Visit California Carol Highsmith
Mission San Juan Capistrano was completed in 1776 and is often referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Missions.’
Words by Jennifer Leigh Hill
I am always captivated by California and often return to explore new destinations or revisit a favourite one. An incredible RV trip I recently took was a scenic, easy-to-drive north-south route known as the El Camino Real or The Royal Road, which connects 21 historic Spanish missions from San Diego to Sonoma. It spans more than 1,000 km (600 mi) through many scenic regions that provide new experiences and allow you to step back in time to admire some of the Golden State’s most preserved historic sites.
In the Beginning…
During the mid-1500s, as the Spanish moved northward after conquering Mexico, they pushed to establish governance of the territory now known as California. To build the required garrisons, they employed the manpower of native inhabitants. Over the next few centuries, missions were completed throughout the State. By 1823, a total of 21 were successfully established.
Each mission was different but they were essentially mini Spanish villages. The main building was the church, which also served as a fortification if they were ever attacked, while other structures included housing, a kitchen, refectory (dining room), winery, and several storerooms. Barns and smith shops were also added to accommodate farming and livestock.
Visit California Carol Highsmith
Located near Lompoc, CA, Mission La Purisima Concepcion was the 11th mission founded in 1787.
Over time, the missions were no longer needed. As a result, they were either sold off or abandoned. The buildings - often looted for the materials they were made of - eventually deteriorated into ruins.
While a few were eventually rebuilt and restored, it wasn’t until 2004 after President George W. Bush signed the California Mission Preservation Act and a hefty $10 million was earmarked to “...restore and repair the Spanish colonial-missions to preserve the artworks and artifacts.”
If you don’t have time to visit all 21, the following three are ‘must-sees’ and should be on your destination list the next time you visit California.
Mission San Juan Capistrano
This is the seventh of the 21 missions and was built in 1776. It’s often called the ‘Jewel of the Missions.’ It’s located in the town of the same name, 106 km (66 mi) north of San Diego.
Visit California Blaise
Solvang is dubbed The Danish Capital of America and is worth stopping on the way to Mission La Purisima Concepcion.
Famous for the Return of the Swallows Celebration every St. Joseph’s Day on March 19, San Juan Capistrano attracts countless visitors every year as well as thousands just for this occasion. The gardens are stunning and to see them in all their glory, go later in the spring and be sure to take a few hours to see the chapel and museum. Mission San Juan is also home to Serra Chapel, which is the most historically significant chapel in California.
Conveniently nearby is Doheny State Beach Park (about 5 km (3 mi)) that offers 118 campsites and some are just steps away from the beach. Other places to stay in the area include San Clemente and San Onofre state beaches. Although the sites at both locations are not on the water, trails lead to the shore. Keep in mind, San Onofre can serve RVs of 8 m (25 ft) while San Clemente can accommodate rigs up to 9 m (30 ft).
Mission La Purisima Concepcion
Located near Lompoc, this was the 11th mission built and was founded in 1787. It’s 327 km (203 mi) from San Juan Capistrano and the trip includes a nice drive through the charming town of Solvang. I stopped for the night at the Flying Flags RV Park in Buellton, which is nestled amongst some of the Central Coast’s 270-plus vineyards.
Dubbed “The Danish Capital of America,” Solvang has a rich, authentic culture. With a variety of Danish shops and restaurants, you’ll want to visit Olsen’s Bakery, which creates excellent Almond Kringles, as well as Andersen’s Restaurant in Buellton. It’s known as ‘The Home of Split Pea Soup’ as it’s reported that two million bowls are enjoyed here every year. Flying Flags also has an excellent restaurant with delicious pizzas.
Prescott Horn
Many have gorgeous restored gardens such as Mission San Juan Capistrano.
Las Purisima Concepcion is the most restored of all the missions I visited and offers a real sense of what life would have been like in the 18th Century. It’s also the only one that is considered to be a living museum. La Purisima Mission offers a variety of living history and Chumash Culture programs throughout the year. Check the website and Facebook page for more information.
https://explorelompoc.com/la-purisima-mission/
Mission San Francisco de Asís
This is the third choice that I recommend visiting. Mission San Francisco de Asís was built in 1776 and is located in San Francisco, 469 km (291 mi) from Los Purisima. The sixth mission to be built, San Francisco de Asís is known locally as the Mission Dolores, named after the nearby creek, Arroyo de Los Dolores or ‘Creek of Sorrows.’
The church was also established in 1776 and in addition to being the oldest building in San Francisco, it has been a place of worship since it opened. Aside from the church, the beautiful gardens have been restored with native flowers, shrubs and trees.
If you have time and you’re leaving from Mission La Purisima Concepcion, consider taking the Pacific Coast Highway (California State Route 1) and staying in Monterey for the night. The views along this famed highway are spectacular but there are winding sections that may be challenging for some RVs. Otherwise, I-5 is a good alternative.
Visit California Max Whittaker
Of course, there are many attractions while touring El Camino Real including the acclaimed Monterey Bay Aquarium.
When you get to Monterey, try to get a camping spot at Veteran's Memorial Park as sites are only available on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s just 1.6 km (1 mi) to downtown, 4 km (2.5 mi) to the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, and about an hour to the mission.
San Fran also has a few RV parks including the San Francisco RV Resort, the Rob Hill Campground, and even the Bicentennial Campground in the charming nearby city of Sausalito, which has great views of the city and Golden Gate Bridge. All are within 30 minutes of Mission San Francisco de Asís.
To further experience and learn about the history of the missions, retrace all of the steps of the padres who were instrumental in establishing the other 19 sites. Many are close to each other and will undoubtedly serve as an unforgettable RV trip.
Stay awhile and explore
With many RV parks to consider all along this historical journey, here are some of our top choices:
- Flying Flags RV Resort
- Veteran’s Memorial Park
- Rob Hill Campground
www.presidio.gov/lodging/rob-hill-campground
California State Parks and its preserved State Beaches are other exciting choices. Go to www.parks.ca.gov for all of the details.