Whether one is interested in architecture, history, or religion, the Mission San Antonio de Padua is an interesting destination. The Mission is remotely nested near the Santa Lucia mountains approximately 30 miles north of Paso Robles, and is another one-half hour drive off the 101 freeway on back roads. One passes through the Hunter Liggett Military Reservation near the very small village of Jolon. The isolated and picturesque area is quite different from the other established California missions. Think of the song, "Home on the Range" - "...where the deer and the antelope play"... but in this case, it is where the deer and wild pigs roam. This mission was the third of the twenty-one missions in California founded in 1771 by the Franciscans. The remote area posed many challenges over the hundreds of years it existed, a few times almost abandoned. Currently, the Mission San Antonio de Padua has a museum highlighting life from its original working days when the Salinans, an indigenous people of the area, worked with the Franciscans. There is an active parish along with a gift shop, restored buildings and a courtyard. The Mission offers cuttings of established roses and grapes for a small donation. Mission San Antonio de Padua also hosts group retreats. There are picnic tables on the grounds of this secluded mission where we enjoyed a light lunch we brought with us. Toilet facilities are limited. read more

See all

Located at the end of Mission Road in Jolon, CA. It was founded by Fr. Junipero Serra in 1761 and is the 3rd of California's 21 missions. It was quite a drive to the mission from the main road/freeway. Tours are self-guided and are free. Donations are welcomed. Their gift shop is vast with works from various local and native artists. Cash transactions are preferred, otherwise there's a fee to use credit cards. The garden is beautiful. The fountain is a soothing flow of crisp water. Staff were so helpful and knowledgeable. They conduct retreats as well. read more

See all

Going to Mission San Antonio is always like taking a trip back in time. The mission is now beautifully restored and renovated on the inside due to some earthquake damage. We had not been in the interior before so we were fascinated to see how similar it is to mission San Luis Obispo. Outdoors the garden fountain is also working and there has been new landscaping so that the entire garden is now xeriscaped. The mission roses are still there and the original mission grapes are still growing. They even offer some Grapevine cuttings for sale. This mission is one of the few that still has the original cloisters intact and the garden is completely enclosed . There's no charge for entry, but they do ask that people visiting give a donation. The mission store is also uniquely supplied by some local artisans with their crafted goods, as well as donations of craft goods from local groups. It's well worth the trip off the beaten path to see this mission . read more

See all

I stayed overnight in the retreat center and it was the most transcendent experience. $100 per person. A completely restored mission preserving the history (and not one-sided or white-washed). The museum is open until 4:00, so if you stay overnight be sure to check in by 2:00 so you have time in the museum and gift shop (bring cash for gift shop; no transaction fee). The courtyard garden was native plants and low water. Beautiful and so fragrant with rosemary and lavender, plus a gorgeous fountain. The inside of the Mission stays consistently cool no matter the weather. Heat clicks on below 67. Bring your own food and it all stays in the dining room in their fridge/freezer. There's a Keurig and pods provided, plus plasticware, paper plates/bowls and napkins and drinking water provided. BYO soap for the shower room; they provide a very nice towel and washcloth. Two single beds per room plus a sink (byo soap) and a closet; one folding chair, a luggage rack and hangers. Beds are comfy. You have the run of most of the place (except museum, gift shop, and kitchen) when you stay overnight and can access the church all night with the beautiful Gregorian chant music. Their kitchen is only available for groups but you have access to the dining hall (with fridge, freezer, microwave and Keurig), the inner garden (with two friendly black cats Hope and Joy- don't let them out of the garden!), the church and chapel and the halls of the Mission. I was the only guest (the caretaker is always there when there are guests and she is awesome). I am so looking forward to returning to this magical, peaceful place. I'm not religious but it felt very positive and reflective. Look out for rattlesnakes if you walk the property. I didn't see any but wished I'd worn boots to be safe! read more

See all

My wife and I visited this mission on a Thursday afternoon. Being that it's so far out-of-the-way , we definitely made sure to call ahead just to make sure they were open even though the hours online stated they were open. On the drive up the road is pretty maintained. There are a couple of rough patches but overall it's a pretty easy drive. I would definitely recommend downloading your directions ahead of time being that we did lose signal multiple times driving up to the mission. I would also recommend taking cash with you if you are planning on doing a donation or buying some thing in the mission store. The lady working the mission store did state that their Internet is not always reliable, which means that their card machine is not always available. The mission itself is very well maintained, and it is beautiful despite it being so remote. There is plenty to see inside inside as well as outside. read more

