Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, Santa Cruz (must see)

Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, located in Santa Cruz, offers a rich tapestry of historical and cultural significance, centered around the legacy of Mission Santa Cruz. Originally founded in 1791 by the Franciscan order, the mission was named in honor of the Feast of the Exultation of the Cross. This name was inspired by explorer Gaspar de Portola who, upon his arrival in 1769, erected a wooden cross at the San Lorenzo River. The mission played a critical role in the ecclesiastical conversion of the indigenous population, initially targeting the Ohlone and later the Yokuts people.

Today, the site features the Holy Cross Church, constructed in 1889 on the foundation of the original mission church, which continues to serve as an active parish within the Diocese of Monterey. A notable addition to the historical landscape is a half-size replica of the original mission church, built in the 1930s, which now functions as a chapel for Holy Cross Church.

One of the few remnants of the extensive original mission complex, which once included up to 32 buildings, is the Neary-Rodriguez Adobe. This structure, initially a dormitory for native acolytes, has been transformed into a museum that is part of the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park. The museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting the visual history of the area, boasting a collection of historical artifacts that reflect the rich history of Santa Cruz. It offers a variety of educational activities, including tours of the Evergreen Cemetery, the Octagon Building, and the Davenport Jail Museum, making it an enriching destination for visitors keen to explore the unique historical narrative of Santa Cruz.