Park Hours

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

Contact Information

(831) 226-9669

Are dogs Allowed?

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.

Maps and Park Directions

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.

Brochures

News and Events

Upcoming Events

Aug 2: OPEN HOUSE

Sep 26: OPEN HOUSE

Oct 25: OPEN HOUSE

All Events for Rancho San Andrés Castro Adobe Park Property

Passes Information

List of all California State Park Passes

Activities and Facilities

EV Information

E-Bike Locations
EV Charger Locations

Day-Use Activities & Facilities

Historical/Cultural Site

Exhibits and Programs

Guided Tours

AUGUST 2026 OPEN HOUSE

Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Anza Expedition at Castro Adobe State Historic Park

Join us for a special Open House commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Second Juan Bautista de Anza Expedition, the historic journey that brought the Castro family to California and helped shape the future of Alta California.

The connection is especially meaningful at the Castro Adobe. Joaquín Isidro Castro, great-grandfather of adobe builder Juan José Castro, traveled with the 1775–1776 Anza Expedition. His family's journey would eventually lead to the establishment of Rancho San Andrés and the construction of the magnificent two-story adobe hacienda that stands today.

Featured Guest Speakers

11:00 AM – Jennifer Lucido, M.A., RPA
Historical Archaeologist • CSUMB Lecturer • Scholar of Spanish Colonial California
Presenting the fascinating story of Feliciana Arballo, "The Bold Widow," one of the most remarkable women of the Anza Expedition.

1:00 PM – Dr. Greg Smestad
Anza Expedition Scholar • Author • Descendant
Sharing insights into the Anza Expedition, its route, its people, and its lasting impact on California history.

Throughout the day, enjoy live music in the garden, children's crafts, knowledgeable docents, and the opportunity to explore the fully restored 176-year-old, adobe hacienda of the Castro family. Bring a picnic lunch and spend the day surrounded by history, craftsmanship, and the beauty of the Watsonville countryside.

* Sunday, August 2, 2026
*10:30 AM–3:00 PM
*184 Old Adobe Road, Watsonville

FREE EVENT!

Parking is limited RSVP is encouraged:
https://SantaCruzStateParks.as.me/CastroAdobeOpenHouse

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 2 Located 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!