Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch
A visit to the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch historic area of Santa Teresa County Park immerses you in the realities of living and working on a family ranch more than 100 years ago. A self-guided walk around the area takes you back in time, by a historic ranch house, gardens and barn, all restored and equipped with furnishings and tools typical of California farm life in the early 1900’s.
Originally part of Rancho Santa Teresa, the ranch and surrounding 20-acre property are what remains of a nearly 10,000-acre parcel granted to José Joaquin Bernal by the Mexican government in 1834. While most of the original rancho parcel has been developed into suburban neighborhoods, the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch was continuously owned and worked by Bernal descendants as a family-operated ranch until 1980.
Interpretive panels throughout the area highlight the Bernal family’s history and lifestyle as well as their evolving businesses, from cattle ranching to fruit production, mirroring the Santa Clara Valley’s own expansion and changing economic base. Over the years, the ranch and adjacent spring have supported a water company, cinnabar mine, and marl (mineral fertilizer) quarry, in addition to the more lucrative cattle and agricultural operations.
Address
372 Manila Dr., San Jose, CA 95119
Park Hours
Daily, 8 am to sunset.
House Museum and Barn Exhibit Hours
Memorial Day-September 30: 11 am - 5 pm Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 am-4 pm Sundays
October 1-Memorial Day: 11 am-4 pm Saturdays and 11 am-3 pm Sundays
School programs and custom group tours are available by reservation. For more information, visit our education page .
Dogs are not allowed at the historic ranch complex. To access the trail system with your dog, use the sidewalk along Manila Drive, enter through the parking lot, turn left at the restroom, and right at the trailhead.
