SeeCalifornia.com

At Mission San Juan Capistrano you can watch and hear the bells being rung in ceremonies each day. And at Mission Santa Ines in Solvang you can wander through the Resurrection Garden whether it’s Easter or not. Set to the backdrop of beautiful valleys and mountains, the Central Coast mission–19th of 21 missions built in alta California–was constructed in 1804. While it costs a small fee to see the interior of the mission buildings, guests are welcome to wander the grounds and enjoy the great outdoors.  Free to see, there’s a picnic table or two in the shade of some towering trees, providing a wonderful place to bring sandwiches or fresh pastries from the bakery just a block or two away. Next to the garden you can sit and reflect. The Resurrection walking path features ‘stops’ where large wooden crosses contain mounted, hand painted tiles depicting Biblical events leading up to the Resurrection  (see more photos). Celebrated on Easter Sunday, it’s a popular place to visit on this special day but can be enjoyed any time the grounds are open.  Here are some inspirational places to spend Easter, a list we compiled last year. The locations on the list are worth visiting most any time of year, as well!