See all

Remote destination but peaceful drive and location Not a lot to see compared to other missions. The gift shop had some religious items but it felt more consumerist than an appreciation for art or religion. read more

Mission San Antonio de Padua - Fountain - Churches Near Me - Jolon, California

See all

Very well maintained garden and interior. it was 105° when we went there and the interior was so comfortable, it really makes you appreciate thick adobe walls. Easy to spend over an hour going through the rooms reading about the displays and seeing so many artifacts. Nice garden in the center and they do have a regular church service on Sundays. Warning that this is way off the beaten path and thus making it not crowded and generous on displays. read more

I was in California on vacation and decided to make the drive north to see my favorite of all 21 Spanish missions. San Antonio de Padua. Beautifully restored recently. The attendant in the gift shop, who is a member of the active parish, asked how long it had been since my last visit. 25 years I said, and remarked how I have never seen it look so beautiful. She replied "none of us have" and explained what went into the restoration. I made a purchase and a donation before I left. I was excited to hear that there is a retreat facility there. I would LOVE to stay there. read more

Mission San Antonio de Padua - Churches Near Me - Jolon, California

See all

I had a lovely walk around the mission. I haven't been here in a while and will recommend it, and they have a cute gift shop. You have to try cloud9 products. There are no restaurants nearby. I will probably bring something to eat, and they do have Punic tables. read more

See all

When teaching my 4th grade classroom we took a bus to visit this amazing place. Such beautiful statues adorned the place. Great little gift shop. Incredible museum with so many interesting artifacts. The local staff were so friendly and accommodating.i highly recommend visiting this historical place. read more

Attended Sunday Mass, this is a full functioning Parish so they have several masses on Sunday. The grounds are absolutely stunning. It is a privilege both historically and spiritually to have such a place still around, up and running so long. The pastor gave a most beautiful homily and the parishioners were friendly and welcoming. A must visit! read more

On our path of going to all 21 missions this year this was number, 11 of 21 for us. Frankie in the gift shop welcomed us to the mission. She shared lots of history about the mission, and gave us an overview of what we would see during self-guided tour. She was friendly and made us feel at home. Thanks Frankie! read more

Nestled far into the hills off 101 due West of Paso Robles ( 32 to be exact one way) is this gem of a Mission. Just please note, that your car should be very well padded on the seats and if you have no music to play, and are not a fan of country and country ;-) you better bring your own tunes. All I got on the radio for an hour thru those backhills was country music oh and some Mexican music. Actually the Mexican music leant very well with the almost Arizona type of desert scenery. Finally ,when you arrive, the little road that you drive up to get there leaves you in wonder. Almost untainted from the progression of the modern age nestled in the hills. You often wonder, is there any civilization living out here other than little lizards? ;-) The location, the peacefulness and its history are amazing. The museum it offers is practically unmatched, along with their gift shop. Many of the gifts offered are from local artists and help support the Mission. Also take note that personal retreats are offered here. Take a ride out here when you are in the mood, it will leave you amazed and at peace. read more

See all

The out-of-the-way mission. A thirty minute drive from the 101 through the fort Hunter-Liggett training area and you'll eventually end up at the Mission San Antonio de Padua. This mission is very unique as many of the artifacts (ruins) are all outside the actual mission walls. You'll be spending most of your time here walking around the surrounding grounds. Be sure to pick up a map because there are many places to check out all over the property. Just watch out for snakes when it's hot outside. Once you pay the donation fee you'll be granted access to the mission's large garden area, a chapel, gift shop, and a new museum room. While there has been some renovation at San Antionio de Padua it's still pretty raw overall. Some will find this to be more authentic and peaceful. Overall, this museum is a unique experience in a remote location. - The eccentric women working the gift shop might be a bit too much for some. - Rattlesnakes! - Look for Elk on the drive there. - It's out of the way and there's nothing else in the area. Always call first to make sure they're open. - One of the better mission gift shops. Tip - For some unknown reason this mission's collectors coin is not the standard coin that the other missions sell. This one is $8 compared to the $2 one that all other missions sell. read more

