California Missions Road Trip Itinerary
The California Missions Road Trip is a fantastic journey through some of the most beautiful and historic places in the United States. Starting in San Diego, the trip takes you through the towns of San Luis Rey, San Gabriel, Ventura, Santa Ynez, and San Luis Obispo, covering a total distance of 1247km. The recommended time to complete the trip is 21 days, although it can be done in less time if desired. The best time to make this journey is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the landscapes are at their most beautiful.
Along the way, travelers will be able to see some of the most stunning landscapes in the country, as well as visit some of the California Missions, which are a series of 21 religious outposts that were founded by the Spanish colonial government in the 18th century. These sites are a great way to get a glimpse into the state’s past, and provide a very high level of experience and memories.
The roads along the route are generally in excellent condition, although some of them can be a bit curvy. This makes the trip suitable for any driver, although it may be best to plan for a high budget if you plan to make the journey. All in all, the California Missions Road Trip is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
21
number of days
1,247 km
route length
high
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
San Diego
Distance 1,247 km
Driving time 16.7 h
Pace: fast
374.1 kWh
Airports
SAN
[detailsContainer]
San Diego is a beautiful city located in the south of California, United States. It is a great starting point for the California Missions Road Trip.
The city is known for its stunning natural beauty, with a Mediterranean climate and 70 miles of stunning coastline. There are plenty of attractions to explore in the city, from the historic Old Town to the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is San Diego International Airport (IATA: SAN). Car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy to begin the road trip.
Once you have your car, there are several interesting sights to explore in San Diego. The USS Midway Museum is a great place to start, with over 60 exhibits and a self-guided audio tour. For those who love the outdoors, the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a must-see.
San Diego is also home to a number of unique attractions, including the Maritime Museum of San Diego, the Museum of Man, and the San Diego Natural History Museum. All these attractions are great ways to start your California Missions Road Trip.
San Diego is an ideal starting point for the California Missions Road Trip. With its stunning natural beauty, abundance of attractions and easy access to rental cars, San Diego provides the perfect backdrop for your journey.
1
San Diego
- San Luis Rey
Distance 87 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: fast
26.1 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Welcome to the San Diego to San Luis Rey road trip stage! This 54mi journey will take you no more than one hour to complete and will be one of the most memorable parts of your larger tour.
Start your journey in San Diego, the birthplace of California, and explore the historic Old Town, the Gaslamp Quarter, and the beautiful Balboa Park. Then, make your way to the San Luis Rey Mission, a Spanish mission founded in 1798, and the nearby San Luis Rey River Trail, a scenic hiking trail.
For a unique experience, visit the California Wolf Center, a sanctuary for wolves and other wildlife species, and the Abalone Farm, a sustainable aquaculture farm that allows visitors to learn about the life cycle of abalones.
Finally, take a stroll along the beach and explore the San Luis Rey River Estuary, a wetland area home to many species of birds and other wildlife.
More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
San Luis Rey - United States - North America - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
❯
❮
2
San Luis Rey
- San Juan Capistrano
Distance 53 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: fast
16.0 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for an incredible road trip starting in San Luis Rey and ending in San Juan Capistrano? This 33mi drive will take you less than an hour and will give you the opportunity to explore some of the most interesting places in the region.
Your journey starts in San Luis Rey, where you can take a stroll in the beautiful Mission San Luis Rey de Francia. This is one of the oldest missions in California, founded in 1798. It's a great place to appreciate the history of the area and take some amazing pictures.
Your next stop is San Juan Capistrano. Here you can visit the Mission San Juan Capistrano, one of the most beautiful missions in California. Inside the mission you can find a beautiful chapel, a museum and a great garden.
As you drive along the route, be sure to take in the stunning views of the coast. This is a great opportunity to take some amazing pictures and to appreciate the beauty of nature.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a great road trip!
San Juan Capistrano - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
San Juan Capistrano - United States - North America - Road Trip - Flickr
❯
❮
3
San Juan Capistrano
- San Gabriel
Distance 92 km
Driving time 1.1 h
Pace: fast
27.5 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Welcome, road-trippers!
This stage of your journey begins in San Juan Capistrano and ends in San Gabriel, a distance of 57 miles, which will take you less than 2 hours to drive.
In San Juan Capistrano, you can explore the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano, built in 1776, and the Los Rios District, the oldest continuously inhabited neighborhood in California.
As you drive, take in the stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the San Gabriel River.
