Route 1 - Big Sur Coast Highway
Carmel Mission and Basilica, CA

The Carmel Mission, located on Rio Road off of Highway One, was the second of California's historical missions, built in 1771. At that time, Father Junipero Serra founded the Basilica of Mission San Carlos de Borromeo, one of only two basilicas on the West Coast. It is considered the jewel of California missions, and was Father Serra's favorite. He is buried near the altar. Mission San Carlos Boromeo del Carmelo has been a haven for artists and writers for over a century.