California Missions Pilgrimage

Where Faith Meets Beauty
California Missions Pilgrimage

Following the Franciscan Path of Faith Along the California Coast
May 25–31, 2027 | With Fr. Christopher DiTomo

Experience an unforgettable seven-day pilgrimage along California’s breathtaking coastline, where faith, history, and natural beauty come together! From 🍇 San Francisco to San Diego☀️, journey in the footsteps🦶🏼of St. Junípero Serra and the Franciscan missionaries ✝️ , visit ten historic California missions ⛪️, celebrate daily Mass 🙏🏼, and discover some of the Golden State’s 😎 most spectacular destinations 🌴🌊🍷 ⛪️.

Day-by-Day Pilgrimage Highlights

Day 1 — Tuesday, May 25
San Francisco & the Golden Gate Bridge
Our pilgrimage begins in beautiful San Francisco! Explore iconic 🐟 Fisherman’s Wharf, enjoy the sweet delights of 🍫Ghirardelli Square, and visit historic ⛪️ Mission San Francisco de Asís, where we will celebrate 🙏🏼 Holy Mass. Take in unforgettable views as we cross the magnificent 🌉Golden Gate Bridge and begin our  🌴California adventure 🌅.

Day 2 — Wednesday, May 26
Majestic Redwoods & Sonoma Wine Country
Begin the day with 🙏🏼 Holy Mass at ⛪️ Mission San Rafael Arcángel before stepping into the awe-inspiring beauty of 🌳 Muir Woods, home to California’s magnificent 🌳 coastal redwoods. Continue into 🍇 picturesque Sonoma wine country 🍷 to visit historic ⛪️ Mission San Francisco Solano, explore the charming 🏠 town square, and savor the flavors of Sonoma 🥗 with an opportunity to taste the region’s 🍷celebrated wines!

Day 3 — Thursday, May 27
The Franciscan Trail, Carmel & California Vineyards
Journey through California’s ⛪️ historic mission country, beginning with 🙏🏼 Mass at  ⛪️ Mission San Juan Bautista. Continue to the breathtaking ✨Carmel Mission Basilica, ✨ where St. Junípero Serra is ✞ buried, and discover the remarkable story of California’s Franciscan heritage 🙏🏼. Enjoy the beauty of the 🍇 Salinas Valley and a special wine-tasting🍷 experience among California’s celebrated vineyards.🍷🍇 😃

Day 4 — Friday, May 28
Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo & the Pacific Coast
Discover the beauty of  ⛪️ Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and the magnificent ✨Old Mission Santa Barbara, often called the 👑 👸🏼 Queen of the Missions. Enjoy a scenic journey along the Pacific Coast, with a delightful waterfront lunch 🥙 and time to experience the charm of ⚓️ 🛳️ Ventura Harbor before continuing south toward Orange County 🍊🌞🌴.

Day 5 — Saturday, May 29
San Juan Capistrano & the King of the Missions
Celebrate 🙏🏼 Mass at ⛪️ Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano and explore the historic mission, famous for its  🌷🌸 🌺 beautiful gardens, centuries-old architecture 🏛️, and legendary swallows 🐦‍⬛. Stroll through the charming Los Rios Historic District before continuing to Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, known as the 👑 🤴🏻King of the Missions. Our day concludes in 🌞 sunny San Diego🌴.

Day 6 — Sunday, May 30
San Diego, Whale Watching & Historic Old Town
Begin Sunday with 🙏🏼 Holy Mass at Mission San Diego de Alcalá, the ✨ first of California’s 21 missions! Then embark ⛴️ on an exciting private 🐳 🫍 whale- and dolphin-watching 🐋 cruise ⛴️ on the Pacific Ocean 🌊, with opportunities to 🔎 witness incredible marine wildlife🐠 🐡. Spend the afternoon discovering the colorful streets, shops, and history of Old Town San Diego before gathering for a festive farewell dinner.🥘 🍽️ 🥗

Day 7 — Monday, May 31
La Jolla’s Coastal Beauty & Homeward Bound
Our final morning begins with 🙏🏼 Holy Mass in the beautiful seaside community of La Jolla 🏄🏻‍♂️🫍. Enjoy the spectacular Pacific coastline 🌊, ocean views, and charming village atmosphere 🏘️  before departing for the airport and our return flight to Chicago. ✈️ 🙏🏼 🏙️

Seven days. Ten historic missions. Daily Mass. One unforgettable journey of faith.

From towering redwoods and rolling vineyards to magnificent churches, coastal villages, and the sparkling Pacific Ocean, this pilgrimage offers a beautiful opportunity to deepen your faith, experience the rich Catholic heritage of California, and create lasting memories with fellow pilgrims.

Join us for an extraordinary journey where faith truly meets beauty! 🙏🏼 🌴 ⛪️ 🍊 🐋 🌞