Once you arrive in San Gabriel, you can visit the San Gabriel Mission, founded in 1771, and explore its beautiful grounds and gardens. While there, be sure to visit the nearby San Gabriel Historical Monument and the San Gabriel Arcadia Historical Museum.
Finally, don't miss the San Gabriel Square Shopping Center, where you can find a variety of shops and restaurants.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the Itinerary of this stage.
Happy travels!
San Gabriel - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
4
San Gabriel
- Mission San Fernando
Distance 49 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: fast
14.8 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an unforgettable road trip from San Gabriel to Mission San Fernando! This 31 mile stretch will take you less than an hour to drive, and you’ll pass through some of the most interesting places in the United States.
Start your journey in San Gabriel, where you can explore the Mission San Gabriel Arcangel and its beautiful gardens. Then, you can visit the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, a historic theatre that was built in 1927.
As you continue your journey, you’ll pass through the charming city of San Fernando, where you can take a stroll through the Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana. This mission was founded in 1797, and is one of the oldest in California.
Finally, you’ll arrive at Mission San Fernando, where you can explore the historic buildings and gardens. This mission was founded in 1797, and is one of the oldest in California.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. You’re sure to have a great time exploring these beautiful places!
Mission San Fernando - United States - North America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
❯
❮
5
Mission San Fernando
- Ventura
Distance 98 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: fast
29.3 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Welcome to the Mission San Fernando to Ventura road trip stage! This 61mi drive will take you less than an hour on a scenic road.
During this stage you can visit the Mission San Fernando, a historic landmark founded in 1797, and the nearby Mission Hills, an affluent neighbourhood in the San Fernando Valley.
In Ventura, you can explore the Ventura Pier, a great spot for fishing and whale watching, and the nearby Ventura Harbor Village, a great spot for shopping, dining, and sightseeing.
If you're looking for a more adventurous experience, you can also visit the nearby Anacapa Island, a great spot for kayaking and other water activities.
Finally, if you're looking for a more relaxed experience, you can visit the Ventura Botanical Gardens, a great spot for a leisurely stroll.
No matter what your interests are, this road trip stage has something for everyone. Be sure to keep an eye out for the beautiful scenery along the way!
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Ventura - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
6
Ventura
- Santa Barbara
Distance 45 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: fast
13.6 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Take a road trip from Ventura to Santa Barbara and experience the beauty of California's Central Coast! This 28 mile drive will take you less than an hour and will be filled with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and lush mountains. Along the way, you can stop at historical sites, such as the Old Mission Santa Barbara and the Ventura Pier, or take in the stunning scenery from the scenic roads. Don't forget to take a break and explore the beaches and shops of Santa Barbara. With so much to see and do, you'll never want to leave! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the itinerary for this stage of your road trip.
Santa Barbara - United States - North America - Road Trip - Max Pixel
❯
❮
7
Santa Barbara
- Santa Ynez
Distance 46 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: fast
13.8 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Take a road trip from Santa Barbara to Santa Ynez, a journey of 29 miles, which will take you less than an hour. Santa Barbara is a great place to start your journey, with its beautiful beaches and the historic Old Mission Santa Barbara. From there, you can explore the Santa Ynez Valley, known for its wineries and vineyards. Be sure to visit the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum, the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden, and the Santa Ynez Valley Horse Park. You can also take a tour of the Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park, and the Chumash Indian Museum. And don't forget to stop by the Solvang Danish Village, a charming town full of Danish-style architecture. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Santa Ynez - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
8
Santa Ynez
- La Purisima Mission
Distance 35 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: fast
10.5 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Welcome road-trippers! We are excited to have you join us on this amazing journey from Santa Ynez to La Purisima Mission. This stage of the tour is only 22 miles and will take you less than an hour to drive. Along the way, you will be able to take in some of the most beautiful sights in the area.
Start your journey at the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum & Janeway-Parks Carriage House, where you can learn about the history of the area and explore the collection of horse-drawn carriages. From there, you can drive to the La Purisima Mission State Historic Park, where you can explore the grounds and learn about the history of the mission.
You can also enjoy the scenic drive along the way, taking in the views of rolling hills and lush vineyards. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage.
We hope you enjoy this incredible journey from Santa Ynez to La Purisima Mission. Have a safe and enjoyable trip!
La Purisima Mission - United States - North America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
❯
❮
9
La Purisima Mission
- San Luis Obispo
Distance 95 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: fast
28.6 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an unforgettable road trip from La Purisima Mission to San Luis Obispo! This scenic journey is only 59 miles long and takes less than an hour to drive, so you can take your time and explore the stunning sights along the way.
