King City - Mission San Antonio de Padua

Mission San Antonio de Padua was established in 1771 as the third in the chain of twenty-one California Missions. It still operates with a small Roman Catholic Parish, and serves the community as a Retreat Center for both group and private retreats.

The Mission is located in the valley of the oaks, in a naturally rural setting, just as it did when it was founded. The Mission houses a museum that contains Mission era and authentic Indian artifacts. The grounds offer a rare glimpse into California's early history - with an intact threshing floor, restored grist mill and partially restored original aqueduct system ( the first built in Alta California) - reflecting the importance of water to existence in this semi arid Central Coast environment.

Situated near the village of Jolon, about 40mi/66km south of Soledad and 36mi/58km north of San Miquel; turn off the 101 Jolon Road or Fort Hunter Ligett Military Reservation to reach the mission.