So grateful to been able to attend Sunday Mass. Basilica is so beautiful and it has so much history and also they have free museum and a small shop. Sunday mass is full but the have lots of extra chairs in the back outside the church. Parking could be crowded so get there early. read more

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I have been visiting the California missions throughout my life. Usually it is a positive experience. However, I recently revisited the Carmel Basilica on a Sunday, and like other visitors I was totally put off by the commercialization of this particular church/historical monument. There are a few security guards who stand out front and a ticket booth positioned in a way that you cannot enter the church without paying first. The mission is not open everyday which is odd since it is such a beloved place visited by people around the world. The price of admission is 15.00 per person, five dollars higher per person than other missions which are also open everyday. This is quite pricey. If you arrive during mass you may not enter to look around until after mass! It seems really against the whole concept of all are welcome. Lighting one candle is 5.00! Usually it is just a donation or a dollar or two. The parking lot is small and congested. Personally, I enjoyed San Juan Bautista, which is close to Monterey and Carmel, much better. Friendlier, less expensive and open to all everyday! The setting is beautiful as well, surrounded by fields and beautiful gardens. I highly recommend history buffs stop by San Juan Bautista and other smaller missions. read more

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We went to mass this morning at 11 AM. The people were very friendly and they had more than enough seating for everyone. I truly loved mass and all of the statues, icons, and information about this mission and the wonderful saints associated to this mission. read more

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Beautiful grounds and a nice place to visit when in Carmel by the Sea. Something other than the beach and Ocean Ave. Not overly busy and plenty of parking. Pleasant neighborhood. Walked by it on the way to Mission Ranch Hotel and Restaurant. read more

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A serene mission that serves as an active church and museum. There were a few free parking spots at the entrance. There was a small stand where we bought tickets for $15 per person. We were given a brochure and everything was self guided. The single staff member made sure to point out the museum in the back of the mission as many visitors miss it. The mission courtyard was spacious and clean. The fountain offered soothing quality, contributing to the sense of tranquility. The mission forecourt had a similar ambiance except with more greenery. The Convento museum had information and artifacts of Saint Junipero Serra. This area also celebrates the fact that this mission housed the first Californian library. The Jo Mora Chapel Gallery housed a massive Memoral Cenotaph. The sculpture was polished and giant so it stood out against the older artifacts. Especially with the fact that Junipero Serra was smaller in stature, the Cenotaph loomed over everything. There was a screen of a parish member giving historical context to the room but it was playing automatically. It would be nice to have a button for visitors to press and restart. The cemetery was well kept and included members of the Parish community. Although some graves were unnamed, I liked how they still gave their respects. The Carmel Mission Basilica was my favorite landmark. The walls were lined with impressive sculptures and paintings. The final resting place of Junipero Serra was placed near the front of the church. The church was enveloped in a warm yellow light and there were multiple candles lit inside. Our Lady of Bethlehem had impressive displays of Jesus' birth and Mary but I wished there were more descriptions explaining the background and inspiration. The Munras Family Heritage Museum had different collections from the prominent family. There was also a video playing in the room regarding the family history and history of the mission. This was similarly playing on its own without influence from visitors. The store was filled with jewelry and religious memorabilia. I was surprised by how expensive some objects were but there was everything from rosaries to crystal sculptures for sale. This mission was well kept and the overall experience left us feeling renewed. However the $15 entrance and $5 candle lighting fee were a bit high compared to other experiences I've had. I would still visit this as a visitor but those living near by should visit for free during service. read more

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I've been here a few times with the last time being before the pandemic. It's always been a lovely place, the history, I feel like everyone should come here at least once. We were pretty surprised to see they charge now for admission, $15/adult, $12/senior. It used to be by donation only back in the day. So for 2 adults, and 2 seniors, we paid $54 which felt a bit steep. For the price, seems the grounds and greenery could be better taken care of. A lot of plants and flowers looked like they could use some TLC. Inside the basilica, they also charge $5 to light a candle that stays there. You don't even take it home w/you. Seems kind of an overreach for money, in my opinion. There was an area in the courtyard that was on the map was a spot to check out but it was closed off, but it didn't say it was closed for renovation or anything like that. It was just closed off, so we couldn't enter. The gift shop was cute. Friendly staff inside the shop and happy to answer our questions. I did ask about the admission fee and I was told that due to the pandemic, they were going to close. The example used was religious places like the Vatican and other religious Catholic sites around the world are funded by their gov't so they have help. But not here, and they were going to close, so they had to start charging folks. The ticket guy let me know that on Sundays during service, admission is free. There was a wedding rehearsal about to start while we were there, so that was exciting. We asked the shop staff about how much a wedding ceremony costs here. They said to go online. lol. Went online, and they want you to fill out an inquiry form. LOL. we not about to do all of that. I wish they would just list what the base price is on their website. read more

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Visited during the week. They do hold mass at a church on the same site. There was soo much to see and the scenery is beautiful. The traffic getting in was pretty congested, but once we were there it was fine. There is a charge to enter, they also have self guided tours. read more

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Beautiful grounds. Contemplative church and interesting museum displays. Well preserved and with every penny to visit.

