Here are some of the things that the San Carlos Mission is famous for:
- It is the second-oldest mission in California, after the Mission San Diego de Alcalá.
- It is the only mission in California that was founded by Junipero Serra, the president of the Franciscan missions in California.
- It is the site of the first baptism and the first marriage in California.
- It is the burial site of Junipero Serra.
- It is a National Historic Landmark.
- It is a popular tourist destination.