The California Mission Trail runs North and South through coastal towns and the inland hills. Alto California’s “El Camino Real” or The Royal Road was the King’s highway in Spanish Colonial times. El Camino Real is now part of California’s Hwy 101 and Hwy 1. Fr. Junipero Serra established his 3rd mission in Alta California some 24 mile off what is now Hwy 101. Set among the California Oaks, the Mission’s land is located on Fort Hunter Liggett, a US Army Base. The US Army acquired the land from William Randolph Hearst, once part of his 250,000 acre working ranch. The Hearst ranch house, designed by Julia Morgan, still stands a stones throw from the mission and offers rooms for rent. All are welcome to enjoy this historic hacienda.

A dirt road takes you down to the old mission where a statue of Junipero Serra greets visitors.

Mission San Antonio is the site of the first recorded marriage in California.