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
California Related Links
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 Name | Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo |
| Location | Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey County, California, USA |
| Latitude & Longitude | 36.5426° N, 121.9217° W |
| Total Area | Mission Church, Museum, Courtyard & Grounds (3–4 acres) |
| Founded / Established | June 3, 1770 (original site) — moved to current Carmel location in 1771 |
| Founder | Franciscan Order – Founded by Father Junípero Serra |
| Managed By | Roman Catholic Diocese of Monterey |
| Region | Central California – Monterey Peninsula |
| Address | 3080 Rio Road, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923, USA |
| Zip Code | 93923 |
| Area Code | 831 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (PT) — UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving |
| Theme / Concept | Spanish Colonial Mission, Franciscan Heritage, Early California History |
| Major Features | Restored Basilica – Bell Tower – Quadrangle Courtyard – Mission Gardens – Serra’s Living Quarters |
| Famous Attractions | Basilica Church – Father Serra’s Tomb – Museum Galleries – Historic Reliquaries – Scenic Courtyard |
| Annual Visitors | Approx. 150,000–200,000 visitors per year |
| Entry Fee Type | Paid Admission (Museum & Grounds) |
| Ticket Price Range | $6–$11 depending on age |
| Visitor Options | Self-Guided Tours – Guided Group Tours – Religious Services – Educational Programs |
| Best Time to Visit | April–October (mild coastal weather, best outdoor conditions) |
| Nearby Airport | Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) – 7 miles (11 km) |
| Transportation | Car – Local Bus (limited routes) – Nearby Coastal Trails |
| Official Website | https://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)
Top Places to Visit in California
Explore the most popular tourist places in California. The list below includes famous beaches, national parks, historic sites, and scenic attractions across the state, along with map locations.
Explore the complete list of places to visit in the United States, including national parks, cities, landmarks, and famous attractions.