Drop dead gorgeous mission. Self paced tour was enjoyable through the church grounds. read more

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I grew up close to the Mission in San Juan Capistrano, and had a childhood affinity for visiting old California Missions and gardens, especially those near to the Coast and shrouded in mysterious summer fog. I now know, as an adult, that our California Missions are part of a complex history, that we have a responsibility to understand as Californians. This beautiful, aesthetically pleasing setting, with ample free parking, is probably one of the largest and best preserved of the California Mission sites. It also feels more alive somehow: with an on-site children's school and an active and engaged church congregation. At the same time, a walk through the museum ($12 for adults) is interesting for what it doesn't show. It side steps a tricky history, in favor of glamorizing "Old California." It seems so idealized, now that most people have a greater understanding that these Missions exist, like a good deal of early American infrastructure, due to a brutal and exploitative historical context. read more

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I'm not on a mission to visit all 21 California missions. Not even close. I've heard of the swallows of San Juan Capistrano. And I've been to Mission Dolores and more recently, the nicely restored La Purisima Mission down in Lompoc (review: https://bit.ly/403Zapd). But that represents the depth of my mission knowledge. I know the missionary position, but that isn't likely relevant to this review, is it? Anyway, Jamie W. and I were walking the tony residential neighborhood of Carmel-by-the-Sea when we came upon the expansive grounds. It's the second oldest of the missions, but it struck us as very well restored. Even though there was a service in progress, we thought it would be worthwhile to go through the museum galleries and hang out in the courtyard. Admission was $10, but hey, if you want to know anything about Father Junipero Serra, this is the place to find out. He founded the mission and even died here. There are a lot of statues here, and the chapel looked glorious from a distance. We heathens weren't allowed to enter the chapel during the endless service, so my harp-playing days in the hereafter are likely limited. RELATED - Exploring the Monterey Peninsula? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2NYr6be read more

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The church was lovely and very historic. There's a garden and fountain when you enter and there's a back garden which was bigger. Around the other back portion was a small cemetery near the restroom. We attended the Saturday night vigil and it lasted an hour. The priest gave a nice homily and the mass was full of people. read more

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Shrine of Saint Junipero Serra, the Founding Father of California! We're glad we did some searching on Google and came across this historic mission -- Carmel Mission Basilica. Our visit was on a Saturday late afternoon after a revisit to the 17-Mile Drive. Our self-guided tour took a little over an hour as we learned the history of the Mission by exploring and experience. Such a prayerful environment. The Basilica was founded in 1771 by Saint Junipero Serra and when he died he was interred in Church of the Mission. At the Courtyard we saw the very spot Father Junipero Serra erected the mission cross on August 24, 1771. Carmel Mission is an active parish to the community. There were no services or events or even restoration activities that happened during our visit so we were able to explore the entire property without limitations. Inside the main church is huge and beautiful. The Basilica houses many Mission era art and artifacts including an old Confessional Box and Father Junipero's earliest liturgical artifacts of colonial California. Our Lady of Bethlehem Chapel was another part of the Church. Saint John Paul II prayed in this Chapel during his visit in 1987. Other dignitaries who visited Carmel Mission Basilica were President Dwight D. Eisenhower and the First Lady in 1956. In 1960 (then Senator and future President) John F. Kennedy visited the Carmel Mission with his wife (and future First Lady), Jacqueline Kennedy. My favorite part was the garden located towards the entrance. I love flowers. They called it Mission Forecourt. TRIVIA: When I lived in the Bay Area I first learned of Junipero Serra's name from the main north-south roadway in Central California and beyond... Highway 101. It is the same route that Junipero Serra and his companions blazed, The El Camino Real. Review #2590 read more

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one of the best missions i have seen in California. knights of columbus has great fund raisers. good people, good preaching

