Paicines originated in a community that arose on Rancho Ciénega de los Paicines, a rancho grant issued by Governor Juan Bautista Alvarado in 1842 to Ángel María Castro and José Antonio Rodríguez.

[2] Hydrologic features in the area include Tres Pinos Creek, the San Benito River, and the Paicines Reservoir.

[5] Famous people associated with Paicines include Lieutenant General Janet C. Wolfenbarger, the highest-ranking woman in the United States Air Force; her parents Eldon and Shirley Libby reside in Paicines.

[6] Charlie Root, the famous Chicago Cubs pitcher and coach, retired there to a ranch.

Actress Judy Garland (born Frances Ethel Gumm; 10 June 1922 – 22 June 1969) married her third husband, Sid Luft, at what was then known as The Law Ranch, now called The Paicines Ranch.