Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo
A Spanish mission founded in 1771, where Father Junípero Serra, the father of California's missions, rests. Its stone church and flower-filled gardens are beautiful.
Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo was the second of California's 21 Spanish missions and the headquarters of its founder, Father Junípero Serra, who was buried inside the church after his death in 1784. The existing sandstone church was built in 1797, with a Moorish-style bell tower and star-shaped windows, and was restored in the late 19th century. The grounds include a museum, a restored room where Serra lived, California's first library, and a courtyard full of flowers. Admission is about $15. It is still an active Catholic church, so visitors are not admitted during Mass.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:30–17:00
Nearby sights
- Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Carmel Beach
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
- Pebble Beach Golf Links
- The Lone Cypress
- 17-Mile Drive
- Monterey State Historic Park
- Monterey Bay Whale Watching