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.

Mission Exhibits
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, and may also 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.

Mission History Portrayed in Video
Click on the "videos" link to the right to see the 6 minute video "We are Still Here."  This short film gives a good introduction to the cultural history of the local Native people of Mission Santa Cruz and is a valuable educational resource for those studying California mission history.  This video is also available on YouTube.

School Tours at the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
The Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park is now offering school group programs on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays.  Reservations will fill quickly, so please contact the park if you would like to schedule your classroom for a program. Please call (831) 425-5849 for information and reservations. Click on the link for a “Mission Day” fieldtrip description.

Programs for the Public
The park offers Guided Tours, Living History Demonstrations, and Family Drop-In Crafts throughout the year. Click on Events and Activities for more information.

Private Events
Consider hosting your business or personal events at the park. Perfect for a family reunion, wedding, or reception in our courtyard and patio. Call Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks Program and Events Manager Elizabeth Schilling at (831)429-1840 x109 for information.

Before Your Visit--Park Hours
*Important:  The park is closed on Sundays during the fall and spring.  Please call the park to confirm hours.  We will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas eve, and Christmas day. Please phone ahead for holiday schedule.