Los Angeles is the second most populous city in the United States and one of the country’s most visited tourist destinations. Famous for Hollywood, Beverly Hills, the beaches of Santa Monica and Venice Beach, and film studios, it also has an important religious heritage that has been part of its history since the time of Spanish colonization.
Founded in 1781 under the name El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles, the city was born closely linked to the Catholic faith. The first missions and parishes accompanied the growth of the new settlement and gave rise to a community that, over the centuries, became one of the largest and most diverse in the world. Today, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles is the largest Catholic diocese in the United States, with millions of faithful from many different cultures and languages.
That diversity is reflected in its churches. In Los Angeles, historic parishes of Mexican and Spanish origin coexist with churches linked to Italian, Irish, or Filipino communities, modern churches of great architectural value, and parishes where Masses are celebrated each week in English, Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and many other languages.
For the Catholic traveler, visiting these churches offers a chance to discover a different side of the city. Many are located near some of the main tourist attractions, making it easy to combine attending Holy Mass in Los Angeles with a tour of the historic downtown, the most iconic neighborhoods, or the Pacific coast. Beyond their artistic and architectural richness, these churches remain living communities where prayer, the celebration of the sacraments, and welcoming pilgrims are part of everyday life.
In this guide you will find some of the most important Catholic churches in Los Angeles, with information about their history, what makes them special, how to get there, and what places of interest you can visit nearby to make the most of your stay in the city.
How did Catholicism arrive in Los Angeles?
When El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles was founded in 1781 by Spanish settlers, the Catholic faith was already part of daily life in the new town. Shortly afterward, construction began on a small chapel that would serve the first inhabitants and that, over the years, would give rise to La Placita Church (Our Lady Queen of the Angels), the oldest church in the city.
During the 19th century, population growth driven by immigration from Mexico, Europe, and other regions of the United States made it necessary to create new parishes. In 1840, Pope Gregory XVI created the Diocese of California, which covered an immense territory in western North America. After several territorial and administrative changes, the episcopal see moved until, in 1922, the Diocese of Los Angeles–San Diego was established, with its seat in the city.
The rapid growth of the Catholic population soon made the new diocese insufficient. In 1936, Pope Pius XI created the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, separating it from the newly established Diocese of San Diego and making it the metropolitan see of Southern California. Its first archbishop was John Joseph Cantwell, who promoted the expansion of parishes, schools, and Catholic institutions throughout the region.
Throughout the 20th century, the city received successive waves of migrants from Latin America, Asia, Europe, and Africa. Today, Los Angeles parishes celebrate the Eucharist in numerous languages, including English, Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Chinese.
Today, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles is the largest diocese in the United States. It serves the counties of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara, has 288 parishes, and brings together nearly four million Catholics, representing approximately 35% of the population in its territory. Its seat is the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, inaugurated in 2002 after the closure of the historic Cathedral of Saint Vibiana, damaged by the 1994 Northridge earthquake.
5 Catholic Churches in Los Angeles
1. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
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2. La Placita Church
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The Church of Our Lady Queen of the Angels, popularly known as La Placita Church, is one of the most historically significant Catholic churches in Los Angeles and one of the places where the city’s life of faith began. Its origins go back to the early years of El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles, when a small chapel was built in 1784 to serve the community.
The current building was dedicated on December 8, 1822 under the title of Our Lady Queen of the Angels and, since then, it has accompanied the growth of the city and the Catholic community of Southern California. Throughout the 19th century it was expanded and restored to meet the pastoral needs of an ever-growing population. Today it remains an active parish and one of the main symbols of Hispanic Catholic faith in Los Angeles.
What makes it special
More than a historic monument, La Placita remains a true center of parish life. Its mission has remained tied to serving the community, especially immigrants, Hispanic families, and people in vulnerable situations. Here you can take part in Holy Mass in Spanish in Los Angeles. It also offers numerous pastoral and social activities that keep alive the spirit with which the parish was founded.
Its interior preserves the atmosphere of California’s old colonial churches, with a simple, welcoming architecture that contrasts with the modern buildings of Downtown. Strong Marian devotion, celebrations in Spanish, and traditional festivities make La Placita one of the leading references for Mexican and Latino Catholicism in the United States.
How to Get There
The church is located at 535 North Main Street, next to the historic Olvera Street, in the heart of downtown Los Angeles.
The most convenient way to get there by public transport is to take the Metro to Union Station, from where it is less than a five-minute walk. Numerous bus lines also connect Downtown with the rest of the city. For those traveling by car, there are several public parking lots around Olvera Street.
