 El Camino Real and
the Spanish Missions in California
From their humble, thatch-roofed beginnings to the stately adobes we see today, the missions
represent a dynamic chapter of California's past. By the time the last mission was built in 1823, the Golden State
had grown from an untamed wilderness to a thriving agricultural frontier on the verge of American statehood.
The 21 missions that comprise California's historic mission trail are all located on or near Highway 101, which
roughly traces El Camino Real (The Royal Road) named in honor of the Spanish monarchy which financed the expeditions
into California in the quest for empire. From San Diego to Los Angeles, the historic highway is now known as Interstate
5. From Santa Clarita to San Francisco, the road is called State Highway 82. North of San Francisco,  Highway 101 again picks up the trail
to the mission at San Rafael. From there, State Highway 37 leads to the last mission at Sonoma.
The first leg of El Camino Real was forged by General Gaspar de Portola on his journey from San Diego to find Monterey
Bay. Tracing his path, missionaries, colonists and soldiers all traveled its dusty stretches; it was the only road
 between the few civilized outposts. The road was later identified with the missions because the padres
maintained the roadway and offered hospitable lodging to all. It served as the north-south stagecoach route after
California became a state in 1850, and in the 1920s bronze mission bells were placed along the highway to let motorists
know they were traveling the historic El Camino Real.
Largely reconstructed after the ravages of time, weather, earthquakes and neglect, most of the missions still operate
as active Catholic parishes, with regularly scheduled services. Booklets for self-guided tours are usually available;
hours of operation and fees may vary.
Traveling from south to north from San Diego to Sonoma the missions are as follows:
 San Diego de Alcala, 1st mission
The mission trail in California began here on July 16, 1769, when Fathers Serra, Palou and Parron dug a hole eight
feet into the beachhead near the mouth of the San Diego River and planted a large cross. A bell was suspended from
the limb of a nearby tree and the site was dedicated to St. Didacus. Today, the mission's own priests bless the
trio of bells which ring each Sunday before mass. Bougainvillea cascades over adobe walls surrounding the gardens
and California's first historic cemetery. The gardens contain centuries-old hibiscus, succulents, olive trees,
citrus and avocado.
10818 San Diego Mission Rd., San Diego, 92108-2429, (619) 281-8449
San Luis Rey de Francia, 18th mission
Known as the King of the Missions, San Luis Rey de Francia lies in a sheltered valley just east of Oceanside on
State Highway 76. 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. Today the mission gardens include a fruit orchard where
California's first pepper tree still grows. The church, which seats 1,000, is adjacent to a six-acre enclosed central
square that includes a sunken garden, elaborate stone terrace and octagonal mortuary chapel.
4050 Mission Ave., San Luis Rey, 92068, (760) 757-3651
San Juan Capistrano, 7th mission
Named for Crusader Saint John of Capistrano and designed in the shape of a cross, the great stone church once held
seven domes and a bell tower so tall it could be seen from ten miles away. Severely damaged by an 1812 earthquake,
the ruins are currently being preserved by archaeologists and engineers. Ivy covers the broken walls, willows sway
over the fountain in the quadrangle and orange Birds of Paradise grace the mission gardens. A gilded altarpiece
illuminates the Serra Chapel of 1777, the oldest building still in use in California and the only surviving church
where Father Serra said mass. Each year on St. Joseph's Day, March 19, the mission celebrates the return of the
cliff swallows from Argentina with a traditional Mexican fiesta.
Ortega Hwy. at Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 92693, (949) 248-2049
San Gabriel Arcangel, 4th mission.
Founded in 1771 by Junipero Serra, this fortress-like structure with five-foot thick walls and narrow windows is
a design not found in any other mission. Located nine miles east of downtown Los Angeles, at one time it covered
several hundred thousand acres; one fourth of the wealth of California missions in stock and grain was credited
to San Gabriel. The original vaulted roof was of a Moorish design patterned after the cathedral at Cordova, Spain,
with slender capped buttresses and a six-belled campanario. One bell, which weighs a ton, can be heard eight miles
away. The hammered copper baptismal font was a gift of King Carlos III of Spain and the six priceless altar statues
were brought around the Horn from Spain in 1791. The winery, kitchen gardens and graveyard are still intact and
the museum exhibits old books, Indian paintings and parchments.
537 W. Mission Dr., San Gabriel, 91776, (626) 282-5191
San Buenaventura, 9th mission
The ninth mission in the chain was founded on Easter Sunday in 1782 by Father Serra and dedicated to St. Bonaventure.
It was the last mission the humble priest would christen. Restored in 1957, the facade exhibits an unusual triangular
design which opens into the gardens. A museum exhibits artifacts that include two old wooden bells, the only ones
of their type known in California. Situated three blocks from the ocean, the mission fronts on the main street
of Ventura.