See all

What a beautiful Mission right next to Hunter-Liggett Army Training... The ride is well worth your time... It has a museum as well as exceptional gardens. The Gift Shop has a collection of artwork from local and California artists that they have donated as the Mission is in dire need of money. A good place to start Christmas Shopping. The rooms that overlook the beautiful garden of roses and vines apparently are available for retreats... Have not stayed yet so please inquire within. Regular Church Service on Sundays in original adobe structure... This place is a must see... read more

The forgotten mission is located about half way between highways 101 and 1. The easiest way to get here is from 101, it is about 26 miles from the highway. Located so far from the main highways and surrounded by fort Hunter-Liggett and open spaces this mission captures the feeling of early California. There were magpies singing in the trees and bathing in puddles from a recent rain. There were a few cats running about. And a gnarled 19th century olive tree is still standing. The grounds have markers where things once were. As I stood at the original dirt El Camino I was transported to two eras. The 19th century mission era and the early 20th century when William Randolph Hearst Hunting lodge (Milpitas Ranch) brought the movie elite to the area. This Julia Morgan designed building now called the Hacienda is still standing and can be visited. The mission has a wonderful rustic chapel. The rose garden that surrounds the fountain in the interior court yard was still in bloom in December. The retreat center rooms face the court yard and can be rented for a reasonable price; you don't need to be on a retreat to stay in one. The gift shop far surpassed all the shops in the missions I have visited, because they have more than the expected religious stuff. There were original art, jewelry, scarves and much more. The only thing that might stand in the way of enjoying this mission is the repairs and earthquake retrofit that is in progress. Sections of the mission are covered with blue tarps, Hearst paid the reconstruction efforts in the 1940's, now the state is insistent that the retrofit be completed or they will close the mission. It would be a shame for this mission to close it's an amazing preserved part of the history of California. read more

See all

I just seriously wished it was not inside an active military base. Barbed wires, fences and the whole military environment totally ruins the ambience of a 200 plus year old Franciscan mission. You have to go through the gate of Fort Hunter Leggit and drive through the base to get there. When we went , no guards at the gate, we didn't have to snow our identifications. But , if the guards are there, you'd have to show them your IDs. After a long drive inside the base , we finally arrived at the mission. There are quite a few historical sites spread on the large ground. We could see Junipero Serra Peak from the mission ground , there's a Indian cemetery, an olive tree planted by the padres in 1800's , ruins of irrigation system , a well, what used to be a reservoir ( dried up now ). Inside is pretty big , nicely displayed museum , a nice gift shop. A lady who works there is very friendly. I wished everything was still original but , after secularization abandonment , floods, earthquakes, wear and tear , I understand it had to go through a retrofit and restoration. Restoration is still in progress. So much history here. read more

See all

I really enjoyed my visit to this mission. It is a trek but very much worth it. I know they must have a harder time getting visitors due to the location. I called ahead to make sure they were open. It's a shame they are too slow to staff all the time. Found some great finds in the gift shop! Really awesome that it's the site of the first marriage in Califronia. read more

See all

This mission is way off the beaten track for HWY 101 drivers. The effort in restoring the buildings and the grounds is spectacular. Access can be restricted because it is located on US Gov (military) property, but the day we were there, nobody was manning the gates. This mission does the best of all the missions to show how the mission provided food and water to the area. It has many signs and information stops around the grounds. The gift shop is one of the best stocked of all the CA missions. Nice folks inside. read more

Mission San Antonio de Padua - Churches Near Me - Jolon, California

The World According to Noelle Allergic Girl's Guide to Life Mission San Antonio de Padua is located in a secluded area off the beaten path. Ages ago when the real "El Camino Real" was in use by the Spanish Missionaries the Mission wasn't far at all. As time and surrounding areas changed the Mission is now further from the highway. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - TIPS ON YOUR VISIT TO THE MISSION - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1. Do note that Mission San Antonio de Padua is located on a United States of America Military Instillation- Fort Hunter Ligget. 2. You must enter through the Military Gates to access the Mission. 3. Have proof of insurance and valid driver's licenses/identification for all passengers when traveling to the Mission. - - - - - - - - - - - - - My Experience - - - - - - - - - - - - - My husband and I on a lark decided to visit the Mission. When we arrived it was in the mid-90s and extremely hot outside. Best to wear closed toe shoes as you're parking on a dirt lot (which in the summer is super dusty). There was no guard at the gate and there was a sign to indicate to drive through. We arrived at the Mission and walked around. The surrounding grounds and garden area was beautiful. The gift shop was well stocked. The actual Mission itself was dark inside (as most Missions are) but it was beautiful- standard communion/altar rail, baptismal font in the near the communion/altar rail on the right side of the church. Candle area to light at the back (provided with your $5 donation) and they provide a lighter instead of match which is most convenient. Mission San Antonio de Padua has mass every Sunday at 9 A.M.- they have a small but active Catholic Community. No Latin Mass service offered. Beautiful Mission but if we visit again it will definitely not be in the summertime. read more

