California Adventures Series: Missions Tour
Since 2011
Explore California’s coastline on the Mission Tour.
18th and 19th century mission sites.
Visit them in the order established, south to north.
Combine all three California Adventures in one year to see most of California with trips all year long (and receive CA Triple Crown award).
Join the elite group of California Triple Crown finishers.
21 Missions.
Visit 21 Missions Along the Coast of California
Most folks are probably familiar with the California cities of San Diego and San Francisco. These names reflect the Spanish heritage of the early settlers and originate from the names of the Franciscan missions established in those areas. The first California mission (and presidio) was established near the San Diego River in 1769. Over the next 54 years it would serve as the base for numerous land and sea expeditions up the coast of the vast Alta California territory. These expeditions resulted in an additional 20 missions; each separated by a day’s ride on horseback (roughly 30 miles). This chain of missions became the basis of El Camino Real (The Royal Road) and the associated settlements gave rise to other well-known cities such as Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz and San Jose. The last Franciscan mission was completed in 1823 in what is now the Sonoma Valley winemaking region north of San Francisco Bay.
California Adventures Series (CAS): Missions Tour
As one visits the missions from south to north, it’s interesting to note the evolution of materials, architecture and scope to suit the location. Some of the earlier ones are basic structures intended mostly for education and worship while later ones became more lavish and expansive to fit their roles as haciendas or community centers. All of these missions are still being used and offer opportunities to explore their architecture and artwork. If you’d enjoy an opportunity to explore coastal California while retracing pivotal steps in its growth and cultural development, the California Adventures Series (CAS) Missions Tour might be just what you’re looking for.
The CAS Missions Tour is a self-guided and self-paced ride and photo tour of roughly 600 miles that involves a visit to each of the 21 historic Missions of Alta California within one calendar year. See the Rules tab for more information regarding the Missions and tour documentation.
Missions Tour Rules
Coming Soon!
Missions Tour History
- The California Missions Tour was created in 2011 by the Chairs for the California Parks Adventure tour. Logan and Cheryl Olds became the Chairs of both the California Parks Adventure and the California Missions Tour.
- Around 20 riders completed each of the rides in the introductory year. Some completed both rides that year.
- In 2012, the California Missions Tour and the California Parks Adventure were both included in the Triple Crown Award given to riders of three of the major SCMA rides in one year. One of these two rides could be included in the count of three rides.
- California Adventures Series Milestones:
- 2008 – California Parks Adventure to ride 24 parks was created by Mitch Friedman.
- 2011 – California Missions Tour was added by the California Parks Adventure Chairs at the time Logan and Cheryl Olds, and they became the Chair for both rides called California Adventures.
- 2012 – Riders could include either Parks or Missions in the Triple Crown award given to riders who complete three of the SCMA major rides in one year. The name changed to California Adventures Series including the California Parks Adventure and the California Missions Tour.
- 2018 - California Roads Challenge was added to the series in 2018. The California Triple Crown award was created for riders who completed all three tours in one year.
Register for CAS Missions Tour
Coming Soon!
For further clarification or questions about the CAS Missions Tour, contact:
Ride Chair – Les Gullery
adventures@sc-ma.com
Missions Tour Checkpoints
- Mission San Diego de Alcalá, San Diego
- Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, Carmel
- Mission San Antonio de Padua, Jolon
- Mission San Gabriel Arcángel, San Gabriel
- Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, San Luis Obispo
- Mission San Francisco de Asís, San Francisco
- Mission San Juan Capistrano
- Mission Santa Clara
- Mission San Buenaventura, Ventura
- Mission Santa Bárbara
- Mission La Purísima Concepción, Lompoc
- Mission Santa Cruz
- Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, Soledad
- Mission San José, Fremont
- Mission San Juan Bautista
- Mission San Miguel Arcángel, San Miguel
- Mission San Fernando Ray de España, San Fernando
- Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, Oceanside
- Mission Santa Inés
- Mission San Rafael Arcángel, San Rafel
- Mission San Francisco Solano, Sonoma