All 21 of them are open to visitors and feature a gift shop and museum, and most of them hold mass on Sundays (or even daily). Read on to learn the unique features to see at each mission, listed here from south to north. 1. Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá, San Diego.

Currently, most missions are Roman Catholic parishes, and some are state parks. All of the missions were in ruin at one time but have since been restored or reconstructed. Landmarks in California were sometimes named by the Spanish after the saint whose feast day was closest to the day of discovery.

Jan 12, 2025 · Today many of the mission churches function as active parish churches. California’s missions, as some of the state’s oldest structures, are popular destinations for visitors that want to learn about California’s mission era and experience some of the art, architecture, and gardens of the time.

From San Diego to Sonoma, 21 missions create a unique trail of history across California. The red wax seals on the map bear the brands used by each of the California missions. Click here to see a video tour of each of the California Missions.

The twenty-one California Missions, from the time when Spain controlled California, are some of the oldest pieces of history you can visit in the entire United States. A road trip to see all of them will take you over 600 miles from San Diego to Sonoma, and it will provide a plethora of adventure, history, and fun for the whole family.

Named for Louis IX, the crusading King of France, the cross-shaped church was dedicated on the Feast of St. Anthony in 1798 by Father Lasuen. Architecturally the most graceful of California's missions, it has been restored according to the original plans and designs.

Oct 18, 2021 · Set amongst beautiful grounds, this California mission church is one of the most picturesque sites in California. With ruins of the Great Stone Church still visible, it’s well worth the visit. If you come early enough, you can take part in one of …

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa: Located in the center of downtown, this is one of the famous California Missions founded by Fr. Junipero Serra. The Mission in San Luis Obispo was founded in 1772 and restored fully in 1930s.

Map of the missions of southern California - 21 historic Spanish churches, from San Diego northwards to Sonoma, near San Francisco Home | Parks | Trails | Plants | Canyons Maps | Landscapes | Site Map | Whats New? |

All of these California missions are now state historic monuments that are available for the public to visit. Many are active Catholic churches that still have mass regularly, but all the missions are open to self-guided tours, most of them seven days a week.