Mission is appx. 25 miles off the 101 freeway. It is isolated. You need go through the entrance of the Army Reserve to get to the destination. When you see a white building on top of a hill, that's not it... keep going and it will be on your left hand side. The sign is not that big, it leads you to a dirt road. The gift store is pretty big vs other mission gift stores. Majority of the sites are spread within the property of the mission, so there is alot of walking ****take comfortable shoes and plenty of water **** I did not see a bathroom inside, but in the parking lot, there are portable bathrooms read more

See all

A beautiful mission in a serene setting. Numerous historical signs point out aqueducts, wells, and an old mill, plus the lovely arcade and courtyard make it worth the drive around the military property, with no need to go through the check point. read more

See all

What a beautiful treasure and really cool experience. This has quickly become my favorite mission in the Californias. The fact that it is a little remote put me off for a while but I am stoked to have finally make it. I also think a little bit of study on the mission system and previously visiting some of the smaller missions made this experience so cool. On the map it looks like the mission is on a military base. And you have to drive through a couple of currently unmanned check points. The mission itself is right next to, not actually inside of, a military base. It is a really beautiful drive coming in and the military base has helped preserve the natural beauty of the area. It probably looks similiar to what it did back in the 18th century. The mission and church are humble, but have barely changed in the past 2 centuries. They still have mass every Sunday but because of the location the parish community is shrinking. They have some cool events. A wine tasting dinner thing, and a rose bush clipping thing in the spring time. If you really want some California history growing in your garden there is nothing like a strain of roses that goes back to the Spanish conquista. This place is a must see! read more

See all

Out of the 12 Missions I've visited, this is by far one of the coolest ones I've seen. It has a certain creep factor to it, as it stands as the 3rd CA mission and (don't quote me on this), but is one of the missions that still has a lot of the original building still standing. Plus, there is an underground cellar that just screams part-in-a-scary-movie-when-the-hero-explores-really-dark-places. It's so unfortunate that this mission is so far away that I feel like it is often passed over (it doesn't really help that it's in the middle of an Army training facility, so it has an intimidating entrance). Apparently, there's some new CA mandate that is requiring all the buildings to have an earthquake-safe infrastructure, which is costing the missions $15M dollars that they have to raise. With only 33 families attending service regularly at this mission, I can imagine how difficult it will be to raise this exorbitant amount of money. There's so much to see and experience here; whether it's meeting a special cat that resides here (with a great story behind him), to seeing some of the paintings from the late 1600s hung up on the walls, this is definitely a great place to check out. Take some time to check this place out. Totally worth the short detour! read more

3 rd mission in the California mission chain. Least visited mission since it's on Army base. Nicely restored and preserved. Built in 1771 by Franciscan explorer. read more

See all

Beautiful Mission. Enjoyed Mass today with students preparing for Confirmation. Nice place for a weekend retreat. Be sure to visit the souvenir shop. Local artisans displaying their works with many donating 100% of their proceeds to the Mission. They even have overnight lodging by reservations only (Catholic or not, everyone is invited ie $60 a person per nite). Beware of the 25 mph signs. Watch for deer. A beautiful drive and beautiful place to visit. read more

Mission San Antonio de Padua - Inside the Chapel. - Churches Near Me - Jolon, California

This California mission is the most remote, sitting 26 miles from Hwy 101 on an Army Base. The mission is in a state of reconstruction so there is little to see except the chapel, courtyard, and gift shop. The gift shop is a hodgepodge of kitsch. Very little about mission life. Restrooms are portapotties in the parking lot. read more

