The Most Affordable Southern California Road Trip Takes You To 4 Stunning Sites For Under $100

The California Missions are full of historical importance for our state. In the 1700s, Franciscan friars, led by Father Junipero Serra, founded Catholic missions all along the state to teach Christianity and serve as churches. Even today, kids in California are frequently assigned the classic project of building a mission model around the 4th grade, and it’s fun and educational to take them to explore their mission in person. Whether you’re with the kids or not, an easy and inexpensive road trip is always a good getaway. If you’re looking for affordable vacations in SoCal, you have found an excellent one! They may not be places with free admission in SoCal, but they are very reasonably priced and totally worth the low price of admission. Check out this map for an easy route through the region.

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Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá/Facebook

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Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala, 10818 San Diego Mission Rd, San Diego, CA 92108, USA

Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá/Facebook

The first stop on your road trip is Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá, which is fittingly known as the first mission in California. Founded on July 16th, 1769 by the Junipero Serra himself, its history is unmatched. Its classic mission architecture is ideal for photo opportunities, and the interior is gorgeous. If you come for a special holiday like Palm Sunday, you’ll get to see the decorations all set up and looking beautiful inside. Admission to Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá is just $8 for adults and $3 for kids 6-12.

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Mission San Luis Rey/Facebook

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Mission Avenue, Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA, USA

Mission San Luis Rey/Facebook

Just north of San Diego is the coastal town of Oceanside, where you’ll find your next striking road trip destination. Mission San Luis Rey is often known as "King of the Missions," and is the largest of all of the missions in the state. You’ll learn all about the history of the Franciscan friars and Native Americans at this educational spot and will be able to take in some of the most classic and well-known sights in Southern California at this famous place. It still has its original baptismal front after over 200 years! It was founded on June 13th, 1798. Admission to Mission San Luis Rey is just $7 for adults and $3 for youth ages 6-18.

Mission San Juan Capistrano/Facebook

Mission San Juan Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, USA

Mission San Juan Capistrano/Facebook

Hop back in the car and head up the freeway about 33 miles for the next historically significant mission on your trip. Found in Orange County, Mission San Juan Capistrano is known for its lovely gardens and idyllic places to stroll around the grounds. The interior is another striking feature of this mission. You won’t believe how well preserved and cared for it is- it was founded in the historically important year of 1776. Admission to Mission San Juan Capistrano is only $14 for adults and $9 for kids over 5.

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Mission San Fernando Rey de España, 15151 San Fernando Mission Blvd, Mission Hills, CA 91345, USA

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The final stop on your mission road trip is in Mission Hills, Los Angeles, at Mission San Fernando Rey de España. This beautifully manicured location has some of the prettiest interior details of all the missions, so be sure to keep an eye out for all the little things about the architecture, decor, and altar.

With under three hours of driving if you avoid traffic, this affordable trip in SoCal is a unique way to explore the region and learn about its history. If you are looking for places with free admission in SoCal, these destinations come pretty close! Which mission was your favorite?