Crown jewel of the Baja mission system because of its impressive architecture and excellent state of preservation. The lush gardens behind the mission have date palms, citrus, grapes, and olive trees, one of which is 315 years old. To drive to the mission is along a 24-mile, steep and winding road from Mexico 1, through the scenic valley of the Sierra de la Giganta to the tiny agricultural town of San Javier. The views of the craggy peaks of the Giganta along the way alone are worth the trip.