TOP 10 MOST BEAUTIFUL CHURCHES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ⛪
Southern California is home to some of the most stunning churches and cathedrals in the United States. From historic Spanish missions to modern architectural marvels, here are the top 10 you need to visit.
1. CATHEDRAL OF OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS (Los Angeles)
📍 555 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Designed by award-winning architect José Rafael Moneo, this modern cathedral is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Its striking contemporary design features alabaster windows that fill the interior with warm, natural light.
2. MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO (San Juan Capistrano)
📍 26801 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Founded in 1776, this historic mission is known as the "Jewel of the Missions." Famous for its annual return of the swallows, the mission features beautiful gardens, the oldest church still in use in California, and stunning ruins of the Great Stone Church.
3. CRYSTAL CATHEDRAL / CHRIST CATHEDRAL (Garden Grove)
📍 13280 Chapman Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92840
Originally built as the Crystal Cathedral by architect Philip Johnson, this stunning glass structure was purchased by the Catholic Diocese of Orange and transformed into Christ Cathedral. The building features over 10,000 panes of glass.
4. MISSION SANTA BARBARA (Santa Barbara)
📍 2201 Laguna St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Known as the "Queen of the Missions," this beautiful Spanish Colonial church was founded in 1786. Its twin bell towers and Roman facade make it one of the most photographed missions in California.
5. WAYFARERS CHAPEL (Rancho Palos Verdes)
📍 5755 Palos Verdes Dr S, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Designed by Lloyd Wright (son of Frank Lloyd Wright), this stunning glass church sits on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The transparent walls blend the interior with the surrounding redwood trees and ocean views.
6. ST. VINCENT DE PAUL CHURCH (Los Angeles)
📍 621 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007
This magnificent Spanish Colonial Revival church was built in 1925 and features stunning interior murals, ornate altars, and beautiful stained glass windows. It has appeared in numerous Hollywood films.
7. MISSION SAN GABRIEL ARCÁNGEL (San Gabriel)
📍 428 S Mission Dr, San Gabriel, CA 91776
Founded in 1771, this is one of the oldest missions in California. Its unique Moorish-influenced architecture and beautiful gardens make it a must-visit historical and spiritual site.
8. IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH (Old Town San Diego)
📍 2540 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110
This beautiful historic church in the heart of Old Town San Diego features classic Spanish Colonial architecture and a serene courtyard garden.
9. ST. ANDREW'S CATHOLIC CHURCH (Pasadena)
📍 311 N Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103
A stunning example of Romanesque Revival architecture, this beautiful church features intricate stonework, beautiful stained glass, and an impressive bell tower.
10. MISSION BASILICA SAN DIEGO DE ALCALÁ (San Diego)
📍 10818 San Diego Mission Rd, San Diego, CA 92108
The first of California's 21 missions, founded by Father Junípero Serra in 1769. This beautiful white-washed church with its iconic bell tower is where California's history began.
🙏 Whether you're looking for a place of worship, appreciating architecture, or exploring California history, these churches offer something special for everyone in Southern California.
Have we missed your favorite church? Let us know in the comments!
Comments