Road Trip
The Ultimate California Mission Road Trip
A complete itinerary for driving El Camino Real and visiting all 21 missions—with stops for food, wine, and beaches along the way.
18 min read
History enthusiasts Road trippers Architecture lovers Photographers
21 Historic Missions Along El Camino Real
California Mission Trail
Stretching 600 miles from San Diego to Sonoma, California's 21 Spanish colonial missions represent one of America's most significant historic trails. Founded between 1769 and 1823, these missions shaped the history of the American West.
Best time: Year-round; spring (March-May) for wildflowers, fall for mild weather
600 miles, 21 missions
📚 Planning Your Visit
Destination Guide
Top 10 California Missions to Visit
Short on time? These are the most impressive, best-preserved, and most historically significant missions to prioritize.
12 min read
History
History of the California Missions
The complex history of the mission system—Spanish colonization, the Franciscan order, and the impact on Native peoples.
15 min read
⛪ The Missions
Each of California's 21 missions has its own character and history. Here are some of the most visited and best preserved.
Southern California
San Juan Capistrano
The 'Jewel of the Missions'
6 guides
Southern California
San Diego de Alcalá
First of California's missions
4 guides
Central Coast
Santa Barbara
Queen of the Missions
5 guides
Central Coast
San Carlos Borromeo (Carmel)
Father Serra's headquarters
5 guides
Central Coast
San Luis Obispo
Mission in wine country
4 guides
Bay Area
San Francisco de Asís (Mission Dolores)
San Francisco's oldest building
4 guides
Wine Country
San Francisco Solano
Northernmost and last mission
3 guides
Central Coast
La Purísima
Most fully restored mission
4 guides
💡 Practical Information
🚗 Getting Around
A car is essential for the Mission Trail. Highway 101 roughly follows El Camino Real and connects most missions. The full drive takes 10-12 hours without stops.
📅 How Long
Highlights only: 3-4 days
Most missions: 7-10 days
All 21 missions: 2+ weeks (recommended)
💰 Costs
Most missions charge $5-15 admission. Some are free. Annual passes available for state historic parks (La Purísima, Sonoma, others).
📍 Starting Points
South to North: Start in San Diego
North to South: Start in Sonoma
LA-based: Start at San Juan Capistrano
🏨 Where to Stay
Base yourself in mission towns: San Diego, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Carmel, or San Francisco for easy access to multiple missions.
📸 Best Photo Ops
Most photogenic: San Juan Capistrano, Santa Barbara, Carmel
Best gardens: San Juan Capistrano, Santa Barbara
Golden hour: West-facing missions in afternoon