Very beautiful place In the middle of the mountains. Worth the scenic ride to visit this mission. Friendly people. High priced gift shop with some sort of nice things. Some nice things from local artist.
Charming. Well worth the 23 miles off the 101 from King City (heading south). At the end of a meandering road through a relatively untouched countryside of rolling hills, vineyards and many trees is a giant army base surrounding the mission.We spoke with a woman who currently runs and operates the gift shop, plus other things, and she was so interesting and hospitable, we could have talked with her for hours. Only wish we could remember her name.The mission is definitely off the beaten path, but we found the experience well worth the extra gas and the extra time added to our trip. If you love missions, you will not be disappointed in this beauty. There are a number of remarkable art pieces, statues, paintings, candle sticks, crucifixes, etc at this mission. It is beautiful, and like with all missions there is a great deal of history to be learned.
As of Sept. 2014 the mission is under retrofitting and restoration, but the is still open. Well-done, interesting exhibits; best collection of musical instruments and distinctive baskets that I remember seeing at any mission, or perhaps even any museum. This mission is now offering a variety of free cultural programs and speakers, and it is the only California mission where you can rent a room, suite or 'casita' for the night for spiritual or educational purposes. Gift shop sells works by local artists as well as the usual mission gift shop merchandise. Had driven past the exit to the mission for many years and finally made it a point to get there. [It is at Fort Hunter Liggett, not Camp Roberts. When we visited we did not have to stop and present ID, etc., but mission staff says that could change any time on a whim so best to come prepared. Recommend getting on their email list if they have one, as they offer very interesting events throughout the year.
Have been in this area before with the Army for the firing range at Fort Hunter Liggett. I had never gone to the Mission to visit but we made this trip while visiting several other California Missions.The Mission is undergoing retrofit on the Main Roof while we were there. This still allowed us to see the Mission. Entrance to the Mission is through the Gift Shop located to the left of the Main door. There is a small fee that is used to support the Mission. The mission/church still operates to this day and serves the local community. Worth the visit to see this part of History.The Mission while not on the military base, you must drive through part of the base to gain entrance to the Mission. When we went through the guard posts it was not operated but could be, entrance to the actual base operations is manned. They have a retreat center that you may be interested in to stay. Also Fort Hunter Liggett has a hotel from the Hearst Castle era that may be available for your stay also. http://liggett.army.mil/sites/local/home.asp
This well preserved Mission is about 30 minutes off Hwy 101 in the beautiful California oak woodlands. A very pretty drive!The mission is the nicest of the ones I have visited, and gives you a very good feel for the life and times of the Mission period.Don't miss the opportunity to see this one, if you are nearby.
Great history and well taken care of. The church is active but just so much history here! The Mission has a gift shop and you can sign up to stay there a few days and help out at the Mission.
I grew up about 20 miles from Mission San Antonio de Padua and have many fond memories of school field trips, community BBQs, and midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Recently my wife and I returned for Evening In The Garden, a benefit event for the mission. I was reminded not only of the incredible history of the California missions but, more specifically, how being at this mission give such a detailed picture of what the missions were like 200+ years ago. Because of it's location away form major towns and because it's on a military installation it has been kept pure and authentic.
Mission San Antonio de Padua is remote and peaceful, still functioning as a church and the best chance you'll have to see what early settlers in California experienced. The tour is a must, very informative. And ask about Rosario, an affectionate Mission cat. He has a great story of his own. Good website with information on tours and special events. There's also a good museum and a unique gift store with locally-made crafts and keepsakes.Don't be put off by the drive through Fort Hunter-Liggett - just keep following the signs for the Mission and you'll get there.
On a whim, upon leaving Mission San Miguel de Arcangel, we headed out to Jolon to visit Mission San Antonio de Padua. Mission San Antonio is a bit remote. Visitors must travel through a military base to reach it, BUT it is worth the drive. Even though many structures on site are in ruins, it is easy to see the scope of mission life. We spent about 2 hours exploring and wished we'd had a little more time(hours are 10-4). The museum displays are informative, and visitors need to make a point to see the original wine vat & cellar on site. The mission building and accompanying gardens are beautiful. Our two boys were thrilled to find the mission cats, Rosario and Spirit, lounging under a bench.The mission is still an active parish and subsists on donations and purchases of many artisan crafted items available in the gift shop.The grounds are peaceful and beautiful, and it is clear why the mission offers retreat stays. If you are in the region, Mission San Antonio is well worth the out of the way drive to visit.
Went to 9 am mass. Its a beautiful church I'm not catholic but liked that it was not a showy place. Its low key with friendly locals It was the "Cutting of the roses" the Sunday we went, so there was a few local artists with quality items to sell after mass Also had a good homemade brunch. Sat at one of the long tables enjoyed friendly conversation with others next to us. The shop is very nice with beautiful items. This place is next to a military base but its views for the most part are of fields and hills. Don't expect anything slick its more rustic and authentic. I'd go back