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 17692. 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 1984.3. Mission San Antonio de Padua
Founded in Jolon in 1771.4. Mission San Gabriel Arcangel
Founded in San Gabriel in 1771.5. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
Founded in San Luis Obispo in 1772.6. 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 17768. Mission Santa Clara de Asís
Founded in Santa Clara in 1777.9. Mission San Buenaventura
Founded in Ventura in 178210. Mission Santa Barbara
Founded in Santa Barbara in 178611. 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 179113. Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad
Founded in Soledad in 179114. Mission San José
Founded in Fremont 179715. Mission San Juan Bautista
Founded in San Juan Bautista in 179716. Mission San Miguel Arcángel
Founded in San Miguel in 179717. 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 179819. Mission Santa Ines
Founded in Solvang in 180420. 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 1823Road trip anyone?
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