Discover El Camino Real, the road of the California Missions. Established in 1769 in San Diego.
We Take You Through the Journey of the California Missions
The United States of America's Southwest's first European settlers were Spanish and missionaries beginning in 1769. Spain established missions from San Diego to Sonoma County. 21 total missions .
El Camino California will take you on a bicycle ride to all 21 missions
The Missions are separated by about 60 miles and were usually near a reliable water supply.
We will take you on a day-by-day bike ride between all 21 missions in 21 days.
David Zumaya has been bicycling in California for over 25 years. He has visited and photographed all 21 missions and two supporting missions. David has completed two Camino de Santiago pilgrimage routes across Europe, including the Camino Norte, Camino Primitivo, Camino de Fátima, and Camino Portugués. This bicycle journey brings together a bit of Camino Santiago and California.
Map credit: California Mission Foundation, californiamissionsfoundation.org
Where are the Missions?
Mission San Diego de Alcalá, San Diego (1769)
Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, Carmel (1770)
Mission San Antonio de Padua, Jolon (1771)
Mission San Gabriel Arcángel, San Gabriel (1771)
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, San Luis Obispo (1772)
Mission San Francisco de Asís (Mission Dolores), San Francisco (1776)
Mission San Juan Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano (1776)
Mission Santa Clara de Asís, Santa Clara (1777)
Mission San Buenaventura, Ventura (1782)
Mission Santa Bárbara, Santa Barbara (1786)
Mission La Purísima Concepción, Lompoc (1787)
Mission Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz (1791)
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, Soledad (1791)
Mission San José, Fremont (1797)
Mission San Juan Bautista, San Juan Bautista (1797)
Mission San Miguel Arcángel, San Miguel (1797)
Mission San Fernando Rey de España, Mission Hills (1797)
Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, Oceanside (1798)
Mission Santa Inés, Solvang (1804)
Mission San Rafael Arcángel, San Rafael (1817)
Mission San Francisco Solano, Sonoma (1823)
California Missions
Explore the California Missions
Mission San Diego de Alcalá Established on July 16, 1769
10818 San Diego Mission Rd, San Diego, CA 92108
Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, Oceanside (1798)
4050 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92057
Mission San Antonio de Padua, Jolon (1771)
3080 Rio Rd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, Carmel (1770)
1 Mission Creek Rd, FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, CA 93928
The Bike Ride
Day One
San Diego to Oceanside
Share your travel goals, preferred pace, and must-see sights, and we’ll weave them into a bespoke day-by-day plan that balances structure with spontaneity.
Day Two
Oceanside to San Juan Capistrano
Whether it’s a multigenerational reunion or a corporate retreat, we handle accommodations, activities, and on-site coordination so everyone can focus on the experience.
03
San Juan Capistrano to San Fernando
From private transfers and exclusive tours to last-minute reservations at coveted venues, we curate enhancements that elevate each journey to unforgettable status.
Your Questions, Answered
Can you work within my budget?
Absolutely. During an initial consultation, we discuss your comfort range and design proposals that maximize value without compromising quality.
Do you charge planning fees?
A transparent planning fee is outlined after our first conversation, reflecting the complexity of your trip and credited toward your final invoice once you proceed.
What happens if plans change while I’m traveling?
Our support team remains on call 24/7 to adjust reservations, coordinate new arrangements, and ensure your journey stays on track.
Let’s Bring Your Vision To Life
Ready to see how your ideas translate into an unforgettable itinerary? Reach out today for a complimentary consultation and let’s start mapping the moments you’ve been dreaming about.
