Planning your Visit

The Carmel Mission is an active parish.
Kindly be advised, that access to the Basilica may be limited due to weddings, services, or special events.

We welcome your visit to the Carmel Mission.
Whether you are visiting by yourself, with others, or with a group, the information below will guide you through planning your visit.

MUSEUM, STORE & GROUNDS
Hours of Operation
Monday & Tuesday, CLOSED
Wednesday & Thursday, 10:00 – 4:00 pm
Friday & Saturday, 10:00 – 5:00 pm
Sunday,11:30 – 5:00 pm
Mission Grounds close 15 minutes prior to store close.

Admission Rates
Adults: $13
Seniors (62+): $10
Youths (7-17): $7
Child (6 and under): FREE

VISITOR’S RESOURCES

Please click here to view our  Map and Guide, Brief History and Visitation Policies.

HEALTH PROTOCOL
We encourage everyone to wear masks while indoors, unvaccinated individuals are required to wear masks.

PHOTOGRAPHY RATES
Please read our Visit Guidelines for our policy on photography.

GENERAL VISIT
Our general admissions includes a self-guided tour through our Basilica, museums, and grounds.

Admissions can be purchased at our Visitor’s Kiosk in front of our Mission Store. Any groups larger than 10 people please refer to the section below.

GROUP VISIT
Reservations are required for groups larger than ten. We offer several types of group tours, listed below.
Please click on the listed options to see what details are required to book your reservation.

Group Types
We welcome groups to visit the Mission and offer several options.
Email: Visit@carmelmission.org 
  • General Group Visit – Self-guided Tour materials are available
  • Guided Group Visit – Guided Tour available by appointment
  • School Group Visit – Self or Guided Tour
  • Pilgrimage Visit – Private Mass (Diocesan authorization required)

    Here is what you need
    When emailing us to book a group visit please have the following information ready.
    • Group Name
    • Group Size: Number of people and ages of group members
    • Preferred date and time for your visit.
      Be advised: depending on the activities for that date, our staff may recommend a different day and time for your visit.
    • Contact information for your group leader
    • Type and number of vehicles


      VISITOR RESOURCES



      Brief History of the Carmel Mission:

      Arriving by ship in Monterey on June 3, 1770, Padre Junípero Serra founded the Mission of San Carlos Borromeo in 1771. Padre Serra decided to leave Monterey and establish the mission in Carmel, mainly due to its natural resources.

      In 1985, Pope John Paul II declared Junípero Serra venerable, and in 1988 he was beatified in recognition of his heroic virtues. In September 1987, The Pope visited the Carmel Mission as part of his tour of the United States. Pope Francis canonized Saint Junípero Serra on September 23, 2015 at the National Shrine in Washington, D.C. Today, the Mission’s and its historic church is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in the United States for visitors from all over the world.



      Contact Us

      Museum Store : store@carmelmission.org 831.624.1271 – ext 210

      Parish Office : reception@carmelmission.org 831.624.1271 – ext 200