We were married here in October 2007, so of course I'm giving it 5 stars! The garden is gorgeous and peaceful with poplar trees lining the covered walkways. The museum is simple but well rounded, the church serene, as it should be. Mission San Antonio de Padua is the site of the first Catholic wedding in California, and weddings started being performed there again during 2007. If you can, try to visit the restaurant at the Hacienda, which has an incredible mural. The hacienda may or may not be open to guests (military permitting), so do call if you'd like to stay there. The Hacienda was built by Hearst as a hunting lodge, but never used as such. Renovations to the mission were partially funded by the Hearst family before the land was sold to the US Army. As with what the others mentioned, make sure that everyone has an ID, license, and registration, otherwise Homeland Security will turn you away. We warned people about this so many times (website, email, postcards, verbally), but one family was turned away after driving 500 miles. Cell phones won't work either. I uploaded the postcard we put together with directions on how to get there--the mileage points really do help. As an additional note: when you first get off of the highway, there's a gas station. Just in case you get lost (and even if you don't), it's a good idea to fill up here. I've been lost in this area before, and with cell phone coverage being non-existant, the last thing you need is to be out of gas and lost on top of it. read more

See all

St. Anthony of Padua is famous for helping people find lost objects. How fitting, then, that the mission named for him requires an invocation of him. It's tucked within Fort Hunter-Liggett, alongside the adventurous Nacimiento-Fergusson Road that's currently the lifeline for Big Sur. As you contemplate the Santa Lucia Mountains&Serra Peak, one can envision Big Sur with its plunging Pacific views on the other side. Mission San Antonio is currently having its indoor museum renovated. However, there is plenty to see in the great outdoors, from the grist mill&the enigmatic Indian cemetery, to the threshing floor&the mainly intact aqueducts... a feat of engineering. The church itself is beautiful, with an oak motif- it is in the Valley of the Oaks. They have an extensive gift shop, highlighting local artists&you can contribute to the earthquake retrofit fund. It's a destination in itself, since it's the site of California's first known legal wedding. Since the mission offers retreats&onsite accommodations, it's a perfect spot for a wedding/honeymoon. read more

This is the most difficult of the Spanish California missions to visit. In fact, we're not sure that it is open to non-US citizens (it is entirely enclosed by the Fort Hunter Liggett Military Reservation, a major US Army facility). But if you can get here, it is worth the effort. Its very isolation has preserved it from the depredations of developers and souvenir hunters. The mission was founded on July 14, 1771, by Father Presidente Junípero Serra (pictured). Junípero Serra established more missions in California than any other priest, and typified everything that was right and wrong about the movement. He bravely refused transport and walked the length of Alta California several times in spite of crippling injuries. He prayed mightily for the souls of native Americans, but treated them as slaves to be beaten. He undoubtedly loved his converts, but considered their massive death rate on his missions an unfortunate incidental. With few tourists, San Antonio is still a functioning Roman Catholic church. It is a typically Spanish fortified compound, simple on the outside with a lovely colonnade surrounding the inner courtyard. You can wander nearly everywhere without restriction, from the compound to the fields the natives worked and the graves where they lie buried. This is one of the quietest places we have ever seen. Most of the great cities of California started off as Spanish missions, with or without troops to protect them. Most were overwhelmed by the cities that grew up around them. San Antonio is one of the few that remains as it was - a dusty, faintly forlorn, outpost at the farthest reach of a long vanished empire. read more

Mission San Antonio de Padua - Churches Near Me - Jolon, California

When you attempt to visit Mission San Antonio de Padua, keep in mind that it is now located on Fort Hunter-Liggett, the U.S. Army's Western Training Center. You'll need proof of insurance, registration, and your license to be able to make it in, and then you must drive five miles into a military base to visit an old-looking, but well-kept mission. Make sure you have gas beforehand, as you can get gas on base, but only five gallons. The property is expansive, and beautiful, but definitely mind your p's and q's, as you're on a mothereffin' military base. SAdP is a beautiful, stately older mission steeped in history, and used to be located on the great land empire of William Randolph Hearst. The place has been almost wholly rebuilt after sliding into total disrepair between 1882-1900, and being nearly destroyed in 1906, but it's a beautiful reconstruction and lovingly done. If you feel the need to take a Narnia-like trip into the great wilds of a military base for some history, you wont' be disappointed. :) read more

