Photo courtesy of cahighways.org
Many travel the trail on a pilgrimage tour of the missions, connecting to the historic and religious roots of early California, to meditating on the country’s rich heritage and just to enjoying the beautiful scenery, countryside and architecture.
There are 21 missions that were included in California's Historic Mission Trail all of them are located on or near Highway 101. Like a pilgrimage your road trip would roughly trace the El Camino Real (The Royal Road), that was named by the Spanish who quested for an empire conquering the Native Americans of California. Most missions needed to be reconstructed after the ravages of time, weather, earthquakes and neglect.
From San Diego to Los Angeles, the historic highway is now known as Interstate 5. Going from Santa Clara to San Francisco, the road is called State Highway 82. And north of San Francisco, Highway 101 again picks up the trail to the mission at San Rafael, from there, State Highway 37 leads to the last mission at Sonoma.
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Historic El Camino Real road sign
In later history, the road was identified with the missions because the padres maintained the roadway and offered hospitable lodging to all. It served as the north-south stagecoach route after California became a state in 1850, and in the 1920s bronze mission bells were placed along the highway to let motorists know they were traveling the historic El Camino Real.
El Camino Real history of the bells -slideshow
Santa Ines Mission in Solvang photo/L Godfree
Santa Ines Mission, the 19th mission dedicated in 1804, is one mission you can visit along the scenic Hwy 101 drive. Located in Solvang, at 1760 Mission Dr. Santa Ines was being used for a funeral service the day we visited so we were unable to view the museums notable collection of vestments, church records and missals, and the displays of the original decorations on a wall behind the altar. But we were able to see some of the historic gardens that can transport you back in time, appearing today much as they did nearly 200 years ago.
If You Go: Be aware that most of the 21 missions still operate as active Catholic parishes, with regularly scheduled services. There are booklets for self-guided tours usually available; hours of operation and fees may vary.
For more info: Take a Virtual tour
Related article by Arizona Day Trips Examiner: Visiting San Xavier del Bac mission near Tucson
To see more of Lindsay Godfree's articles click here. If you enjoy photography and driving cross country, get an Email when a new article is posted by subscribing at the top of this page. All comments are appreciated. Follow me at 6daughters on twitter.
Comments
This is a planned trip for us after we are retired. Train out to California, and then drive up the coast, and then fly home. If the stock markets rebounds enough, we will be able to even do it.
I loved the pictures of the flowers at the mission. Thanks for sharing.
Oh, yes, 101 and 1 are the roads to travel. Thank you for the beautiful reminder.
Beautiful area of the country. I've been up and down this coast many times, and there is always something new to see and enjoy.
Loved the photos - and ready to do the trip!
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