Start your trip at La Purisima Mission, a stunning Spanish mission established in 1787. Take a self-guided tour and learn the history of this beautiful site. Then, drive down the winding roads of the Los Padres National Forest and admire the lush greenery and wildlife.
As you drive, take a moment to appreciate the picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean. Then, make your way to the charming city of San Luis Obispo. Here, you can explore the charming downtown area, visit the iconic mission, and take a stroll along the beach.
Along the way, be sure to take advantage of some of the amazing attractions, such as the Elephant Seal Rookery, the Oceano Dunes, and the Montaña de Oro State Park.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
San Luis Obispo - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
10
San Luis Obispo
- San Miguel
Distance 59 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: fast
17.8 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for an amazing road trip from San Luis Obispo to San Miguel? This scenic 37 mile drive takes less than one hour and will take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes of California.
Start your journey in San Luis Obispo and make a stop at the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, a beautiful Spanish mission founded in 1772. This mission is a great place to learn about the history of the area and to take some amazing photos.
Continue your drive to San Miguel and make a stop at the San Miguel Arcangel Mission. This mission was founded in 1797 and is a great place to learn about the history of the area and to take some amazing photos.
The next stop is the San Miguel Cemetery. This cemetery is the final resting place of many of the area's founding families and is a great place to learn about the history of the area.
Finally, make a stop at the San Miguel Winery. This winery is a great place to sample some of the area's best wines and to learn about the wine-making process.
Make sure to keep an eye out for the beautiful scenery along the way. This is one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an amazing road trip from San Luis Obispo to San Miguel!
San Miguel - United States - North America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
❯
❮
11
San Miguel
- Mission San Antonio de Padua
Distance 65 km
Driving time 0.8 h
Pace: fast
19.6 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for an amazing road trip from San Miguel to Mission San Antonio de Padua? This stage of your journey is about 41mi long and you can complete it in less than an hour.
San Miguel is a great place to start your trip. Here you can visit the San Miguel Arcangel Mission and the San Miguel Historical Museum.
Your next stop is Mission San Antonio de Padua. It is the third of the 21 Franciscan missions in California and is a National Historic Landmark. It was founded in 1771 by Father Junipero Serra.
This stage of your journey is only a part of an amazing road trip. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy the ride!
Mission San Antonio de Padua - United States - North America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
❯
❮
12
Mission San Antonio de Padua
- Soledad
Distance 78 km
Driving time 2.4 h
Pace: slow
18.1 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Start your road trip in Mission San Antonio de Padua, United States and travel 49 miles to Soledad. The drive will take less than 3 hours and you will be able to explore some of the most interesting places in the region. Along the way, you will pass through some of the most scenic roads, winding through the hills and valleys. Make sure to take your time and enjoy the views!
Once you reach Soledad, you can visit the Soledad Mission, built in 1791. This mission is part of California's chain of 21 missions and is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the area. You can also take a stroll through the Old Town district and visit the Soledad Civic Center Plaza.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary for this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Soledad - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikipedia
Soledad - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
13
Soledad
- Carmel Mission
Distance 85 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: fast
25.6 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Are you looking for an exciting road trip? Look no further! The journey from Soledad to Carmel Mission is only 53 miles and can be completed in fewer than 1 hour. This is a great stage of a larger tour, and you’ll get to experience the best of both cities.
When you’re on the road, pay attention to the scenic views. You’ll pass by rolling hills, lush valleys, and a stretch of the California coastline.
Once you arrive in Soledad, you’ll want to check out the Soledad Mission. This mission was founded in 1791 and is a great example of the Spanish colonial architecture.
From there, you’ll head to Carmel Mission. This mission was founded in 1771 and is a National Historic Landmark. It’s also the burial site of Father Junipero Serra.
For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the “Itinerary” of this stage.
Happy travels!
Carmel Mission - United States - North America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
❯
❮
14
Carmel Mission
- San Juan Bautista
Distance 60 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: fast
18.1 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Welcome road-trippers to the Carmel Mission to San Juan Bautista stage! This scenic journey of 38mi will take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes of California. Start your journey in Carmel Mission, the stunning and historical mission that dates back to 1771. From there, drive along the picturesque roads and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Make sure to stop at the San Juan Bautista State Historic Park, where you can explore the mission, visit the museum, and enjoy a picnic in the peaceful gardens.