California's historic Spanish missions, as they exist today, are less about preserving history than they are about living actively in the present. They are working religious centers but also prime tourist destinations, similar to churches and monasteries in Europe. None of the mission complexes themselves survived the 20th century fully intact, and all of them are silent on some of the many events that took place during the early years of Spanish colonization, Christian conversion, and daily life among the neophytes, missionaries, and various other inhabitants of these often extensive complexes of ranch lands, irrigated farm fields, residencies, grain mills, leather tanneries, and religious buildings. So, if you want history, look in the library. If you want to see what missions are doing in 2016, come and see them up close and personal! MSAdP is perhaps the most scenic of all the Central Californian missions, in part because of the beauty of the San Antonio Valley itself and surrounding Santa Lucia mountains. It is also blissfully commercial-free, since the land around it is either part of Fort Hunter-Liggett military base or the Los Padres National Forest. While you usually arrive here by exiting US-101 near King City, you should definitely head home (time permitting) by driving over the mountains to the Big Sur coast using Nacimiento-Fergusson Road, the only paved 2-lane road that will take you to US-1. The mission courtyard, replete with fountains, flower gardens, an arcaded walkway, an old well, and one of the gnarliest old mission grape vines that you are ever likely to see, is a real highlight of a visit, especially in springtime when everything is in full bloom. There are interesting ruins and burial sites to see that are easy walking from the mission itself, including information on the native communities who lived here before the Spanish arrival. Ideally, you would want to include an overnight stay at the Hacienda as part of a mission trip, and you'd want to drive to Indians Station to hike, explore the caves and sandstone formations, and possibly even attempt the summit of Junipero Serra Peak (also known as Pimkolam, and a sacred vision quest mountain for native communities who still live in the area). Seeing the mission itself is a perfectly good thing to do, regardless of your religious beliefs or views on the era in which they were built. But including the mission, the Hacienda, and the San Antonio valley all in one exploratory journey melds culture, history, and nature together in a very satisfying and memorable way. If you can't manage a spring trip in March or April, consider delaying your trip past the hot summer months to September or October, when the trees change color and the mission takes on a quieter, more windswept look than in the verdant explosion of colors in springtime. Either way, it's a quintessential Californian experience, one most definitely not to be missed, especially if you pair it with wine tastings in Monterey County (Scheid Family vineyards, for example) and a Big Sur coastal visit. While other missions may be more easily accessible, none can match the natural landscape and spiritual qualities of this spot. Visit yourself and see if you agree! read more

See all

Another old mission you might say. Well yes it is. History is made of old things, places and stories. This place is full of stories and so full of history. Father Serra founded this mission, one of the nine that he founded, here in 1771. There are 21 missions in total. The mission grounds are rather stark on the outside, but very well kept and clean. . The central garden or patio is protected from wildlife, and I am sure that is a real consideration. The Gift shop is well stocked with goodies for those of the faith, and lots of reading and viewing material as well! There is a museum and it is well kept. There are also rooms near the church that can be rented to enable first hand enjoyment of the incredibly clear skies and night howling coyotes! The chapel is small and just brings history into prospective when one considers that this was started over 200 years ago. The drive give great view of these wide open spaces. Mission San Antonio de Padua is California Historical Landmark No. 232 read more

