The Natural Beauty of Mission San Miguel

Don’t Miss the Natural Beauty of Mission San Miguel

Mission San Miguel is a peaceful retreat for those lucky enough to live in the Paso Robles area of California. Tourists and local school classes also visit the mission as part of their study of California missions, since missions are an important part of California history. Many visitors take the tour of the museum, take a quick look around the grounds, and leave. They miss a lot of the natural beauty of Mission San Miguel.

The Natural Beauty of Mission San Miguel
Mission Bell Tower, © B. Radisavljevic

The real beauty of Mission San Miguel is revealed when people explore the grounds slowly and allow themselves to absorb the peace that surrounds them as they  take time to watch the wildlife and enjoy the gardens. The cemetery has an atmosphere all its own as one senses the history that goes back hundreds of years. After all, Mission San Miguel was founded by Franciscan Father Fermin Francisco de Lasuen in 1797, only eight years after George Washington became the First President of the United States.

 

As you come from the parking lot, this is where you enter Mission San Miguel’s cactus garden where you will also see historic relics. Hubby is standing in the entrance. He is disabled and can’t walk very far, so I will be taking the long walk all the way around the mission by myself. I had no idea how far I would be walking until I’d reached the point of no return and had to finish. It’s like walking around a small town, which, indeed it was a couple of centuries ago.

The Natural Beauty of Mission San Miguel
Hubby at Entrance of Mission San Miguel, © B. Radisavljevic

The Gardens and Their Inhabitants Display The Natural Beauty of Mission San Miguel

Since there is so much to see, I will concentrate on the natural beauty of Mission San Miguel I found in the plants and animals on the grounds. Below is a ground squirrel I had a lot of fun watching as it played hide and seek  from its home in this stump. See the rest of my photos of its antics here.

The Natural Beauty of Mission San Miguel
Ground Squirrel at Mission San Miguel, © B. Radisavljevic

 

The fountain is in the cactus garden, too.

The Natural Beauty of Mission San Miguel
San Miguel Mission Fountain, © B. Radisavljevic

 

Below is a barrel cactus beginning to  bloom.

The Natural Beauty of Mission San Miguel
Barrel Cactus Blooming at San Miguel Mission, © B. Radisavljevic

 

Elderberry trees like this one are native to California.

The Natural Beauty of Mission San Miguel
Elderberry Tree by Mission Wall, © B. Radisavljevic

I came upon these intermingled colorful blooming cacti on the side of the road as I walked around the mission.

The Natural Beauty of Mission San Miguel
Cacti Blooming Along the Road Near Mission San Miguel, © B. Radisavljevic

 

I also saw this prickly pear cactus in bloom along the path I was taking around the mission.

The Natural Beauty of Mission San Miguel
Prickly Pear Cactus in Bloom, © B. Radisavljevic

 

As I was approaching the front of the mission where I’d started my walk, I saw this pigeon keeping watch from the top of this old arch.

The Natural Beauty of Mission San Miguel
Pigeon on Old Arch, © B. Radisavljevic

 

We will end our tour of beautiful San Miguel Mission with this silhouette of a pigeon on a cactus.  Dusk was rapidly approaching as we prepared to leave. The mission buildings were already closed. If you are ever near Mission San Miguel, I hope you will stop and find the peace that so many others have found in this lovely and tranquil historic place.

The Natural Beauty of Mission San Miguel
Pigeon on Cactus, © B. Radisavljevic

Now it’s time for you to visit Mission San Miguel.

San Miguel Mission Bell Tower and Sign Round Clock
San Miguel Mission Bell Tower and Sign Round Clock
Shop for additional Clocks online at Zazzle

 

 

If you enjoyed this visual tour of the natural beauty of San Miguel Mission, please share this post with others. The photo below is just the right size to share on Pinterest.

The Natural Beauty of Mission San Miguel: The peace, the fauna and flora. A Photo Essay.

8 thoughts on “The Natural Beauty of Mission San Miguel

  • April 16, 2016 at 3:54 am
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    What a gorgeous place! I love California since the weather is nicer than Michigan, thus, makes it easier to enjoy places like this.

    I was in Santa Barbara for February, and I love all the little beaches around there.

    Reply
    • April 21, 2016 at 8:55 pm
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      I can’t afford the parking at the Santa Barbara city beaches, but I love the beach at Summerland just south of Santa Barbara where there is a nice park and parking is free.

      Reply
  • April 16, 2016 at 8:30 pm
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    wow, how beautiful. thank-you for sharing. I love the pictures.

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    • April 21, 2016 at 8:55 pm
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      Thank you for your comment. I love San Miguel.

      Reply
  • July 16, 2016 at 6:52 pm
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    Such gorgeous photos! I especially enjoyed the ones of the flowering cacti. I always feel that I’m right there in California with you, when I look at your photos Barb 🙂

    Reply
    • July 20, 2016 at 9:25 am
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      I’m glad you feel that way, Kyla. That’s what I hope most readers will feel. I was lucky to visit when the cacti were blooming.

      Reply
  • September 7, 2016 at 12:29 am
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    What beautiful photos of the San Miguel Mission. I pinned a couple. It’s so great to know about your blog. Can’t wait to see more.

    Reply
    • September 20, 2016 at 3:33 am
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      Thank you very much, Rebecca. It’s a beautiful place.

      Reply

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