What to see nearby
La Placita is part of the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, considered the place where the city was born. Just steps away are Olvera Street, with its traditional Mexican market; Union Station, one of the most iconic railway stations in the United States; El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument; Chinatown; and the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, which can be reached on foot in under fifteen minutes. Thanks to its location, it is an essential stop for those who wish to combine attending Holy Mass with a tour of Los Angeles’ history, architecture, and cultural identity.
- For more information about this church, visit the La Placita Church website
- Location: 535 N Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States.
3. St. Basil Catholic Church
By Cbl62 at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17961981
- For more information about this church, visit the St. Basil Catholic Church website
- Location: 3611 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90005, United States.
4. St. Monica Catholic Church
St. Monica Catholic Church is the main Catholic parish of Santa Monica and one of the most important churches in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Founded in 1886, it was established to serve the growing Catholic community of a city that was beginning to expand along the Pacific coast, when the nearest church was still in the historic Los Angeles Plaza (La Placita). The current church opened its doors at Christmas 1925 and was officially dedicated in 1926. Designed by the renowned architect Albert C. Martin Sr., it soon came to be regarded as one of the most outstanding churches on the West Coast of the United States.
Throughout its history, the parish has adapted to Santa Monica’s growth while maintaining its pastoral life. After suffering significant damage during the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the building was carefully restored and regained its original splendor. Today it remains a very active community, with Catholic schools, pastoral centers, and a wide range of religious and social activities for faithful of all ages.
What makes it special
St. Monica combines the charm of a historic parish with a strong liturgical and community life. Its interior stands out for the spaciousness of the nave, elegant stained-glass windows, a large pipe organ, and an atmosphere of recollection that invites prayer in the very heart of Santa Monica.
The church also holds a unique place in the cultural history of the United States. The priest Mons. Nicholas Conneally , pastor for more than two decades, inspired some of the characters in the film Going My Way (1944), which won seven Academy Awards. In addition, over the years it has been the setting for major public events, such as the funerals of Lucille Ball and Chris Farley, as well as the wedding of Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen in 2009.
It currently offers daily and Sunday Masses in English and Spanish, as well as confessions, Eucharistic adoration, and numerous parish ministries. It is an excellent option for residents, tourists, and business travelers who wish to participate in the Eucharist during their stay in Los Angeles.
How to Get There
The church is located at 1330 2nd Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401, a few blocks from the Pacific Ocean. The most convenient way to get there by public transport is to take the Metro E Line (Expo), get off at Downtown Santa Monica station, and then walk about ten minutes to the parish. Numerous bus lines also run through the city center. Those traveling by car will find street parking and nearby public parking structures.
What to see nearby
St. Monica Catholic Church is located in downtown Santa Monica, very close to some of the most iconic places in the Los Angeles area. Just a few minutes on foot are the Santa Monica Pier, with its historic amusement park and views of the Pacific Ocean; the Third Street Promenade, a lively pedestrian street full of shops, restaurants, and street performances; and the expansive Santa Monica State Beach, ideal for a walk by the sea.
Thanks to its excellent location, it is also very easy to visit Venice Beach or head toward Silicon Beach, where many technology companies are concentrated. For this reason, St. Monica is one of the best options for those who wish to combine attending Mass with a day of sightseeing, the beach, or a business trip on the Los Angeles coast.
- For more information about this church, visit the St. Monica Catholic Church website
- Location: 725 California Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403, United States.
5. St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church is one of the most monumental and historic Catholic churches in Los Angeles. It was built in 1887, when the Congregation of the Mission (the Vincentian Fathers) founded the parish to serve a rapidly expanding city. Even before it was established as a parish, the community already gathered in the chapel of St. Vincent College , the first college in Los Angeles, founded in 1865. In this way, St. Vincent de Paul became the third Catholic parish in the city, after La Placita and the former Cathedral of Saint Vibiana.
The current church was inaugurated in 1925, thanks to the patronage of businessman Edward L. Doheny and his wife, who financed the construction of a church inspired by the great Mexican cathedrals. Designed by architect Albert C. Martin Sr., it was declared a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 1971 and remains one of the most representative churches of California’s Catholic heritage.
What makes it special
St. Vincent de Paul stands out for its extraordinary architecture, which combines elements of the Spanish Renaissance, Mexican Baroque, and American Gothic, resulting in one of the most spectacular interiors in Los Angeles. Its gilded altarpieces, decorated vaults, monumental columns, and abundant ornamentation make the visit a truly artistic and spiritual experience.
The parish also maintains the Vincentian charism of service to those most in need, with an intense pastoral and social outreach aimed especially at immigrants, families, and university students. Throughout its history it has been the setting for countless baptisms, weddings, and diocesan celebrations, and it has also gained notoriety for appearing in film productions such as End of Days (1999) and Constantine, as well as in various TV series and music videos.
