Tres Pinos: History and Hang Gliding
Accommodation in Tres Pinos
Tres Pinos offers several distinct reasons to visit: the Historical Village, local and church history, mementos from equestrian sports, and a training area for hang gliding. When choosing a hotel for your stay, you can first consider which of these themes you want to shape your itinerary. For scheduled openings and directions to the flying area, it is advisable to confirm details before your trip.
Historical Village and Model Railroads
The Historical Village is located in the San Benito County Historical and Recreational Park at 8300 Airline Highway in Tres Pinos, one mile south of downtown. The site includes a diverse collection of historic buildings and artifacts. You may be interested in both the historic structures and the items in the collection.
The San Juan Pacific Model Railroad Club’s exhibit in the Ferrando House features tracks that run through three rooms. The historical society lists Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. as the opening hours for the San Juan Pacific Model Train Exhibit; check the hours before you arrive.
Railroad and Church History
The railroad reached Tres Pinos in 1873, making the town a shipping point for grain and livestock from the valley. The railway thus played a specific role in transporting these products. The history of Immaculate Conception Church has different milestones: the first Mass was celebrated at daybreak on December 8, 1892. In 1904, Tres Pinos became an independent parish under the name Immaculate Conception; Rev. Emile Cota was its first pastor. This makes it possible to distinguish the railroad and shipping history from the later development of the parish.
Museum and San Benito County Fair
The Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo Museum was founded in 1991 by the Saddle Horse Show Association. It houses mementos from past years, including photographs, riding gear, saddles, and artwork by local Western artists. The collection thus combines photographic records and equipment with regional Western art.
The museum lists openings during the three days of the Saddle Horse Show, on the last full weekend in June, and on the first weekend in October for the San Benito County Fair. Confirm the dates before your trip. The Fair continues its tradition of family-friendly entertainment each year.
Grandstand Information
The Grandstand building has an integrated ticket booth, a snack bar, and two pairs of accessible restrooms. If any of these facilities are important to your plans, confirm their condition before your visit.
Hang Gliding in Tres Pinos
Tres Pinos is a hang gliding training location with practice slopes and a landing zone one mile long and half a mile wide. The operator describes the training area as gentle hills with the most consistent and reliable winds in the entire Bay Area. This identifies both the terrain and the wind conditions emphasized by the operator.
The hang gliding site near Tres Pinos can be reached via Highway 25 and Quien Sabe Road. The parking area and meeting point with the flight instructor are at the first gate on the right. Confirm these directions before you drive.
Discover more destinations: San Juan Bautista, Hollister, Paicines.
For the main travel overview: San Benito.
