You don’t have to subscribe to any particular religion to appreciate the history and intricate architecture of the magnificent churches sprinkled throughout Southern California. Many of these historic churches are on the National Register of Historic Places and are truly a treasure here in SoCal. Take a look at these magnificent buildings and see for yourself – they are all a sight to behold.

1. Wayfarer Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes
Yelp/Amy R.
Did you know there was a "Glass Church" here in SoCal? Nature collides with architecture in this stunning church surrounded by trees, sunlight, the ocean and the sky.
2. San Diego California Temple
flickr/Alejandro C.
It's impossible to miss this magnificent temple in San Diego as you drive toward La Jolla. Towering white spires soar to the sky.
3. The chapel at Mission Santa Barbara
flickr/brewbooks
Wikimedia Commons
The interior of the chapel at Mission Santa Babara remains relatively unchanged since its dedication in 1820.
4. St. John's Lutheran Church in Orange
Wikimedia Commons
The Gothic Revival architecture of this church is a sight to behold. It was built in 1913 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
5. Saint Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles
Wikimedia Commons
A beautiful Greek Orthodox church located in the Harvard Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles.
6. St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Pasadena
Wikimedia Commons
flickr/Michael Chen
The bell tower at St. Andrew's Catholic Church has been a landmark in Pasadena since 1927.
7. The Immaculata Parish Church in San Diego
You can find this striking church watching over the campus at University of San Diego.
8. First Congregational Church in Los Angeles
Wikimedia Commons
This historic church graces Los Angeles with its elegant English Gothic Revival architecture.
9. St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Anaheim
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There's a charming simplicity to this historic church in Anaheim that was built in 1876. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004, this church is a local treasure.
10. Episcopal Church of the Messiah in Santa Ana
facebook/Episcopal Church of the Messiah in Santa Ana
Dedicated in 1889, the Episcopal Church of the Messiah in Santa Ana is the oldest church in Orange County that is still in use today.

Aren’t these churches in Southern California absolutely exquisite?! If you are fascinated by history and architecture, I highly recommend adding these locations to your list of places to explore and tour. They are even more magnificent in person.

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