is on the right side of the road.

By Bus: Take Santa Cruz METRO route 91X Commuter Express to Watsonville. Exit Main & Green Valley. Walk towards Green Valley & Main bus stop for 74S towards Watsonville Hospital. Stay on the bus for 16 stops, then exit Manfre & #309 (Buena Vista). Walk 1.5 miles north on Manfre Road toward Buena Vista Drive, turn left on Buena Vista Drive, Turn right onto Larkin Valley Road, then take a slight right onto Old Adobe Road. The Castro Adobe will be on the right in 1 mile.

EV Information

e-bike icon E-Bike Locations
  EV Charger Locations

Day-Use Activities & Facilities

  • Historical/Cultural Site
  • Exhibits and Programs
  • Guided Tours

 

May 3rd Open HouseVolunteer talking to guests

Celebrate spring with music and a picnic in the park  

Step back into 1840s California at the Castro Adobe State Historic Park.  Bring a picnic lunch and celebrate spring with live music in our flowering garden.

Enjoy the fully restored two-story adobe hacienda—built 176 years ago by the Juan Jose Castro family—nestled in the Watsonville countryside.

Enjoy live music by Bob and Denise Gomez and soloist Chris Vinson while knowledgeable docents share stories of California’s rancho past. Children can make their own adobe brick and create a craft for Mother's Day to take home as a memento of the day.

* Sunday, May 3
* 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
* 184 Old Adobe Road, Watsonville countryside

Parking is limited — RSVP is encouraged:
https://SantaCruzStateParks.as.me/?appointmentType=category:Castro%20Adobe

More information: (831) 226-9669

Hosted by California State Parks & Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks

 

Want to support the Castro Adobe?

Castro Adobe SP Photo 2Located in the Pájaro Valley, the two-story Rancho San Andrés Castro Adobe is a historic rancho hacienda that was built between 1848-49.

Funding for the restoration of the Castro Adobe is provided by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks. Visit their website to support this project.

 

 Kids2Parks Program

Kids2Parks is an innovative park-equity program to bring students from Title I schools to State Park field trips. The program, a partnership between California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, increases the number of students who have visited a state park or beach by reducing barriers to access. The program offers transportation funding for field trips to select Title I schools in Santa Cruz, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties. For more information, and to apply, please visit www.thatsmypark.org/visit/k2p/.

 

Land Acknowledgement

Rancho San Andres Castro Adobe State Historic Property sits on the homelands of the Awaswas speaking Aptos tribe. Their descendants continue their stewardship and presence here, in partnership with State Parks.  We would like to recognize the indigenous people past and present, and give our appreciation for the opportunity to teach, work, live, learn, and steward on their traditional homelands. 

View our guided hikes and other public programs schedule and make a reservation by visiting our Parks Events page!

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