Such an incredible piece of History. My 4th grade class went here to visit..The museum on the grounds has so many pieces of history. The gift shop has many fine items. They even still have mass here on Sundays. In September there is a great festival here on the grounds. Such a great piece of history. read more

I've been to this church several times already. My family and I usually go here during special occasions and whenever we take people to visit Monterey. It's a beautiful church and has so much history. The architecture is amazing, and there are so many things to see, such as the church, museum and gift shop. There are also flowers and greenery everywhere. Extra things to take note of: 1) There are three different areas where you can use the restroom, which I find really nice. 2) If you decide to go for mass, I suggest you go early due to limited parking. 3) Entrance fees have spiked since the last time I visited. Adults are $13 and seniors are $10 each. I can't recall how much it was for kids. If you're ever in the area, I would recommend stopping by and taking a look for yourself. :) read more

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Such a cool stop in Carmel. Came here to visit since my son's class is learning about missions. It's been years since I visited so it felt like the first time. They have a ton of free parking. Admission is $10/adult + $7/child. Great areas to walk around and the basilica is beautiful! They have a small museum with artifacts and great information. Really educational but in a digestible way. There are many statues and paintings and most feature an informative blurb. Once you are done inside, you can walk out to the graveyard and the inner courtyard. There is a fountain, beautiful landscaping, and some additional historical information. read more

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Since we were in the area, we wanted to check out of the 21 California Missions. Love the architecture! There was construction going on, so some areas were closed off, but we still enjoyed going through the church and checking out the exhibits. Definite must stop! read more

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We didn't take a tour so admittedly didn't get the full experience or history of the place. However, found the Basilica and the gardens to be beautiful and enjoyed walking around. read more

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Beautiful mission church ! Haven't been in a long time! Visited Monterey and here too. Popular attraction and beautiful place to see if you're catholic (I am) . Looking forward to returning. read more

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Finally visited Carmel mission Basilica. Blessed to attend their 5:30pm mass. The church is very beautiful and unique. The outside patio was huge with a beautiful garden. read more

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Okay, what I do not understand is why they charge people to tour the mission. I mean, this is a church and it should be free!! Maybe because we are in a recession and the property tax is expensive? Who knows?? Anyways, my husband and I always come to this mission when we visit the city of Carmel. The grounds itself are beautiful (as pictured below), they have some of the most beautiful landscaping and flowers that I have ever seen. The Mission takes you on a historical history of the Mission and how it was founded and created. The museum shows you room after room of the original library, kitchen, bedrooms (including the bedroom where the priest lived) and one of the most beautiful churches is the highlight of the mission. Quick tip, Catholic services are on Sundays at selected times (there is usually a board that shows the times and dates for church services). They are have a gift shop too for tourists that includes magnets, rosaries, food prepared by nuns and Bibles too. Come here when visiting Carmel; it is a must see!! read more

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Good historical sight to see in the Monterey area. It's $10 per person to get in. One of the first missions in Northern California and well preserved. A lot of people have weddings here and it's an active church. read more

Carmel Mission Basilica - Churches Near Me - Carmel, California

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Beautiful and historical indeed! My family has visited this place a number of times through the years. It's part of California history and in this day and age it's especially meaningful. A lot to learn inside; the intro video was nicely done and great for children and adults alike. The small imperfection is now they charge close to $10 per person for admission. This can be a burden if you have a large family or come with a large group. One way to perhaps avoid the expense is to attend their Sunday services. Parking is limited as their lot is small compared to the number of visitors. We had to wait a little bit but it wasn't too long. Carmel is a beautiful town and this mission is located in a very nice residential area so driving around is a pleasure too. I'd say if they can lower the admission to about &5 it would be a perfect destination. read more

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We visited the Carmel Mission on a late Sunday afternoon, in time to attend the church services there. Sitting there, surrounded by history, wondering how many others over the years had been in the same spot was a memorable experience. The church interior is beautiful, with wonderful statuary, and is open for visits except during services. Sundays, because of services, the normal $10 entrance fee is waived, so it's a good time to come and check it out. Parking is free. The Carmel Mission (officially titled "Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo", which you may see on some signs) is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark. It was founded in June 1770 by Father Junipero Serra, and is the only California mission with its original bell and belltower. The mission fell into disrepair after being secularized by the Mexican government in 1833 and was in ruins by 1850. What you see today is the result of a labor of love, a fifty-year renovation begun in 1931 by Harry Downie based on the original architecture and designs. We did not get a chance to visit the museum as it was already closed. But the grounds in front of the church facade, and behind the church, offer up some beautiful picture possibilities. The landscaping is superb, attractive fountains, wonderful large trees, and always the historic mission in the background. Not many places in California have their roots dating back to before the Revolutionary War. Carmel Mission, being one of the few, is worth a visit. read more

