California’s 16th mission, Mission San Miguel Arcangel, in the town of San Miguel approx. 10 miles north of Paso Robles along I-101, is the only mission that contains original fresco paintings that are unaltered from the time they were created around the turn of the 19th century. Because of its historic significance and authentic collection of artifiacts, Mission San Miguel was designated a National Historic Landmark– approx. seven California missions, or one-third have received this designation (some California missions are replicas of the original designs.)

1o miles away from Mission San Miguel two ladies were killed in the Acorn building (roof shaped like an acorn) in Paso Robles when the 2003 San Simeon Earthquake 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck the Central Coast. One of our favorite missions (San Miguel) was damaged in that quake and became unsafe to enter. $10+ million dollars later, the restoration on this beloved mission continues. After years of work, the historic old convento, courtyard, church, sacristy, cemetery, retreat wing and museum gift shop are reopened to the public.

Over $4 million is needed to finish the restoration project, as work continues on the $15 million repair.

Friends of Mission San Miguel, is the California non-profit organization established to restore and keep open the mission. They welcome donations, and have acquired great partners in the effort to save this landmark, including Huell Howser Productions, U.S. Department of Interior, Ahmanson Foundation, and many more. Contributions can be given on site or on the web (missionsanmiguel.org) or mailed by check:

Friends of Mission San Miguel
P.O. Box 69
San Miguel, CA 93451-0069

The mission is set in a little town on a two-lane road that takes you back to a simpler life. The cacti plants, courtyard with a water fountain, grounds and building all provide a living history of the formation of modern day civilization in California. It is a recommended stop during road trips along I-101 between Santa Barbara and San Francisco.