St Francis retreat center is located on the outskirts of the historic and quaint town of San Juan Bautista. A convenient 45 minute distance south of San Jose, or east from the Monterey Bay cities and West of I-5 and points in the Central Valley. We are nestled in the spacious, wooded hillsides on a 73-acre site, with a small lake and vistas overlooking the San Juan Valley. This beautiful, natural setting offers peace and serenity to all our guests.

The original ranch house, which is central to the beauty and charm of the retreat center, was built in the 1860s. Various families lived here until 1947, when the Franciscans purchased the property for the purpose of creating a retreat house. For fifty years now countless thousands of retreatants and visitors have found this to be a very special place.

The ranch house now houses administrative offices, a major conference room, kitchen facilities and the dining rooms. The original dining room provides a historic ambiance, where quality wholesome meals are provided.

Since 1947, two additional facilities have been added to increase the capacity and flexibility of the retreat center. A large chapel, ample conference rooms and expanded retreatant quarters provide for a wide variety of needs.

Features:

• Meeting/conference rooms for groups from 5-150
• Guest rooms, each with two beds (some queen size) and private baths. Linens provided.
• The Casita, our little house at the end of the lake with 11 bedrooms, for 20 guests, 7 baths, and a large living room and kitchen for coffee and snacks.
• A large chapel - up to 150 people - for prayer and worship services.
• Spacious grounds - a four acre lake - and a haven for a wide variety of birds and wild life.
• Quality meals, friendly staff, gift and book shop, volleyball and basketball court.
• To promote an atmosphere of quiet there are no telephones or TVs in the guest rooms. Public pay phones are available in the Ranch House lobby.
• Some AV equipment is available for use.