Where is Mission San Antonio de Padua, Jolon, California?

Written by | Updated On: December 09, 2025, 14:28 ET

Mission San Antonio de Padua is located in Monterey County, California, USA. It lies between the Santa Lucia Mountains and the small town of Jolon and is situated in a quiet rural valley area. It is famous for being one of the early Spanish missions and for its peaceful, historic setting.

Mission San Antonio de Padua Location Map, Jolon, California

Top Attractions Inside Mission San Antonio de Padua

  • Mission Church – Beautifully restored 18th-century church with original-style altar and adobe walls.
  • Historic Courtyard – Peaceful square with arcades and gardens reflecting early mission life.
  • Mission Museum – Displays artifacts, tools, and religious items from early California history.
  • Mission Grounds – Expansive rural setting offering a glimpse into the mission’s pastoral past.
  • Mission Cemetery – Resting place of early settlers and Native Americans connected to the mission.
  • Neophyte Housing Ruins – Remnants of living quarters used by Native converts during mission operations.

Mission San Antonio de Padua Facts

Official NameMission San Antonio de Padua
LocationJolon, Monterey County, California, USA
Latitude & Longitude36.0139° N, 121.2267° W
Total AreaMission Grounds & Surrounding Historic Site (~3–5 acres within the larger Fort Hunter Liggett property)
Founded / EstablishedJuly 14, 1771
FounderFranciscan Order – Founded by Father Junípero Serra
Managed ByRoman Catholic Diocese of Monterey
RegionCentral California – Santa Lucia Mountains
AddressEnd of Mission Road, Jolon, CA 93928, USA
Zip Code93928
Area Code831
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZonePacific Time (PT) — UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptSpanish Mission Era, Early California Settlement, Franciscan Religious Heritage
Major FeaturesOriginal Mission Church – Courtyard – Workshops – Restored Living Quarters – Historic Olive Groves
Famous AttractionsAdobe Church – Mission Gardens – Museum Exhibits – Stone Aqueduct Remains
Annual VisitorsApprox. 20,000–30,000 per year (remote location)
Entry Fee TypeSuggested Donation (Museum & Grounds)
Donation / Entry RangeTypically $5–$10 per visitor
Visitor OptionsSelf-Guided Tours – Guided Group Tours – Retreat Stays (limited availability)
Best Time to VisitMarch–June and September–November (mild weather, best scenery)
Nearby AirportMonterey Regional Airport (MRY) – ~60 miles (97 km)
TransportationCar Only (located inside Fort Hunter Liggett; visitors pass through military entry)
Official Websitehttps://missionsanantonio.net

Distances from Mission San Antonio de Padua to Nearby Landmarks

  • Fort Hunter Liggett Heritage Center – 1.9 km (1.2 mi)
  • Hacienda Lodge (Fort Hunter Liggett) – 3.7 km (2.3 mi)
  • San Antonio River Trailhead – 4.8 km (3 mi)
  • Hunter Liggett Military Reservation Entrance – 7.2 km (4.5 mi)
  • Mission San Miguel Arcángel – 32 km (20 mi)
  • San Miguel (town) – 33 km (20.5 mi)
  • Lake San Antonio South Shore – 19 km (12 mi)
  • Lake San Antonio North Shore – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Nacimiento-Fergusson Road Junction – 24 km (15 mi)
  • Lake Nacimiento – 37 km (23 mi)
  • Bradley (town) – 42 km (26 mi)
  • Jolon (town center) – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • King City – 42 km (26 mi)
  • Hearst Castle (San Simeon) – 69 km (43 mi)
  • Big Sur Coast Highway (CA-1) – 51 km (32 mi)
  • Los Padres National Forest Boundary – 6.4 km (4 mi)
  • Pinnacles National Park (west entrance) – 76 km (47 mi)
  • Paso Robles – 54 km (33.5 mi)