How to Get There
The church is located at 621 W. Adams Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90007, very close to the University of Southern California (USC) and the University Park district. The easiest way to get there by public transport is to take the Metro E Line (Expo) and get off at Expo/Vermont station, from where you can walk a few minutes to the church. Several bus lines also run along Adams Boulevard and Figueroa Street. Those traveling by car have parking at the parish and on nearby streets.
What to see nearby
St. Vincent de Paul is located in one of Los Angeles’ historic neighborhoods. A few minutes away are the campus of the University of Southern California (USC), the California Science Center, where the space shuttle Endeavour is on display, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, and Exposition Park, one of the city’s most important green spaces.
Thanks to this location, it is very easy to combine attending Mass with a cultural visit or with university-related activities, making the parish an excellent option for both tourists and business travelers staying in the southern part of Downtown Los Angeles.
- For more information about this church, visit the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church website .
- Location:621 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007, United States.
6. St. Vitus Catholic Church
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- For more information about this church, visit the St. Vitus website .
- Location: 9710 White Oak Ave, Northridge, CA 91325, United States.
In summary, if you are looking for where to go to Mass in New Jersey, the most accessible options without a car are the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart and St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral in Newark; St. Anthony of Padua and Holy Rosary in Jersey City via PATH; and Our Lady of Fatima in North Bergen via bus from Manhattan. If you are traveling to the south of the state, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Camden is minutes from Philadelphia by train; and if you are staying near Newark Liberty International Airport, Elizabeth is the most practical city.
If you want to visit these churches, remember that your Mass Times app will be your best travel companion. It will help you find local Mass times, Confession services, and Adoration times, ensuring that the sacraments are never missing on your trip. Download it now.
Traveling Around the United States? Explore More Catholic Churches:
If you’re visiting other destinations in the United States, these guides can help you discover some of the country’s most beautiful and historic Catholic churches:
- The 10 Best Catholic Churches in New York: New York is home to an extraordinary Catholic heritage. Explore some of the city’s most remarkable churches, from historic cathedrals to beloved neighborhood parishes.
- 5 Catholic Churches in Dallas: Guide to the best Catholic churches in Dallas: discover historic temples, Mass in Spanish, architecture, and must-see places to visit.
- 7 Spectacular Catholic Churches in Atlanta: Discover the main Catholic churches in Atlanta: cathedrals, basilicas, and historic parishes to attend Mass or visit during your trip.
- 6 Impressive Catholic Churches in Boston: Explore Boston’s most iconic Catholic churches: cathedrals, basilicas, and historic shrines, with tips to make the most of your visit.
Where can you find Mass in Spanish in Los Angeles?
All the churches included in this guide offer Mass in Spanish, although times may vary depending on the day of the week. The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, La Placita Church, St. Basil Catholic Church , St. Monica Catholic Church and St. Vincent de Paul Church celebrate Holy Mass in Spanish, especially on Sundays. Before your visit, it is advisable to check the updated times in the Mass Times app.
Which is the best church to visit if I am sightseeing in Los Angeles?
It depends on the area where you are staying. If you are visiting the historic downtown, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels and La Placita Church are the most recommended options. If you are near the beach, St. Monica Catholic Church is the best alternative. In Koreatown, St. Basil Catholic Church stands out, while St. Vincent de Paul is ideal for those visiting the area around the University of Southern California (USC).
Which is the oldest Catholic church in Los Angeles?
The oldest Catholic church in Los Angeles is La Placita Church (Our Lady Queen of the Angels). Its history goes back to the city’s earliest years, and the current church was dedicated in 1822. Today it remains one of the main centers of Catholic devotion and a symbol of Los Angeles’ Hispanic heritage.
Where can you attend a Tridentine Mass in Los Angeles?
The main reference point for attending the Tridentine Mass in Los Angeles is St. Vitus Catholic Church , served by the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter (FSSP). Its entire liturgical life follows the 1962 Missal and it offers Masses in Latin with Gregorian chant and polyphony, especially during the Sunday High Mass.
Do I need to be Catholic to visit these churches?
No. All of these churches gladly welcome visitors of any belief who wish to learn about their artistic and architectural heritage or participate respectfully in moments of prayer. If you attend a Mass, it is simply recommended that you follow the community’s guidance and respect the church’s rules.
Which app helps you find Mass times in Los Angeles?
The Catholic Mass Times app allows you to locate nearby Catholic churches and check Mass, confession, and adoration schedules in real time during your trip.
