Santa Cruz Mission SHP

The Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park sits atop Mission Hill offering a patio, gardens, and excellent views of the city. The park features the only building left of the 12th California Mission, Misión la Exaltacion de la Santa Cruz, founded by the Franciscans in 1791. Restored to its original appearance, the austere single-story adobe was once housing for the California Indian residents of the Mission. Exhibits inside tell the story of the mission through the lens of the experience of the Ohlone and Yokut people.

Location - Directions
The historic park is in downtown Santa Cruz; take Mission Street to Mission Plaza. The adobe is located one block off the plaza on School Street.

Seasons - Climate - Recommended clothing
The weather can be changeable; layered clothing is recommended.

NEW! Public Viewing and New Exhibits Tour
Saturday, March 2, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ongoing with Guided tours at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

New exhibits and a wall-sized movie projection to tell the story of the Ohlone and Yokuts Indian experience at the Santa Cruz Mission will be featured in guided tours, or may be viewed at leisure on self-guided tours. This portion of the adobe, built in the early 1800’s, is the only surviving building from Mission Santa Cruz. Archeological excavations in the 1980’s revealed that this had been Indian family housing, the only example of its kind still standing in California today. The movie, We are Still Here, addresses the often hidden story of the experience of the Ohlone people between the era of the Missions and today. The new exhibits interpret the pre-contact lifeways of the Ohlone and Yokuts Indians, and are a welcome addition to the 7-room building that also includes information about the California Indian experience in the mission, archeological excavations and Neary-Rodriguez family history. The event is FREE. Please call (831) 425-5849 for more information.

NEW!
Mission History Portrayed in Video
Click on the "videos" link to the right to see the 6 minute video "We are Still Here."  This video gives a good introduction to the cultural history of the Mission Santa Cruz and is a valuable educational resource for those studying California mission history.  This video can also be seen by following the You Tube link on the park's home page.

NEW! Monday Field Trip Programs
School Tours at the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
Attention teachers:  reservations are now open
The Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park is now offering school group programs on Mondays.  Reservations will fill quickly, so please contact the park if you would like to schedule your classroom for a program. The Park is located on School St. off of Mission and Emmet Street in Santa Cruz. Please call (831) 425-5849 for more information.

Before Your Visit

***Important:  The park is currently closed on Sundays.  Please call the park to confirm hours.