California Mission Pilgrimage
Join us January 2-10, 2026
We invite students to join us this winter for a nine-day mission pilgrimage visiting the historic Franciscan Mission sites along the rugged northern California coast. This pilgrimage combines history, fun and faith as we learn about the founding of the Franciscan Missions in the 18th century and their legacy in the United States today. Our itinerary includes daily Mass, time for prayer and reflection, and opportunities to participate in the ongoing Franciscan ministry to the poor.
Itinerary
- DAY ONE: Arrive in San Francisco. Visit Mission Santa Clara. Overnight camping in Santa Cruz mountains.
- DAY TWO: Visit Mission San Antonio de Padua, “the Mission that Time Forgot.” Overnight stay in the historic Mission San Antonio.
- DAY THREE: Visit Mission San Miguel. Drive to Pacific Coast. Overnight camping at San Simeon beach.
- DAY FOUR: Visit Mission San Luis Obispo. Afternoon at Avila beach. Overnight camping at Pismo beach.
- DAY FIVE: Visit Mission la Purisima State Park and the Chumash Indigenous Cultural Center. Overnight camping in Carmel.
- DAY SIX: Hike at Point Lobos state beach. Visit Mission Carmel. Overnight stay in San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf youth hostel.
- DAY SEVEN: Visit Mission Dolores San Francisco. Urban hike and historic San Francisco tour. Overnight stay at Fisherman’s Wharf youth hostel.
- DAY EIGHT: Volunteer at St. Anthony’s Foundation. Walking tour of Golden Gate Bridge. Overnight stay at Fisherman’s Wharf youth hostel.
- DAY NINE: After closing Mass at St. Dominic’s Church in San Francisco, depart for home.
Course Credit
Students will have the opportunity to receive course credit for this trip through Western Carolina University. Participating students enrolled at other colleges or universities will be offered guidance as to how to receive academic credit. It is not required that students enroll in this for credit course to participate in this pilgrimage.
Cost
$1800 per student.
Price includes ground travel, accommodations, site entree fees and meals. Does not include airfare. Students will need to purchase a $50 public transportation pass (instructions will be provided).