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We visited the Carmel Mission on a Friday midday, turns out we couldn't go into the Basilica right away because someone was getting married at the time. So they told us if we wanted we could return the next day early in the morning before their next scheduled wedding ceremony. We decided to stick around and do the museum tour while everyone else left, so it seems we got a discount for it since I saw that's its supposed to a charge of $10 per person. Anyways, by the time we completed the museum and the outside grounds which included the cemetery we were able to enter the church for a couple of minutes. This is one of four Missions that designated as a Minor Basilica by the Holy See because of it's cultural, historical, architectural & religious importance. Turns out Father Junipero Serra is burried in front of the church. Regardless of how one feels about how these Missions came to be, these are part of history now. They are worth a visit. After looking at this one I mentioned it to my sister that we should try to visit all 21 Missions, I mean why not we do have then here in California. So this is #1 for us! #2 of 21 read more

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Carmel is one of my favorite places to visit. I took a trip here to explore and learn more about Carmel Mission Basilica. There is plenty of parking. It's a beautiful location. The fee to enter is a bit higher then other missions I've visited so far but it was worth it. I got lucky with the weather on my visit. Perfect warm sunny day which made it a lot nicer walking the grounds and taking pictures. Call ahead if you plan on making the trip as mass and weddings occur and can limit what you are able to see if either is in progress. read more

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Carmel Mission is one of the popular sites in the city. Located about a mile from the main Carmel area. They have a private parking lot. Driving in you could tell this was a historical place. Most missions I have been to do not charge to see the actual building. You have to pay $10 to actually enter the grounds here. You do get a peak of the mission through the outside gates but nothing up close. read more

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If you enjoy old architecture, then you would enjoy visiting this Basilica. If you love gardens, then you would also enjoy going around the grounds to see all the flowering plants and trees around. If you enjoy religious artifacts, then you would enjoy visiting the store to buy what you need. Or if you simply want somewhere peaceful to pray and be closer to God, then this place will not disappoint! We've been visiting here for so many times, when we get to visit friends of ours in Salinas. Driving to get here is not tedious with all the available scenery that greets you on the road. Highway One and the Pacific Coast always provides one with an eyeful of pretty sights! There is a lot of parking available, although during Holy Mass times, this number may dwindle significantly. There is parking available inside the school, though this too may run out quickly during Mass. As a last resort, there is roadside parking available. There is a museum in this Basilica though my family and I have not yet gone. From the time I am writing this review, the pandemic has reduced the number of visitors to the Basilica, the grounds and the store. But all this for good reason anyway. If you're in the area, this is a place you should not miss visiting! read more

Historic basilica comparable to a small one in Spain. Setting is beautiful against the hills. It's worth the entry fee I think but I got there late so I just made a voluntary donation of my choice. Kids will enjoy it especially as they learn about the mission history in the USA. read more

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Pretty cool place to visit! Gives off crazy vibes, wish we would have taken more pics! read more

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On our last visit to Carmel, we were so excited about seeing this mission. It's history is interesting, and the church is so beautiful. San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo (or Carmel Mission) was founded in 1770. Although the mission was first located in Monterey near the presidio, it was moved in 1771 to an area near the Carmel River. The church was eventually abandoned in 1836. While the roof had completely collapsed by 1880, it was replaced in 1882. More remodeling took place in 1924, and in 1933, this wonderful mission finally became a parish church. Today, this mission is well-maintained and has a great museum. The interior of the church is beautiful, with paintings and statues that were original to the mission. Although the art was removed when the roof started to collapse in 1851, it was returned after the mission's full restoration in 1924. The garden is truly lovely here, and it's interesting to see the little cemetery where Father Serra is buried. This Carmel Mission was a wonderful educational experience. It was fun to see the mission that was the focus on my son's 4th grade project and see inside the lovely church here. We already look forward to coming back to this mission again on our next visit to Carmel! read more

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A must stop especially if you're Catholic. This mission has a beautiful big chapel for you to sit and worship and mass is offered here too. A museum takes you back in time complete with all the rooms displayed as if time stood still. I've been so San Juan Capistrano, San Luis Obispo, passed by Santa Barbara Mission and Carmel can now be checked off the list. A peaceful sanctuary that should not be missed. read more

