Posted: Thursday, Aug 11th, 2016
Updated: Wednesday, Aug 11th, 2021
California’s Historic Mission Trail
by Visit Ventura
El Camino Real connecting each of California’s 21 missions along 600 miles between San Diego and Sonoma, makes up one of the most well-preserved culturally and historically significant trails on the West Coast. The missions were built between 1769 and 1823 and remain active churches today. They are open to visitors who can explore a part of California’s modern history, admire beautiful architecture, and plan a scenic road-trip along El Camino Real and California’s iconic Highway 1.Check out the missions from San Diego to Sonoma:
1. Mission San Diego de Alcalá
This was the very first mission in Alta California, founded in San Diego in 1769
Image by Prayitno
2. Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo
Founded in Carmel in 1770 the second of the California Missions to be established. The location where Father Junipero Serra died in 1984.
Image by Rictor Norton & David Allen
3. Mission San Antonio de Padua
Founded in Jolon in 1771.
Image by Ed Bierman
4. Mission San Gabriel Arcangel
Founded in San Gabriel in 1771.
Image by Michael de la Paz
5. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
Founded in San Luis Obispo in 1772.
Image by Kristin McLatchie
6. Mission San Francisco de Asís (Mission Dolores)
Founded in San Francisco in 1776View this post on Instagram
7. Mission San Juan Capistrano
Founded in San Juan Capistrano in 1776
Image by Jeffrey Tucker
8. Mission Santa Clara de Asís
Founded in Santa Clara in 1777.
9. Mission San Buenaventura
Founded in Ventura in 1782
10. Mission Santa Barbara
Founded in Santa Barbara in 1786
Image by Harold Litwiler
11. Mission La Purísima Concepción
Founded in Lompoc in 1787View this post on Instagram
12. Mission La Exaltación de la Santa Cruz
Founded in Santa Cruz in 1791
Image by Ed Bierman
13. Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad
Founded in Soledad in 1791
Image byKristina DC Hoeppner
14. Mission San José
Founded in Fremont 1797
Image by Robert Freiberger
15. Mission San Juan Bautista
Founded in San Juan Bautista in 1797
Image by Anna Fox
16. Mission San Miguel Arcángel
Founded in San Miguel in 1797
Image by Prayitno
17. Mission San Fernando Rey de España
Founded in Mission Hills in 1797View this post on Instagram
18. Mission San Luis Rey de Francia
Founded in San Luis Rey in 1798
Image by Ken Lund
19. Mission Santa Ines
Founded in Solvang in 1804
Image by Kristina DC Hoeppner
20. Mission San Rafael Arcángel
Founded in San Rafael in 1817View this post on Instagram
21. Mission San Francisco Solano
This was the last mission built, and the only one founded under Mexican rule. Founded in Sonoma in 1823
Image by Bryce Edwards
Road trip anyone?
Discover More
Get to know Ventura, and discover the best things to do around the city.
Family Field Trip to The Old Mission San Buenaventura
Ventura trivia that’ll make you go “hmm…”
California Central Coast Missions Trail
History
Historic Sites & Attractions in Ventura, California
“El Camino Real” Mural on Exhibit at San Buenaventura Mission
Get Inspired 
Inspiration Guide
View the current Ventura Inspiration Guide online. And prepare to be INSPIRED.
Be in the know
Visit VenturaMonthly Newsletter
Sign up for everything you need to know; from new hikes, to new restaurants, to upcoming festivals, music, and entertainment.
Ventura Partners With
