San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission (Carmel Mission)

My son and I took our second mission excursion to learn about California history this past week.  We loaded up the car and road tripped up to the Monterey Bay area.  San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission (or simply the Carmel Mission) is located in the small beach town of Carmel, California.  Known for being one of the most authentically restored of the California mission system, the Carmel Mission boasts the home of the final resting place of Saint Junipero Serra, the founder of the mission system.  It was the second mission of 21 built in Alta California. 

Compared to our previous visit to San Juan Capistrano, this mission's museums were much more simplistic.  There's no standard guided tour or large pamphlet.  Instead you receive a single page double sided brochure with a simple map of the mission and a few highlights.  So, if you're looking for information, this one doesn't have quite as much, but if you're looking to take a little less time and experience one of the most beautiful of the entire mission system, this is the one to view.  I was so taken with this particular mission as a child that I used it for my mission model project when I was in 4th grade many years ago.  The gardens and basilica are absolutely gorgeous.  And unlike some of the mission system, this is still an active church.

Overall, Carmel Mission was a fun trip.  It took us about 30 minutes to view, though I could see spending up to 1 hour probably depending on your viewing style.  I wouldn't go up there just to see the mission, but if you're already in the area like we were, it's definitely worth a little detour.

Later this week I'll discuss the rest of our short trip, which took us to the Capitola/Santa Cruz area.  I'll also discuss my visit to the Ventura County Fair.  Here are some pictures from the mission: