Carmel-by-the-Sea Places of Worship & Religious Sites

Padre Junipero Serra chose the site for the Mother Mission of California and directed his work at converting and civilizing the California Indians. The Serra Shine was built in honor of his pilgrimage and July 22 each year is declared Serra Day. The shrine contains a carved wood statue of the Franciscan missionary.

San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo is a Catholic mission that was founded in the late 18th century. It was originally constructed in Monterey, and was relocated to Carmel. It was the second of the 21 missions built in Alta California. Visitors are able to look through various aspects of the mission, including the burial places of Padres Junipero Serra, Juan Crespi and Fermin Lasuen, who were among the men who founded the mission. It is widely considered to be among the most beautiful missions in the area, and it is a popular tourist attraction.