225 E. Main St., Ventura, 93001, (805) 648-4496
San Fernando Rey de Espana, 17th mission
Father Lasuen named this mission in honor of King Ferdinand III of Spain in 1797. Located 25 miles north of Los
Angeles in the San Fernando Valley, the convento is the largest freestanding adobe in California, and was originally
used as a hospice for travelers. Today, the church, school, convento and workshops have all been restored to their
original purposes and are open for viewing. Above the church alter is a statue of Saint Ferdinand brought from
Spain 300 years ago. In the old mission plaza sits the original flower-shaped fountain.
15151 San Fernando Mission Blvd., Mission Hills, 91345, (818) 361-0186
 Santa Barbara, 10th mission
Founded in 1786, the "Queen of the Missions" was the first to be christened by Father Lasuen, and has
continuously served as a parish church for the local population since its founding. The church was destroyed in
1925 by earthquake; however, restorations have returned it to its original grandeur of wrought iron, terrra cotta
and carved wood. Patterned after an ancient Latin chapel in pre-Christian Rome, its twin bell towers and Doric
facade present an imposing impression of strength. Located on a hilltop overlooking the city, the mission provides
a spectacular view of the ocean. The museum contains a vast store of historical material and displays many original
items.
2201 Laguna St., Santa Barbara, 93105, (805) 682-4713
Santa Ines, 19th mission
Named for a 13 year-old Roman martyr, St. Agnes, who refused to sacrafice to the pagan gods in 304 AD, Santa Ines
was dedicated in 1804 by Father Estevan Tapis. Amazingly, it survived the numerous earthquakes. The museum contains
a notable collection of vestments, church records and missals, and the church displays some of the original decorations
on a wall behind the alter. A historic grape arbor shelters a walkway that transports the visitor back in time,
emerging in the lovely gardens that appear today much as they did nearly 200 years ago.
1760 Mission Dr., Solvang, CA 93463, Solvang, 93464, (805) 688-4815
La Purisima Conception, 11th mission
Founded in 1787 by Father Lasuen the mission is located 50 miles west of Santa Barbara. Considered to be the best
example of mission architecture, it has 37 rooms that have been completely restored and furnished. Volunteers perform
living history demonstrations of mission life such as candle making and weaving. In the garden area, water flows
through a series of pools and a fountain before passing through the lavandareas where the mission women washed
clothes. Plants were brought from the 20 other mission gardens to form one of the finest collections of early California
flora in existence. Horses, cattle, burros and the four-horned Churro sheep graze in the quiet pastures.
2295 Purisima Rd., Lompoc, 93436, (805) 733-3713
San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 5th mission
The humble chapel built of logs was dedicated to St. Louis, Bishop of Tolosa in 1772, and was the first mission
to use tiles extensively on the roof due to repeated attacks by Indians who used flaming arrows to ignite the original
thatched roof. Situated in the fertile, well-watered Valley of the Bears, the mission produced an abundance of
crops, and two water-powered grist mills processed foods normally ground by hand. The mission underwent an extensive
restoration program in the 1930's and today welcomes visitors to its nearly-original condition. The museum features
a rare collection of early California photographs, authentic Serra relics and specimens of Chumash Indian craftsmanship.
782 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 93401, (805) 543-6850
San Miguel Archangel, 16th mission
Founded in 1797 by Father Lasuen to complete the mission chain from San Luis Obispo to Mission Dolores in San Francisco,
San Miguel was located in the Salinas Valley as a mid point between the San Luis Obispo and San Antonio Missions.
Under the direction of Esteban Munros, the Indians painted the walls and ceilings with ornate designs; the original
murals are today the best preserved in California. San Miguel had no bell tower, its 2,000 lb. bell rang out from
a wooden platform in front of the mission and now sits in its own campanario behind the church. The mission has
an annual fiesta on the third Sunday in September to celebrate the Feast Day of its patron, Saint Michael, chief
of the Archangels and Prince of the Heavenly Armies.
801 Mission St., San Miguel, 93451, (805) 467-3256
San Antonia de Padua, 3rd mission
Located 40 miles north of Paso Robles this picturesque mission is nestled in the grasslands and oak trees of the
San Antonio Valley. Named for a saint known as the 'miracle worker', it was dedicated in 1771 by Father Serra.
The church is known for its campanario and archway bells, and is today largely restored to its original condition.
The fertile soil, water and climate produced excellent wheat and pasture for herds of cattle and horses. The valley
comes alive with wildflowers each spring when poppies, lupines and the Golden Blazing Star begin to bloom.
Mission Creek Rd., Jolon, 93928, (831) 385-4478
Nuestra Senora de la Soledad, 13th mission
The padres named this mission for Our Lady of Solitude in 1791, which fits the isolated location of Soledad. Settled
next to the Salinas River in the pastures and rolling hills 45 miles south of Monterrey, this lonely outpost was
cold, damp and frequently whipped by winds. The soil was rich and the water plentiful however, and by 1805 Soledad
was producing more than 100,000 bushels of wheat per year, owned nearly 17,000 head of livestock, and had become
well-known for its hospitality. The chapel and one wing of the quadrangle have been completely restored and the
church still has the original title floor. A small museum is housed is the quadrangle.