On your way, you can also stop at the San Juan Bautista Plaza, a National Historic Landmark, which is an interesting spot to take a walk and explore the local shops and restaurants.
Finally, you will reach your destination, San Juan Bautista, a charming town with many historic buildings, a small plaza, and a peaceful atmosphere.
The journey from Carmel Mission to San Juan Bautista is a great way to explore the beauty of California. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
San Juan Bautista - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
San Juan Bautista - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikipedia
❯
❮
15
San Juan Bautista
- Santa Cruz
Distance 57 km
Driving time 0.8 h
Pace: fast
17.2 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for a thrilling road trip? Start your journey in San Juan Bautista, United States and end it in Santa Cruz. This 36mi route will take you fewer than 1 hours to complete. Along the way, you will be surrounded by stunning landscapes and picturesque views. Make sure to take a few pictures of the historical sites, and enjoy the scenic views while you drive. This is just one of the many stages of your larger tour, so make sure to take it all in! Be sure to check out the “Itinerary” for this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!
Santa Cruz - United States - North America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
❯
❮
16
Santa Cruz
- Santa Clara
Distance 50 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: fast
15.1 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Welcome road-trippers! Get ready to embark on a journey from Santa Cruz to Santa Clara, a distance of 31mi that can be covered in less than an hour. On your way, you will be able to visit some of the most interesting places in the area. In Santa Cruz, you can explore the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a seaside amusement park with rides, arcades, and shops. You can also visit the University of California Santa Cruz and its beautiful campus, with its redwood groves and meadows. In Santa Clara, you can visit the Intel Museum, the Santa Clara University, and the Triton Museum of Art. Don’t forget to visit the Great America Theme Park and the Levi’s Stadium, too. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Santa Clara - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
17
Santa Clara
- Mission San Jose
Distance 25 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: fast
7.6 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Take a road trip from Santa Clara to Mission San Jose and explore the beauty of the Bay Area! This 16-mile drive will take you less than an hour and you will be able to enjoy the scenic views of the rolling hills of Santa Clara Valley. Start your journey at Santa Clara, a city known for its vibrant culture and attractions like California's Great America amusement park and Santa Clara University. Then, head to Mission San Jose, the oldest operating mission in California. Here, you can explore the historic mission and its beautiful gardens, as well as the museum and visitor center. Enjoy the historic charm of the mission and its unique architecture. As you drive through this stage, take the time to admire the rolling hills and the beauty of the surrounding area. At the end of your journey, you will be rewarded with a visit to Mission San Jose. More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!
Mission San Jose - United States - North America - Road Trip - Vikipedija
❯
❮
18
Mission San Jose
- San Francisco
Distance 79 km
Driving time 0.9 h
Pace: fast
23.8 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Welcome, road-trippers! Let's embark on a journey from Mission San Jose to San Francisco, a 49mi drive that will take you fewer than 1 hours. As you drive, pay attention to the historical sites and picturesque landscapes that will surely make your trip more enjoyable. The road is scenic and you'll get to see some of the most beautiful views of the area.
The first stop you should make is the Mission San Jose, a historic mission founded in 1797. It is the 14th mission in the California mission chain and is a National Historic Landmark. After that, you should visit San Francisco, the city known for its rich culture, vibrant nightlife, and iconic landmarks. From the Golden Gate Bridge to the beautiful Alcatraz Island, there's plenty to explore in this city.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Let's hit the road!
San Francisco - United States - North America - Road Trip - pixabay.com
❯
❮
19
San Francisco
- San Rafael
Distance 42 km
Driving time 0.8 h
Pace: modest
10.8 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Welcome to the San Francisco to San Rafael road trip! This 26 mile journey is one of the most scenic drives in the world, with incredible views of the San Francisco Bay and its surrounding hills. We recommend that you take your time and enjoy the views as you drive along the winding roads of the San Francisco Bay.
We suggest that you start your journey in San Francisco and explore the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the beautiful Presidio National Park. After that, you can take a stroll in the charming Fisherman's Wharf and taste some of the city's delicious seafood.
As you make your way to San Rafael, you will be treated to some of the most breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay. You can stop at the Marin Headlands and take in the stunning views of the bay, or you can take a break at the Point Reyes National Seashore and explore the stunning beaches and trails.
Once you arrive in San Rafael, you can explore the charming downtown area and visit some of the city's top attractions, such as the Marin County Civic Center and the Rafael Film Center. You can also take a stroll through the lovely China Camp State Park and enjoy its beautiful views of the bay.