See all

This is a great mission, one of the best. Hearst transferred the vast landholdings to the Army for training and also paid to rebuild the mission. There are lots of photos showing just how badly decomposed this mission had become. The mission was once the most mechanized enterprise in the west. There was a dam upstream and you can still see the aqueduct that brought water to a water wheel attached to a stone that was used to grind wheat and corn. That grinding area also still exists. I once had permission to hike up along the entire aqueduct to the river, but it is off-limits now. It spanned gullies with bridges (like those that served Rome). Very impressive, although vastly smaller than the mighty Roman systems. In fact, there are the remnants of lots of structures, from the graveyard to the soldier's quarters. Most missions in the less strategic locations had six soldiers and their leader, a corporal. They each had a little room, like a jail cell, and the only way in or out of the place was through the corporal's room. No sneaking out to mingle in the middle of the night. They did put down at least one Indian rebellion. If you look at Google satellite images, it looks like you can see where the original buildings were. However, I talked to a docent/historian at another mission who saw the same images and organized a dig. They found nothing. Evidently, these markings are the remnants of WWII buildings that were torn down right after the war. Speaking of war, the road into the mission is lined with motor pools full of some pretty spiffy and real expensive big military trucks, especially the very interesting high mobility vehicles. You paid for them, so you might as well take a look. We saw a huge convoy, one dedicated to engineering evidently because the trucks were carrying generators, lift-alls, bulldozers and such. Had a couple of those giant mine-resistant trucks. Even the slightest grade would cause them to shift down several gears. Real heavy, obviously. And, yes, you do have to go through the check point with proper insurance and registration, plus identification for everyone, not just the driver. They do a search, so I suggest making sure your vehicle is clean. Note that speed limits on military reservations are not just suggestions or approximate... Back at the mission, well, it is very nice indeed. A great chapel that is in continual use and the beautiful gardens. Lots of church people live here and I am sure they are happy to do so. The museum is interesting and features a pistol found in a nearby cave, probably belonging to one of the famous bandits that hid out in this remote area. Really remote all the way up to WWII and still pretty much out of the way today. The central garden is beautiful and well-kept. Nice to just sit there and rest on one of those 100 degree summer days. Someone mentioned friendly cats. My wife sat down and a cat came running down the walkway and jumped in her lap, kneading and purring. His name was Rosario. Nice touch on the visit. The field out in front of the mission was home to many out-buildings and there is still a giant tree out there, under which they butchered cattle. It is fun to walk around and read all the descriptions. Mission San Antonio is one of the few missions that exists in a rural area and you can see how big and sprawling they were. Oh, and stop at that adobe ruin at the entrance to this area. It was a roadhouse and gambling den once, a pretty lively place not all that long ago and likely all sorts of interesting things went on upstairs. Shows just how fast untreated and unprotected adobe turns to mud and how fast the good times can change as well. read more

Upkeep is obvious. Not too difficult to get to. It closes at 4p . It was closed when we arrived. There's also a retreat connected to the Mission. read more

See all

This is beautiful mission in a serene location. I hope to attend a personal retreat there in the near future. Peace read more

A visit to this California mission is to take a step back in time. It was founded July 14, 1771 and due to its remote location, looks like it would have almost 250 years ago. We attended the annual fundraiser, Evening in the Garden, which was truly magical. Went back the next day to look around because we were so impressed with the place. It is off the beaten path but well worth the effort. Suggest staying at the Hacienda (right up the road) or even the restored cloister rooms at the mission itself. read more

It is my goal to go to all of the California Missions on my scooter. This happens to be one of my favorites. This mission is definitely off the beaten path but such a great trip out. This mission is on a Military base in the middle of California. Truly beautiful any time of the year. Right now the Mission is going through a Seismic Restoration. But it is still open so come enjoy. Nestled in the mountains the views are definitely breathtaking. The road that this is on can take you over to Big Sur. There is lots of wildlife around the Mission Deer, Black Mountain Elk, Wild Boar and all kinds of birds including Bald Eagles. Gift shop is very nice and also sells refreshments. So if your up for a beautiful drive with the family, sweetheart or by yourself head on out you will enjoy every minute. read more

See all

I have been to nearly every mission and asistencia in the California Mission chain, and this is by far one of the best-preserved missions in the area. The area was first explored by future Alta California governor Gaspar de Portolà in 1769, and the mission founded by St. Junípero Serra in 1771. The mission THRIVED up until the secularization of the chain in the 1830s. Today the mission is available for all to see, and serves double duty as the local church for the military base next door. (I have no doubt that some of the soldiers and their families attend Mass at this Mission!). This mission was well worth the drive, and you can even walk a section of the actual DIRT El Camino Real in front of the mission. As someone who has walked the stretch outside Mission San Juan Bautista, I must tell you that this is incredibly cool to do. Its like stepping 200 years back in time, to an era before cell phones. I only wish I had had the foresight to record my walk on my iPhone so I could submit it. There's even a mission cat (who is surprisingly skittish even to someone who has a knack for befriending local cats, but given the number of strangers who visit, its probably not too much of a surprise), which adds additional charm and cuteness to the area. I plan to make a return trip one day, during a proposed Sonoma-to-San Diego road trip covering all the missions and Asistencias. Those Yelpers who wish to follow that trip, stay tuned to my profile for future details! Definitely worth a visit. read more

I was stationed at FHL during 2008. I visited this old Spanish Mission numerous times and I even donated a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner at the Mission that I had won in a 5K race. During my most recent visit, the whole courtyard area was being redone as well as some of the main structure. Apparently, the trees and plants that had been introduced to the area were causing damage to the structure and had to be removed. This location is the site of the 1st marriage/wedding in California. If you like old buildings then you definitely should check out this one. I/we will be back. read more

See all