- Oldest continually operating mission in California
- Home to the Serra Chapel, the oldest standing stone building in California
- Original adobe walls from 1771 still stand
- Cemetery contains the graves of the indigenous Esselen people, Spanish soldiers, and early settlers
- Historic orchard and garden with over 250 varieties of plants
- Art gallery featuring works by local artists
- Serra's tomb is located in the Basilica next to the altar.
- Original tiles manufactured in Mexico during the 1700s on display
Interesting Facts
- Mission Carmel is home to the largest collection of original mission artifacts in the world.
- The mission was originally built on the banks of the Carmel River, but was moved to its current location in 1771 after a series of floods.
- The mission was secularized in 1833 and became a state property. In 1859, it was returned to the Catholic Church.
- Mission Carmel is a National Historic Landmark and a California Historical Landmark.