36641 Ft. Romie Rd., Soledad, 93960, (831) 678-2586
 San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, 2nd mission
Founded by Father Serra in 1770 on Pentecost Sunday, this m ission was considered to be his favorite, and both
he and Father Lasuen are buried here. It served as the ecclesiastical capital of California and also as Father
Serra's headquarters for administrative duties as presidente of the missions. Set against the sea and mountains
115 miles south of San Francisco, this beautiful mission presents the complete quadrangle courtyard typical of
mission architecture. The architecture is Moorish in design and the facade holds a star-shaped window directly
above the main entrance. The gardens include culinary and medicinal herbs, citrus and olive trees, roses, Mexican
sage and bougainvillea.
3080 Rio Rd., Carmel, 93923, (831) 624-3600
San Juan Bautista, 15th mission
Founded by Father Lasuen in 1797 this mission was unwittingly located directly above the San Andreas fault. Much
of the original structure remains and has been restored to once again be the largest California mission church
and the only one with three aisles. It was named for John the Baptist. Musical arts were taught here and the mission
owned many instruments, which the Indians readily took to. Father Tapis developed a colored musical notation system
and taught the Indians to read music as well as play it. Some of the parchments with colored notations still survive
and the reredos behind the alter is so well-preserved that the paint is still brilliant.
Second and Mariposa Sts. in San Juan Bautista, 95045, (831) 623-4528
Santa Cruz, 12th mission
Although the soil was excellent and the location ideal, this mission never reached its potential. The dedication
of Mission la Exaltacion de la Santa Cruz was made in 1791 by Father Lasuen at a site that was unfortunately located
next to Branciforte pueblo, a community of ex-convicts and thieves. Shaken by earthquakes and frustrated by the
influence and behavior of the colonists, the padres abandoned the mission. The chapel was eventually rebuilt to
service the town that had grown up around the mission plaza, and today a half-scale replica of the 1794 Santa Cruz
Mission Church sits about seventy-five yards from the original site.
126 High St., Santa Cruz, 95060, (831) 426-5686
Santa Clara de Asis, 8th mission
Located on the Guadeloupe River, the log chapel was founded in 1777 by Father Serra in honor of St. Clare only
three months before his death. In 1851 the work began which ultimately produced Santa Clara University as we know
it today. Located about 40 miles south of San Francisco, the main garden is devoted to tree roses, a mission tradition,
and the string of willows planted along the miles between the mission and the pueblo of San Jose is today a well-traveled
San Jose street known as The Alameda. Some initial mission walls exist and the bell tower holds the original bells
sent from Spain. The University is rich in relics of the mission with a library of notable archival material.
500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 95953, (408) 554-4023
San Jose, 14th mission
The most recent mission to have its church restored, the work truly captures the look and feel of its 1830's prosperity.
Founded in 1797 by Father Lasuen, the fertile site was chosen because of its view of Mission Dolores and Yerba
Buena Island. At one time the mission lands reached north almost to Oakland and east to include the Sacramento
Delta. The mission was named after Joseph, spouse of Mary and while nothing remains of the original church, the
$5 million remodel has closely reproduced the 1809 structure. A parish church now stands on the site with relics
including a hammered baptismal font, altar bells and vestiments
43300 Mission Blvd., Fremont, 94539, (510) 657-1797
San Francisco de Asis, Mission Dolores 6th mission
On a site selected by Juan Bautista de Anza, the first mission church was a 50-foot long log and mud structure
that was eventually moved to higher ground, adjacent to Lake Dolores which gives it its second name, Mission Dolores.
Dedicated to Saint Francis by Father Serra in 1776, today the mission sits in the heart of San Francisco and is
the oldest building in the city. Much of the original church interior is intact and the guilded reredos and colorful
wall paintings are good examples of early California art.
3321 16th St., San Francisco, 94114, (415) 621-8203
San Rafael Arcangel, 20th mission
This mission is located 20 miles north of San Francisco at the foot of Mount Tamalpais. It was established as a
sanitarium and hospital for San Francisco neophytes suffering from depression and disease. The one padre in California
who had medical training, Luis Gil y Taboado was so successful that other missions soon began sending their sick
Indians. Within five years it was raised to full mission status and dedicated to the patron of health in 1817.
The small church with star windows was modeled after Carmel, however the structure was torn down in 1870 to be
used for firewood. Today a chapel at the site duplicates most of the original mission church.
1104 Fifth Ave., San Rafael, 94901, (415) 454-8141
San Francisco Solano, 21st mission
Founded in 1823 on July 4 by Father Jose Altimira, this historic mission is the site of the Bear Flag Revolt and
the effort to establish the Republic of California in 1846. The church seen today is a parish church built in 1840;
the original was mostly washed away by a tremendous thunderstorm. A small portion of the original quadrangle exists,
and the world-famous Sebastiani Vineyards include much of the original mission vineyard. The annual Vintage Festival
is the oldest in the state, and each year the blessing of the grapes is performed by a Franciscan priest in front
of the mission. A small museum is housed in the former padres wing with a display of California mission paintings.
20 E. Spain St., Sonoma, 95476, (707) 938-1519
Source: California Travel & Tourism Commission. All rights reserved.
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