Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Mission San Carlos Borromeo

    3.0 (3 reviews)

    Mission San Carlos Borromeo Photos

    More like Mission San Carlos Borromeo

    Recommended Reviews - Mission San Carlos Borromeo

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    8 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lisa M.
    89
    770
    1322

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    Verify this business for free

    Get access to customer & competitor insights.

    Verify this business

    Carmel Mission Basilica - The main chapel of the Basilica

    Carmel Mission Basilica

    4.2(217 reviews)
    0.0 mi

    Carmel Mission Basilica (formal name 'San Carlos Borroméo de Carmelo') is one of six minor…read morebasilicas in the state of California (five being former Spanish missions). It is the oldest one, founded in 1770, and elevated to basilica status by Pope John XXIII in 1960. My wife, her mom, and I visited it during a late Sunday afternoon during our first day in Carmel, and found it to be a great, worthwhile experience, especially if one is Roman Catholic. The basilica is still a working parish, so parking during non-mass hours was easy to find. A ticket booth was set-up at the visitor entrance, with cost of $15 per adult ($13 for senior). There is an adjacent gift shop that doesn't require admission and sells all the various religious items that one would expect from a religious tourist attraction. We ended up spending about 90 minutes here (there is a lot of information here, along with a lot to see). -- Founding priest was Junipero Serra ("Apostle of California"). He was canonized by Pope Francis in 2015, and his shrine/remains are interned here. -- Only U.S. church visited by a pontiff during a papal visit: Pope John Paul II in 1987. He paid homage to Father Serra, and laid flowers at the tomb. This visit is clearly commemorated. -- the Munras Family Heritage Museum is worth going to, to see a short movie about the prominent Monterey family, along with early California artifacts from the family. -- the Nativity scene was one of the most intricate -- the large courtyard is a good place to stop and admire the architecture of a California Spanish mission, along with a thick trunk Cork Oak tree By the time we were leaving, the ticket office had closed (last call is at 16:30, to allow everyone to have enough time before official close at 18:00).

    My friends took me to the Basilica and we enjoyed walking around the grounds and visiting the…read morevarious Chapels within the site. It is also the final resting spot of Saint Junipero Serra, the Founding Father of California. Pope John Paul II visited here in 1987 and is recognized in the Our Lady of Bethlehem Chapel, which is a beautiful, small chapel with a confessional from years ago. The Mission Cemetery is the final resting place for some members of this Parish. It also includes a symbolic cemetery representing the hundreds of indigenous people buried here and the surrounding area. These grave sites are adorned with abalone shells as an honorary recognition of their cultural presence to the area. There are several museums on site, beautiful artwork and religious artifacts as well as an extensive courtyard to wander around. Finally, there is a display of the final resting place for Saint Junipero as well as reproductions of other parts of the Basilica back in the day. The price of $15 for adults/$12 for seniors may be a little steep for families, but it is worthwhile to explore the history of the renowned Basilica.

    Photos
    Carmel Mission Basilica - Main chapel

    Main chapel

    Carmel Mission Basilica - One of the rooms in the Basilica representing the decor at that time.

    One of the rooms in the Basilica representing the decor at that time.

    Carmel Mission Basilica - Nativity Scene

    See all

    Nativity Scene

    Presbyterian Church Carmel

    Presbyterian Church Carmel

    4.8(5 reviews)
    0.9 mi

    I guess for some reason I was thinking and hoping to be in a mainline Presbyterian church like…read morePCUSA or PCA or something. But to my surprise I was not, and this is an ECO Church, which is really quite different. You can see it and hear it. The main minister is not robed in clerical robe or vestment neither is the Associate. It is very free feeling, almost as if I am in a non-denominational or Baptist church in a sense. I would not know this would be Presbyterian as I know it in the mainline sense. I come from a traditional high church Presbyterian PCUSA background with links to the Church of Scotland. I can see its Reformed in belief but has other influences. For me when looking for a Presbyterian church when out of town, I need something more structured, traditional and liturgical and Presbyterian. I can tell they are great people that love God and all, no doubt. I am sure a great home and place of visitation for many. I enjoyed hearing the service. Not sure this would be a place I would come to. I think I would stick more to another PCUSA or even UMC church either in Monterey or Carmel. That said, I do believe this most certainly can be a place for someone that would like more of a non-denominational or community style of worship and preaching.

    We decided to hold mom's second memorial service here. Peg and Lily did an amazing job making sure…read morebrother, dad and I were comfortable. They recommended a florist who did a gorgeous white rose bouquet, and they also helped us with the program. Peg held her ground at the entrance and made sure everyone got a program and was properly greeted. Although mom only went here for a little bit, they made us feel so welcome and if we had been a part of the Church for years. The church itself is stunning. They have two Flat screen TVs and an LCD projector, full wiring-- it is one of the most high tech churches I have entered. What caught my eyes were the window panes. The glass shone and sparkled as the bells rung... I briefly got lost in a moment. The pastor here lived in Brazil for quite some time. He as well as the church speaks to the international relationships developed amongst several countries. Who knew a little church in Carmel would have connections in Asia, Africa and all over Central America. They also from what I hear have a strong youth group. Being of non faith I am always anxious when it comes to doing these types of services... I was put to ease. The member also put together a nice reception after the service. I highly recommend this place for a wedding or a service. Thank you all for being a part of our healing process.

    Photos
    Presbyterian Church Carmel

    See all

    Mission San Carlos Borromeo - churches - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...