Carmel Mission Basilica Museum - Carmel-By-The-Sea (CA)

5 /5 Sandeepa Dey: We visited the Carmel Mission Basilica Museum, one of the original 21 Spanish missions established in California. While much of it has been thoughtfully restored, the original bell tower and bell have been beautifully preserved. The chapel is serene and artistically stunning, featuring an extraordinarily detailed nativity scene. A corridor from the chapel leads to a spacious, open courtyard surrounded by historic quarters—likely once inhabited by the Spanish settlers. Part of these quarters has been transformed into a museum that offers a glimpse into the mission’s rich history. Visitors can tour through recreated rooms, including a library, kitchen, dining room, reading room, guest room, and the padres bedroom. The mission offers convenient amenities, including a parking lot and clean restrooms, and is located close to downtown Carmel and many great restaurants. It’s an ideal spot for tourists, with plenty to explore in just 1–2 hours.

5 /5 Nivia Diaz: Beautiful Mission . Went here on Palm Sunday . Was my cousins first time visiting. We did the self walking tour . So much history here . We all enjoyed the Mission. It was our last one on our weekend Mission trip . The people in the gift shop were so nice too. Definitely recommended visiting here .

5 /5 Gary Standke: Practically fully reconstructed mission with quadrangle this was an impressive mission to visit. None if this was original as it was completely abandoned after secularization and collapsed over the years. Touring the church and all the structures was like going back in time. Quite large museum of artifacts of the time. Free parking.

5 /5 Arista Hidalgo: What an absolutely gorgeous mass and historical place. There is an 11am Sunday mass followed by coffee and donuts. There, they also have a bookshelf with free Catholic books you can take home! The museum is free and has a small store where you can buy Catholic souvenirs, such as scapulars, rosaries, crosses, and more! It is located in a nice downtown with cute shops and restaurants.

5 /5 Gordon Sturm: Fully restored Mission worth the visit! Final resting place of Junipero Serra. 21st Mission, went for my daughter’s 4th grade project. Flowers were in full bloom with wonderfully kept courtyards and gardens.