The Carmel Mission stands today as a monument to the great missionary, Padre Junipero Sera of the Order of Franciscan Friars. The Carmel Mission is just one of the Spanish Missions established by Father Junipero Serra in California.
The present site has been occupied since 1771, the year following the mission's founding. Father Serra's residence and headquarters were at the mission until his death in 1784 and he is buried beneath the church floor in front of the altar.
The mission is open to visitors daily except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.