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Monterey County
Carmel
Things to Do in Carmel
Carmel Mission
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Carmel Mission

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See all things to do
Carmel Mission
4.5
624
#7 of 134 things to do in Carmel
Religious Sites • History Museums
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9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
129 within 3 miles
Mission Ranch Restaurant
1,845
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
From Scratch Restaurant
478
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
Treehouse Cafe
605
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • International • Mediterranean • Healthy
SUR at The Barnyard
176
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly
Rio Grill
659
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Sea Harvest Fish Market & Restaurants
264
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Seafood • Gluten Free Options
Anton & Michel
645
0.8 mi$$$$ • American • International • European
Flying Fish Grill
1,074
0.8 mi$$$$ • Seafood • Asian • Healthy
La Bicyclette Restaurant Carmel
1,598
0.8 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • French • Pizza
Terry's Lounge
435
0.8 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly
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Attractions
248 within 6 miles
San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission
511
65 ftHistoric Sites • Architectural Buildings
Convento Museum
1
184 ftSpeciality Museums
Scheid Vineyards
52
0.2 miWineries & Vineyards
Blair Estate Tasting Room
10
0.2 miWineries & Vineyards
Manzoni Cellars
14
0.2 miWineries & Vineyards
Bennett Sculpture
9
0.2 miArt Galleries
Wittpenns Antiques
1
0.2 miAntique Shops
WWI memorial
2
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Scenic Road Walkway
519
0.5 miHiking Trails
Carmel River State Beach
2,466
0.5 miBeaches
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
624 reviews
Excellent
385
Very good
183
Average
45
Poor
9
Terrible
2
Curtice Abroad
6 contributions
Interesting and Relaxed
A working mission that we visited on a Sunday, as morning service was drawing to a close. Reasonably pricey to enter, but the museum was well laid out, with some interesting history and exhibits about imperial Spain, the Franciscans and the state of California. If you don't know about the Loan Woman of St Nicolas you surely will by the end of the end of the self-guided tour, because she is everywhere. Interesting information and challenging questions for school projects included throughout.
Written August 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mcdocs
Central Point, OR124 contributions
Educationally gratifying and spiritual experience
Couples
Wonderful experience reflecting on the history and spirituality of the area. One of our very dear friends had passed away just an hour before, and it was comforting to be able to light a candle for her in the sanctuary.

We had the extreme good fortune and honor of being approached by and given a tour by the curator himself. A rare treat to be sure.

I highly recommend visiting this historic mission while in Carmel.
Written March 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tami S
Skagway, AK139 contributions
Beautiful!
When I was a kid and visited CA, my folks must have taken us to every single mission! I don't remember them wowing me like this one. The church is stunning and the historical artifacts will just leave you speechless. See CA's first library, a kneeler used by Pope John Paul II, original liturgical items used by the founder, Father Serra and so much more. I was just awe-inspired by the original artwork and artifacts. Lovely gift-shop on site filled with religious and non-religious gifts.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Janice Jones
Carmel, CA22 contributions
Charging to enter a church ?
Highly ironic for a church to be following the man who got furious for charging people to enter the house of God. And yet here you are doing it again. Some 2000 Years Later.

What do you think Jesus would say to you if he were asked to pay to enter ?

Last time I was charged to enter a church it was for a night club in New York City that was once a church and its staff in Nuns and Saints outfits, doing the Un Godly.

Maybe they branched out to Carmel. Why else would I be charged for entry ? Like at a night club?

My guess is that Sunday Mass time or Christmas Mass or Easter Mass your preachers are asked to ignore that little incident of Jesus getting mad that they were charging admission to the Church.

I've travelled all over the world and have been to churches far older than this, some that date into millennia and have never seen a church charge for admission, unless its a nightclub giving another service altogether.

In all the time I have been passing this "Church" I have never had the urge to go in.
Always something way too unremarkable and earthly about it.
I guess I now know why.

What kind of monsters run this place to be mocking the very teachings of Christ ?
"Pray for us sinners" : I suggest you pray for yourselves as you are shamelessly full of sin.

No admission to the house of God unless you pay ? What kind of God do you folks pray to here exactly?
Written August 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Byron Chong
Soledad, CA50 contributions
Restored historical California MIssion
Once in ruins Sir Harry Downie single handedly restored the mission. There is a beautiful altar, small museum of the history of the efforts of the establishment of the chain of missions in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is currently and active parish church
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robert D
Omaha, NE56 contributions
A jewel of history
Couples
One of the first missions in California, the locals have kept in almost original shape. The church is magnificent and the sounds emanating when the choir is singing is awesome. The ground, museum and graveyard is worth the time to explore.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
heumanntouch
Huntington Beach, CA1,178 contributions
Too Crowded
I must have picked a bad day to be here, but I will say it was very picturesque. The grounds are very pretty as are the buildings. It was just too crowded so we left pretty quick. The parking also is a problem if you go when it is busy, as it too us at least 30 minutes to find a spot.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mauro1990
Santa Rosa, CA627 contributions
Our Faith
Couples
This Mission has been here since the 1700. Every time we come to Carmel we make a point to come and visit, especially if it’s a Sunday morning to attend the mass. It has so much history about how the Mission came about and it is very spiritual. The property is huge; it has a school(k-8), a museum and a sanctuary where there is lots of memorabilia.
You will not be disappointed in visiting this Mission.
Today was a special day because the Bishop was present in giving the Sacrament of Confirmation to the participants and their sponsors.
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Porthos7
West Chester, OH6,169 contributions
Just SPECTACULAR!
Couples
This beautiful space should completely be on your bucket list to visit! Gorgeous grounds, amazing museum and spectacular "church". Go for a mass - which is great as well (both indoor and outdoor). You'll need about an hour, and it's mostly handicap accessible. Go and enjoy!
Written September 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sp4301
Medford, OR1,909 contributions
Nice stop
Couples
This is a beautiful old mission and working church. We were there on a Sunday and asked to be respectful of the church service in progress...no problem. We spent more than an hour exploring the grounds, seeing the artifacts and learning some history.

I am glad we stopped here and would recommend it.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Carmel Mission

Frequently Asked Questions about Carmel Mission
Carmel Mission is open:
  • Sun - Sat 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Carmel Mission tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 4 Carmel Mission tours on Tripadvisor