Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

Things To Do Near Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail shows the remarkable journey that Juan Bautista took over 200 years ago as he led around 240 women, men, and children from Nogales, Arizona, to the San Francisco Bay Area. The 1200-mile trail features multiple routes that visitors can follow to recreate the epic voyage that led to establishing the first non-native settlement in the California Bay. Some trails support motorized vehicles, making them an ideal attraction for RV users. You can drive between the various parks integrated into the Anza Trail on a memorable and informative ride. Using an RV, you can make the best use of your time and access numerous sites along the Anza Trail, including historic places that exhibit and host heritage events. 

Hiking Trails

• Tumacacori National Historical Park Trail

  This trail enables you to walk from Tumacacori National Historical Park to the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park. The landscape and historical sites allow you to enjoy a similar experience to the Anza travelers, who trekked the route more than 235 years ago. You can take in the lush surroundings of mesquite bosques and cottonwood-willow riparian forest as you hike along the Santa Cruz River. 

  Location

  1891 1-19 Frontage Road, Tumacacori, AZ 85640

  Length

  6 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Griffith Park Trails

  The trail covering Griffith Park supports running and hiking, allowing you to get some serious exercise. You can also ride a horse along this pathway for a unique and fun trip along this Anza Trail segment. Besides, you can walk along areas shaded by ancient sycamores and heritage oaks as you look at the remnants of oak woodland communities. 

  Location

  4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027

  Length

  4 miles

  Intensity

  Easy to Intermediate

Sightseeing

• El Pueblo de Los Angeles

  This cultural hub in downtown Los Angeles includes various historical sites, including La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, where you can view different cultural exhibitions. In addition, the location offers free museums where you can learn more about the city's multicultural history. You can also get a Los Angeles experience at the world-famous Olvera Street, a Mexican marketplace featuring colorfully painted walls, gift shops, street vendors, and old structures. 

  Location

  125 Paseo de la Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012

• West Wetlands Park

  You can enjoy a trip to the West Wetlands Park along the Colorado River, including some boat rides along the river. The public park features a play area with sizeable castles where kids can have fun. Moreover, you can extend your visit to the nearby Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area and find out about the city's historical significance to America.

  Location

  282 N 12th Avenue, Yuma, AZ 85364

Museums

• Pimeria Alta Museum

  You can learn about Nogales' rich history and see how trade led to the city's establishment at this site. This museum has some well-preserved artifacts from northern Sonora in Mexico and the southern Arizona region, making it an exciting place to go with kids and friends. You can enjoy a fascinating look at the past by touring the former jail cells and viewing a hand-drawn and manual-pumper fire truck. 

  Location

  136 N Grand Avenue, Old Town Hall, Nogales, AZ 85621

• Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

  The museum has exhibitions covering the region's natural history, including insect, bird, and mammal displays. You can get information on the area's Native American history and its cultural influence. This location has a Sea Center where you can explore and discover various marvels of marine life. 

  Location

  2559 Puesta Del Sol, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Only In San Francisco

  Only In San Francisco is a store featuring San Francisco-centric items to commemorate a fantastic Anza Trail tour. You can also get stylish apparel for men and women. The shop has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, making it welcoming to all visitors. 

  Location

  39 Pier #A01, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133

• Mariposa Shopping Center

  Mariposa Shopping Center has two strip malls sharing a parking lot. Among other shops, you can find a supermarket to purchase supplies before starting or continuing on your journey along the Anza Trail. This mall also has footwear stores where you can get a pair of hiking boots for your trip along Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. 

  Location

  230 W Mariposa Road, Nogales, AZ 85621

• Feast

  Feast offers a relaxing dining experience that can provide a nice break to your busy vacation. The restaurant also offers lunch and dinner with curbside pickup and takeaway services if you'd rather take your food and go. 

  Location

  3719 E Speedway Boulevard, Tucson, AZ 85716

• Say Sushi

  Say Sushi has a Japanese menu that attracts tourists and locals seeking a new dining experience. You can take your companions to this restaurant and enjoy Asian dishes such as sashimi, nigiri, and coconut shrimp. There are also vegetarian options on the menu. 

  Location

  21101 N John Wayne Parkway E103, Maricopa, AZ 85138

How To Get To Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

From Tucson International Airport, drive to I-10 from E Benson Highway and S Tucson Boulevard. Continue along I-10 W to E Pinal Airpark Road and take Exit 232. Drive to N Trico Road to Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. 

The Anza Trail runs across 20 counties in Arizona and California, with each site having independent fees and working hours. You can access the trail's administrative office on weekdays year-round, except when it closes on New Year's Day, Independence Day, and Christmas Day. 

Address

404 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 300, Richmond, CA 94804

Fee: Entry fee

Additional fees may vary at different sites along the trail.

The Anza Trail enables you to retrace a famous 18th-century expedition. During your trip, you can appreciate scenic views and visit historic locations exhibiting the migrants' cultural heritage and learn how they carved their story in American history. An RV is an excellent way of experiencing the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, which spans over 1,000 miles from Arizona to California. RV users can get the perfect combination of exercise and relaxation by walking on designated routes and driving on specific motor-friendly paths along the Anza Trail.