We hope that you enjoy your journey from San Francisco to San Rafael! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage.
San Rafael - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
20
San Rafael
- Sonoma
Distance 44 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: fast
13.1 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Welcome to the San Rafael to Sonoma road trip stage! This 27 mile drive is a great opportunity to explore the beauty of Northern California. In less than an hour, you'll be able to take in the historical sites and the gorgeous scenery of this area.
Start your journey in San Rafael and make sure to take a look at the Mission San Rafael Arcangel, an old Spanish mission founded in 1817. Then, take a drive through the rolling hills and vineyards of the countryside.
Once you reach Sonoma, you can explore the Sonoma Plaza, the heart of the city. Take a stroll around the plaza and admire the historic buildings, including the Mission San Francisco Solano, the northernmost mission in the California mission chain.
After exploring the plaza, you can visit the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art and the Sonoma Valley Regional Park. The museum is a great place to learn about the history of the area, while the park is a great spot to enjoy the outdoors.
At the end of your journey, don't forget to check out the Jack London State Historic Park. This park is the former home of the author Jack London and is a great place to explore the nature of the area.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Sonoma - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
Sonoma
[detailsContainer]
Sonoma, California, located in the heart of Sonoma Valley, is a must-visit destination for any traveler who is looking to explore the beautiful countryside of the state. The city is the perfect ending point of the California Missions Road Trip, as it is home to both the Mission San Francisco Solano and the Sonoma State Historic Park. With its wineries and rolling hills, Sonoma is the perfect place to relax and take in the stunning views.
For those coming by car, the Sonoma Valley Scenic Drive is the perfect way to experience the area. This scenic drive takes travelers through the heart of the wine country, with stops at some of the world-renowned wineries in the region. Visitors can also experience the many historical sites in and around the city, including the Sonoma Plaza, the Sonoma Mission, and the historic Vallejo Home.
For those looking for a more active experience, Sonoma offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as biking, kayaking, and hiking. The city is also home to several golf courses, including the Sonoma Golf Club, which is one of the most renowned courses in the state.
Travelers who would prefer to fly into Sonoma can do so by arriving at the Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS). From there, travelers can easily reach the city center by taking a short ride on the Sonoma County Transit bus.
No matter how you choose to explore Sonoma, it will be an unforgettable experience. From its wineries to its historical sites, Sonoma has something for everyone. Make sure to add it to your list of must-see destinations on the California Missions Road Trip!
California Missions Road Trip at a glance
-
Start:
San Diego
-
End:
Sonoma
-
Distance:
1,247 km
-
Stay:
21 days
-
Getting there:
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
-
When to drive:
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
-
More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on the California Missions Road Trip, a journey that spans approximately 1247 kilometers (775 miles), starting from the historical city of San Diego and culminating in the inviting town of San Luis Obispo. This 21-day excursion offers a mesmerizing mix of California's natural splendor and an in-depth exploration of its early history.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
Along the route, Roadtrippers will discover enchanting towns such as San Luis Rey, San Gabriel, Ventura, and Santa Ynez, each hosting one of the 21 California Missions. These missions, established between 1769 and 1833 by Spanish Franciscan priests, are not merely religious sites but also significant cultural and historical monuments that shed light on California's early development under Spanish and later Mexican rule. Visitors can marvel at the distinctive architecture, learn about the indigenous communities and Spanish settlers, and explore the captivating gardens and museums at each site.
Best Time to Go:
To optimize your journey, consider setting out in the spring or fall. These seasons offer temperate climates, fewer crowds, and the chance to witness California's landscapes in vibrant bloom or with the warm hues of autumn foliage.
Potential Risks:
The Roads, while well-maintained, can present challenges with their winding turns, especially along the coastal stretches. It's essential for drivers to stay alert, particularly in areas with sharp curves or steep inclines.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
When planning your budget, consider allocating funds for mission entrance fees, local dining experiences, and unique accommodations to enhance your cultural immersion. Many of the missions are active parishes, hosting events and services, offering a chance to engage with local communities. Additionally, the Road Trip route is rich in biodiversity, traversing multiple ecosystems from coastal shores to inland valleys, making it an ideal adventure for nature enthusiasts and culture seekers alike.
A good choice for:
The California Missions Road Trip is a captivating journey that weaves together the freedom of the Road with a profound exploration of California's multifaceted history. With each mission providing its own story and each landscape its own beauty, travelers are in for an enriching experience that will leave them with a deeper appreciation of the Golden State and memories that will last a lifetime.
-