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Came here on a beautiful day in Carmel and there was quite a bit to see. Entry is $10 per person and they have a gift shop you can buy souvenirs from. The entire mission can be explored in half an hour but can spend longer there if you choose to :) read more

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This is the first mission I've been to where they charge admission just to tour the grounds. 10 bucks to get in as of November 2020. My family and I were visiting Monterey and my mom decided to stop by here. Keep in mind there are 10 of us, including three young kids in tow. We were still trying to figure out if it was worth paying the admission and we were just outside, to the side of the line. Lady working the admission tent outside was extremely rude and short with us. She made snide remarks about my family to some people who approached, saying "I'm not sure what they're planning on doing, they can't seem to figure it out..." Yeah, that's my family she was making those comments about. We weren't even in the way and not holding up any line. Church ladies are always so snippy. I'm sure it would have been a lovely visit. But that lady left me with a bad impression. Maybe we'll visit another time. read more

My lack of California mission visits is embarrassingly low. I have been to exactly three and one was for my sisters wedding (so I was forced to go to that one). With this being said, I do not profess to be at all an expert on which of California missions you should visit. What's really sad is I have been to more missions in Argentina than my home state. Just two minutes from Mission Ranch you will find the Carmel Mission Basilica. We were here on a Sunday and the place was bustling and Mass was in full swing, but even with all the hustle and bustle I still felt very relaxed and calm walking the grounds and meandering through the courtyard. This place is beautiful and offers endless photo opportunities. Parking here can be tricky, but I did find a lot just to the south on the right. Not sure if it was legal to park there, but my car wasn't towed and no ticket left on the windshield. read more

Carmel Mission Basilica - Churches Near Me - Carmel, California

GETTING IN: Parking is free in their large private lot. Admissions is very affordable. Under $10. LOTS TO SEE: The Mora Chapel has a cenotaph. Very cool. There are also bas-relief everywhere. Lots of art to see. The Downie Museum is small but very informative. My favorite part is the Munras Family Museum with its display of a "typical family home" at the time. The Basilica is soooooooooo beautiful. There was a mass going on at the time of our visit. My other favorite is the Convento Museum. So many relics! The garden was a nice stroll. The giant fountain is beautiful. This outdoor courtyard brimming with flowers is a great venue for your special event. The gift shop is large. CONCLUSION: This is a must-see in the area. This Mission is in very good condition compared to some others I've seen. Not only that, they have so many different aspects of Mission life to show and display and they have the "items" to do so such as furniture, tools, photos, clothes, etc. read more

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You can explore two centuries of California history, when you walk around the Mission grounds, visit the museum and step in to the chapel. This beautiful mission was established in 1771. Like most of the California missions it was abandoned after 1834 and later restored. For more historical information: http://www.carmelmission.org/museum/students/history.php I could easily spend a whole day here just taking photos or just sitting in the garden. I visited on a Sunday and when I heard the choir singing during mass it added to timelessness of the Mission. There is a lot to see and any trip to the Carmel area will be enhanced with a visit to this mission. The early photos of the area are amazing. They show just how much the Carmel area has changed. Who would have guessed at how barren the land once was. read more

Carmel Mission Basilica - Churches Near Me - Carmel, California

I recently tried to visit this church with an Anglican priest and his family from India on Saturday Oct 5th around 5pm. We were late to the museum tour but the service was ongoing. The two Hispanic men who were standing outside the church wouldn't let us in citing that no one was allowed to go into the church since there were only a few minutes left for the service to end. They were both very unwelcoming. While this may have been a made up rule, I think there was more to this. It was really disappointing to the priest and the family as we drove hundreds of miles to get to the Basilica. Having attended catholic schools and being married into the Catholic Church, I have never seen such behavior in any churches before and I can assure you that our church doesn't do this to anyone no matter what time of the service they want to come inside the church. This needs to be investigated and corrected as this is not representative of Christ like behavior. read more

This is such a beautiful church. My parents were married here and so it has always had a special place in my heart. I got to bring my own husband when we visited the area recently. I loved picturing all of the old photos with my older relatives now gone, standing in front of the church on my parents special day. I love the feeling of stepping back in time and being in Spain. So few places in the West have such a feeling of history. The grounds are beautiful and there are so many things to see and so much history to take in. I know some people are upset at the price to enter. I have zero problem with it. It's a historic building and I'm sure takes a lot to keep up. If you want to enter to pray, there is no charge for mass on Sundays. I am not religious and neither is my husband. I think as long as you enjoy history and architecture this is an enjoyable place to explore regardless of beliefs. read more