Founded by Junipero Serra on June 3, 1770. Known as The Carmel Mission.

2nd Mission of California. The most prominent Mission in California.

The official site of the mission provides detailed information abut the religious services and the history of the Mission itself. It is located in the small town of Carmel, nowadays extremely popular and overrun by visitors. Parking in Carmel is a drama, but parking at the Mission is usually available.

The chapel itself is one of the most flamboyant Spanish churches in California. The Mission was visited by the Pope John-Paul II Pope on September 17, 1987. He called the Mission "the historical and spiritual heart of California". He prayed in the Chapel of Our Lady of Bethlehem and honored Saint Junípero Serra, who is buried in this Mission.
Wikipedia page.