All religious buildings to visit in California

Step into the sacred spaces of 18 religious buildings in California. These structures offer a glimpse into the architectural and spiritual heritage of various faiths.

Are you fascinated by religious architecture and history? Here are the must-see religious buildings in California:

  1. Mission San Carlos Borromeo De Carmelo1

    Mission San Carlos Borromeo De Carmelo

     Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
    Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, a Catholic parish, is situated in the picturesque city of Carmel-by-the-Sea in Monterey County, California. This historic mission was the second one established by Friar Junípero Serra in the territory of Alta California back in 1771. It stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the region.
  2. Winchester Mystery House2

    Winchester Mystery House

     San Jose, CA
    The Winchester Mystery House, located in San Jose, California, near Santa Clara, is a renowned site in American folklore. It is known for its reputation as a haunted house, which adds a layer of intrigue and mystery to its history. This reputation has made it a popular destination for tourists who are interested in the supernatural or simply want to explore a unique piece of American history.
  3. El Pueblo de Los Ángeles3

    El Pueblo de Los Ángeles

     Los Angeles, CA
    El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, also known as Los Angeles Plaza Historic District, is a historic district located in the oldest section of Los Angeles. This area was the city's center under Spanish, Mexican, and United States rule through most of the 19th century. The district was designated a state historic monument in 1953 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
  4. Mission San Buenaventura4

    Mission San Buenaventura

     Ventura, CA
    Mission San Buenaventura, located in Ventura, California, is a significant historical site. It was one of the nine mission towns personally established by Franciscan friar Junípero Serra in Alta California. This mission offers a glimpse into the early history of California and the role of the Catholic Church in the region's development.
  5. El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park5

    El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park

     Santa Barbara, CA
    The Presidio de Santa Bárbara, located in Santa Barbara, California, is a historic site with a rich past. It was originally a military installation, constructed by Spain in 1782. The purpose of this establishment was to defend the Second Military District of the province. Today, it stands as a testament to the region's history and the Spanish influence on California.
  6. El Pueblo de Los Ángeles Historical Monument6

    El Pueblo de Los Ángeles Historical Monument

     Los Angeles, CA
    El Pueblo de Los Ángeles Historical Monument, also known as Los Angeles Plaza Historic District, is a historic district situated in the oldest part of Downtown Los Angeles. This district was the city's center under Spanish, Mexican, and American rule for most of the 19th century. It was designated as a State Historic Monument in 1953 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
  7. Mission Santa Cruz7

    Mission Santa Cruz

     Santa Cruz, CA
    The Santa Cruz Mission, or Misión la exaltación de la Santa Cruz in Spanish, is a historical site founded by Spanish Franciscans in 1791. Located in Santa Cruz, California, the mission was named after the exaltation of the Holy Cross. This site offers a glimpse into the history of Spanish missions in California and the influence of the Franciscan order.
  8. Old Mission Santa Inés8

    Old Mission Santa Inés

     Solvang, CA
    Mission Santa Inés, located in the present-day city of Solvang, California, is a historic Spanish mission founded on September 17, 1804. The mission was established by Father Estévan Tapís of the Franciscan order. It was strategically placed as a midway point between Mission Santa Barbara and Mission La Purísima Concepción to serve the Indians living north of the Coast Range and to alleviate overcrowding at the two aforementioned missions.
  9. Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park9

    Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park

     Weaverville, CA
    Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park is situated in the heart of Weaverville, California. This site is not just a state park, but also a functioning Taoist temple. It holds the distinction of being the oldest Chinese temple in California, making it a significant part of the state's cultural and historical heritage.
  10. Portuguese Historical Museum10

    Portuguese Historical Museum

     San Jose, CA
    The Portuguese Historical Museum, located in San Jose, California, was inaugurated in 1997. It is a replica of the first permanent império, a type of religious and cultural building primarily found in the Azores. The original império was built around 1915 in San Jose's Little Portugal district.
  11. Sonoma State Historic Park11

    Sonoma State Historic Park

     Sonoma, CA
    Sonoma State Historic Park is situated in the heart of Sonoma, California. This park is home to six significant sites: the Mission San Francisco Solano, the Sonoma Barracks, the Blue Wing Inn, La Casa Grande, Lachryma Montis, and the Toscano Hotel. Each of these sites offers a unique glimpse into the rich history of the region.
  12. Workman House - Homestead Museum12

    Workman House - Homestead Museum

     Industry, CA
    The Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum is a historic house museum located in the City of Industry, California. It showcases the homes and private cemetery of the pioneer Workman-Temple family. The museum offers a unique glimpse into the lives of one of the pioneering families in California's history, providing visitors with a rich and immersive experience of the past.
  13. Mission San Antonio De Padua13

    Mission San Antonio De Padua

     Jolon, CA
    Mission San Antonio de Padua, located in Monterey County, California, holds historical significance as the third mission founded by Franciscan friar Junípero Serra in Alta California in 1771. It was also the first mission to have a population greater than 1,000 converts, marking a significant milestone in the history of the mission.
  14. Hayward Area Historical Society14

    Hayward Area Historical Society

     Hayward, CA
    The Hayward Area Historical Society (HAHS) is a nonprofit organization that is committed to preserving and documenting the history of Hayward, California, and its surrounding communities. This organization plays a crucial role in maintaining the historical integrity of the area and provides a wealth of information about the region's past.
  15. Oroville Chinese Temple15

    Oroville Chinese Temple

     Oroville, CA
    The Oroville Chinese Temple is a significant historical site located in Oroville, Northern California. It was constructed in 1863, serving as a community house for the Chinese population in Oroville. This temple provides a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and history of the Chinese community in the region.
  16. Mission San Fernando Rey de España - Convento16

    Mission San Fernando Rey de España - Convento

     Los Angeles, CA
    The Mission San Fernando Rey de España, located in the northeast of present-day Los Angeles, California, was founded on September 8, 1797 by Fray Fermín Lasuen. This historical site offers a glimpse into the early Spanish colonial period of California's history.
  17. Forest Lawn Museum17

    Forest Lawn Museum

     Glendale, CA
    In Glendale, there are three chapels: The Little Church of the Flowers, The Wee Kirk o’ the Heather, and The Church of the Recessional. These chapels are exact replicas of European chapels, offering a unique architectural experience for visitors.
  18. 18

    San Juan Bautista State Historic Park

     San Juan Bautista, CA
    San Juan Bautista State Historic Park is a significant site located in California, United States. It covers the historic center of San Juan Bautista, offering visitors a chance to explore the rich history of the area. The park is a testament to California's period of Spanish and Mexican control, preserving a significant concentration of buildings from this era.