Where is Mission San Carlos Borromeo, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California?

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

Mission San Carlos Borromeo is located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, USA. It lies between the Pacific Ocean and the Carmel Valley and is situated in a quiet coastal area. It is famous for being the second Spanish mission in California and the burial place of Father Junípero Serra.

Mission San Carlos Borromeo Location Map, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Top Attractions Inside Mission San Carlos Borromeo

  • Mission Basilica – Stunning stone church featuring ornate architecture and historic religious art.
  • Junípero Serra’s Tomb – Final resting place of the mission’s founder inside the basilica.
  • Mission Museum – Exhibits highlighting mission-era artifacts, documents, and early California history.
  • Inner Courtyard & Gardens – Beautiful landscaped space with fountains and traditional mission plants.
  • Cloister Walk – Covered walkway offering peaceful views and historic ambiance.
  • Mission Cemetery – Burial site of early settlers and prominent mission figures.
  • Convento & Living Quarters – Restored rooms displaying daily mission life and period furnishings.

Mission San Carlos Borromeo Facts

Official NameMission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo
LocationCarmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey County, California, USA
Latitude & Longitude36.5426° N, 121.9217° W
Total AreaMission Church, Museum, Courtyard & Grounds (~3–4 acres)
Founded / EstablishedJune 3, 1770 (original site) — moved to current Carmel location in 1771
FounderFranciscan Order – Founded by Father Junípero Serra
Managed ByRoman Catholic Diocese of Monterey
RegionCentral California – Monterey Peninsula
Address3080 Rio Road, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923, USA
Zip Code93923
Area Code831
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZonePacific Time (PT) — UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptSpanish Colonial Mission, Franciscan Heritage, Early California History
Major FeaturesRestored Basilica – Bell Tower – Quadrangle Courtyard – Mission Gardens – Serra’s Living Quarters
Famous AttractionsBasilica Church – Father Serra’s Tomb – Museum Galleries – Historic Reliquaries – Scenic Courtyard
Annual VisitorsApprox. 150,000–200,000 visitors per year
Entry Fee TypePaid Admission (Museum & Grounds)
Ticket Price Range~$6–$11 depending on age
Visitor OptionsSelf-Guided Tours – Guided Group Tours – Religious Services – Educational Programs
Best Time to VisitApril–October (mild coastal weather, best outdoor conditions)
Nearby AirportMonterey Regional Airport (MRY) – ~7 miles (11 km)
TransportationCar – Local Bus (limited routes) – Nearby Coastal Trails
Official Websitehttps://carmelmission.org

Distances from Mission San Carlos Borromeo to Nearby Landmarks

  • Carmel Beach – 2.4 km (1.5 mi)
  • Carmel-by-the-Sea City Center – 2.1 km (1.3 mi)
  • Carmel Plaza – 2.3 km (1.4 mi)
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium – 8.0 km (5 mi)
  • Old Fisherman’s Wharf – 6.4 km (4 mi)
  • Monterey State Historic Park – 6.4 km (4 mi)
  • Point Lobos State Natural Reserve – 4.8 km (3 mi)
  • Pebble Beach Golf Links – 4.3 km (2.7 mi)
  • 17-Mile Drive Entrance (Pacific Grove Gate) – 6.4 km (4 mi)
  • Pacific Grove – 9.7 km (6 mi)
  • Asilomar State Beach – 11.3 km (7 mi)
  • Garland Ranch Regional Park – 12.9 km (8 mi)
  • Monterey Regional Airport – 10.5 km (6.5 mi)
  • Big Sur (northern entrance) – 26 km (16 mi)
  • Point Sur Lighthouse – 33.8 km (21 mi)
  • Salinas – 40 km (25 mi)
  • Fort Ord Dunes State Park – 18 km (11 mi)
  • Santa Cruz – 74 km (46 mi)