There are many popular attractions in Hollister. Hollister Hills caters primarily to motorcyclists, ATV riders and four-wheelers, but picnic and camping facilities are also available. The site is located in the Gabilan Mountains with elevations ranging from 660 to 2,425 feet. In total the site has over 85 miles of trails, plus hill climbs, motocross tracks, a mini-bike trail and mini-track.

The Pinnacles National Monument is located on the site of an ancient volcano in the Gabilan Mountains. The site is known for the stunning contradiction of its landscape. Sheer-walled canyons and massive blocks of stone are peppered with colorful wildflowers in the spring. The rock formations are popular amongst experienced climbers and there are more than 30 miles of trails available to hikers. The more adventurous hiker may bring a flashlight to visit Balconies Cave and Bear Gulch Cave. The Bear Gulch Cave is closed seasonally when the Townsend’s Big-eared Bat is hibernating. The Balconies, a talus cave, is usually open year-round. The Pinnacles facility is also very popular with bird watchers.

Boaters, anglers and windsurfers will enjoy the San Justo Reservoir. The lake is well suited for smaller sailboats and beginning windsurfers. There are also picnic and barbecue facilities on site, as well as mountain biking trails that run around the lake.

The Thousand Trails Campground is a members-only facility located approximately 14 miles south of Hollister. Fishing lakes, golf courses and hiking trails are all located nearby. The facility offers 435 full hook-ups, an adult lodge, basketball and volleyball courts, play areas for children, laundry facilities, a nature center, family center and swimming pool.

History and art enthusiasts appreciate San Juan Bautista, a small town known for its turn-of-the-century ambience. Populated with boutiques, art studios and restaurants – and lacking fast food joints and strip malls – San Juan Bautista is sure to be a relaxing destination. The town’s shops retail a variety of unique items, including jewelry, artwork and local artifacts. One may take a horse and buggy ride around town, or simply enjoy the historic architecture on foot.

For the more social-minded, Hollister has a number community groups that cater to a variety of interests. Many of these groups manage the annual events, which bring residents closer together and draw in visitors from surrounding communities. The Hollister Downtown Association puts on an annual street festival in the downtown district to celebrate local dining, artwork and music. The County Fair, Summer Street Festival and the Annual Lights On Celebration are also popular events.

The Gabilan Course has been the site of several tournaments, including the qualifiers for the 1996 and 1997 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am Event.