Monterey Bay lodging is the perfect place to get ready for an adventurous weekend. It is conveniently located near exciting historical spots which make it a memorable venue to visit. Visitors of Monterey bay lodging will surely have a great time with the variety of activities; including wonderful beaches, museums, art galleries, wineries, farms and distinguished historical missions that comprise a large part of California's rich history.
Carmel Mission
The Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmel, identified also as Mission Carmel, had its first church founded on August 1771 by Father Junipero Serra who is also actually buried in the area. The mission is hailed as the second of the 21 California Missions. Carmel Mission is also noted as the most detailed and concretely recovered Franciscan mission, with picturesque courtyards and gardens perfect for solitary moments. The mission has four museum galleries that exhibit California's antiquity. The Harry Downie Museum presents displays during the restoration of the mission while the Munras Family Heritage Museum features the biography of a high-profile family in Carmel. The Jo Mora Chapel Gallery promotes exquisite art displays, along with the priceless Serra Memorial Centotaph as its most precious sculpture. The Convento Museum, designated as California's oldest library, is where relic viewing of the mission life is available. Nowadays, Carmel Mission still functions as a parish.
San Antonio de Padua Mission
Mission San Antonio de Padua, the third among the historical missions, is settled upon a holy ground within the "Valley of the Oaks" of California's Central Coast. It was deserted for five decades, between 1882 and 1928. Now, its present location is three miles away from the original site of the mission. Most of its territory is actually open for the public with some areas also being used by the Franciscans. Acknowledged as the epitome of all the missions, San Antonio de Padua Mission still operates as a parish. Mount Santa Lucia serves as the mission's background. A garden can be found inside the mission, along with picnic tables on its grounds.
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad
If you are interested in a California Mission near Monterey Bay, don't forget to drop by the well-conserved Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad. Built in 1791 and being the thirteenth among the missions, it was named after "Our Lady of Solitude." When the mission was thrice destroyed by floods, a small chapel, a cemetery and some adobe wrecks at the back of the quadrangle were all that were left. The restoration of the Museum Chapel was then initiated in 1954. Today, the mission's church is utilized for mass every first Sunday of the month. A wide vineyard is established inside the property.
The missions are California's prime tourist and historical attractions. Monterey Bay is indeed one of the most diverse and beautiful regions in Northern California, hosting community and custom-oriented events you wouldn't want to miss. VacationHomes.com offers an array of bay lodging choices ideal for a family getaway. You can sort them out according to prices, amenities and location and be sure to get ready for an extraordinary escape.