So much to see…so little time. On the first leg of my vagabond year, I’m headed to the Central Coast of California: Santa Cruz, Monterey, Carmel, Carmel Valley and Arroyo Grande via San Luis Obispo. Lucky person that I am, I’ve been able to beg a room from a few friends.

Today I managed to visit the La Purisima Mission in…Purisima. Based on several other Missions I’ve seen in California including Mission Dolores, Mission San Luis Obispo, Mission San Diego,Mission Santa Ynez, San Juan Capistrano, San Juan Batista, the one in Purisima is the most authentic. A wonderful self-guided tour is assisted by plaques explaining the history, the use of the various rooms, the artifacts, and the art. Purisima is one of the more complete Missions in its restoration.

The setting is beautiful and bucolic. There are several hiking trails beginning at the Mission. Day Parking is $6.00.

If you’re headed down (or up) the coast of California, don’t miss La Purisima.