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Carmel Mission Basilica

5.0 (1 review)

Carmel Mission Basilica Photos

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Carmel Mission Basilica - Our Lady of Bethlehem - the oldest Mary statue in CA; carved in 15-century Spain. It arrived here from Mexico in 1769 with St. Junipero

Carmel Mission Basilica

4.2(214 reviews)
0.0 mi

So grateful to been able to attend Sunday Mass. Basilica is so beautiful and it has so much…read morehistory 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.

I have been visiting the California missions throughout my life. Usually it is a positive…read moreexperience. 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.

Photos
Carmel Mission Basilica - Inside the basilica

Inside the basilica

Carmel Mission Basilica - A beautiful evening sunset glow | 2022

A beautiful evening sunset glow | 2022

Carmel Mission Basilica - 05.28.22 Carmel Mission Forecourt heritage gardens

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05.28.22 Carmel Mission Forecourt heritage gardens

Sand Guys International - Guinness book world record set in Brazil!

Sand Guys International

5.0(1 review)
0.9 mi

This is my second time using the Sand Guys for a team building event and all I can say is Wow!! I…read morehave referred them many times, and will many more!! This is an amazing team building event for any type of business unit, they are organized, incredibly friendly, and helpful .. in a word .. MAGICAL!! When you arrive, they have an example of what you can build .. folks arrive thinking .."This is so cool" .. "What the heck is Kim making us do??" "Really"?? Rusty the Sand Guy (as I like to call him) began by giving very clear, easy instructions on how to build your base. He got everyone started within their team then he and his partner went to each team individually to provide instruction on how to make a solid foundation, ways to build upon your base. and how to add details! teams began first by compiling a very large pile of sand .. and staring into space .. "what will we do". Within minutes your team is not only collaborating on the best way to execute, but WORKING together to create something really special. I participated the first time, I got to observe and help the second time. I learned so much about my team, who are the leaders, who is the most creative. who can advise and execute. We put this group into teams of people they did not know well, they all created and collaborated to create something very cool. You have about two hours to devise your plan and create. The entire group was fully engaged, everyone designated their own unique way of participating, and no one was left out or let their team down. Did I mention how competitive this became?? such a great day at the beach, and a new skill to show off to your kids and friends. Not only did I get amazing feedback form everyone on the team, I was told by those that laughed and thought it was silly; that it was one for the best team buildings they ever have had. I highly recommend the San Guys, the creativity and camaraderie it inspires is invaluable for all aspects of relationship building!

From the owner: Team building, corporate events, weddings, art & entertainment.read more

Photos
Sand Guys International - Wedding proposals!

Wedding proposals!

Sand Guys International - Palm Springs Wild Flower Festival.

Palm Springs Wild Flower Festival.

Sand Guys International - Star Wars promotion, "who's your granddaddy".

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Star Wars promotion, "who's your granddaddy".

Monterey Bay Aquarium - anglerfish ornament

Monterey Bay Aquarium

4.3(5.6k reviews)
5.3 mi

I have been a long time fan of the aquarium. Only get to visit every couple of years but it's…read morealways been one of my favorite places to be. The weather is amazing, the views are immaculate, and the sea creatures are just breathtaking. Prices have definitely increased in the past few years but it is worth it to check out and go at least once. Take your time at each exhibit and really immerse yourself and relax. There's timed feedings for a few exhibits but my favorite is always the kelp forest feeding and learning about all the sea life that is around us. So amazed by everything here. Parking is either metered on the street or various lots around.

Phenomenal experience. The ticket is a bit pricey, but it's worth what you'll see and do at the…read moreMonterey Bay Aquarium. This place truly is magical, and you can see their amazing work in animal care and preservation, while trying to teach the next generation and be environmentally friendly. Very kid-friendly- accessible door for strollers are easy to maneuver and park, and they have a nursing room, very good rest room which is a nice touch! Lots of accessible ramps doors and elevators- easy to maneuver wheelchairs if needed. It is Very crowded even on weekdays many weekends getting more busy but definitely still enjoyable! They have lots of room to be able to see the feedings they offer. I highly recommend! We Spent 2 hours to complete the tours. It Great family place to have time and create memories, friendly activity, and their animals are amazing. We enjoy our time and visiting Monterey Bay aquarium.

Photos
Monterey Bay Aquarium - Outside, very nice views and they do scuba training in the middle area

Outside, very nice views and they do scuba training in the middle area

Monterey Bay Aquarium - Yellow Pyramid Butterfly Fish

Yellow Pyramid Butterfly Fish

Monterey Bay Aquarium - Getting food out of tube and ice

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Getting food out of tube and ice

Cathedral of San Carlos Borromeo

Cathedral of San Carlos Borromeo

4.7(24 reviews)
4.0 mi

My review is not for the active San Carlos Cathedral church services. Instead it's for the Royal…read morePresidio Chapel historic federal landmark. They are both the same building. Currently the San Carlos Cathedral Catholic Church uses the Presidio Chapel. When services are not occurring, visitors can explore the interior and outside facade. There is no charge to walk about, it's free. The present sandstone chapel construction was completed in 1795. The native Americans labors built the chapel. The Monterey Presidio was founded in 1770 as the second of four Spanish Presidios. At that time, the presidio's chapel served for the Spanish soldiers and dignitaries. It's the oldest stone building in California. When walking about the exterior of the chapel take note of the marked lines to the right of the building. Those lines indicate chapel construction (where, what, and when). The current building is shaped as a cross. Directly in the back there is a plaque memorializing where the Oak tree stood in 1770 where Father Junipero Serra broke ground for the chapel construction. The tree was removed in 1905 when it was damaged. But the tree holds important place in Monterey history. In 1602, it is said that Spanish explorer Vizcaíno followed the creek from the Bay and noticed this majestic oak tree. Under that tree he and with the friars, traveling in his expedition, held Mass under the tree and claimed the area for Spain. Father Serra followed Vizcaino's directions to the site in 1770 to establish a mission and presidio. But a year or two later he decided to build the mission in Carmel instead. But the presidio continued with building the chapel. Pieces of the grand tree have been preserved and are located in various local museums. Now let's talk about out the interior. The church doors are left open during the day welcoming all inside. Inside there are paintings and statues including are originals such as the Stations of the Cross, St John, Sorrowful Mother, and Spanish Madonna. As you enter the church, look up and the exterior and take notice of the Our Lady of Guadalupe statue; it's still the original making it the oldest non-indigenous statue in California. Also throwing it out there that there are cameras all over and everything is monitored. So don't be a doofus. Just enjoy and soak in the history.

Amazing service. Recommend this church when visiting or making it your own parish. Very friendly…read moreand inviting.

Photos
Cathedral of San Carlos Borromeo - Inside

Inside

Cathedral of San Carlos Borromeo
Cathedral of San Carlos Borromeo - San Carlos Catholic Cathedral

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San Carlos Catholic Cathedral

Carmel Mission Basilica - museums - Updated May 2026

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