The historic "El Camino Real" (The Royal Highway), which connected the 21 Spanish missions in California, is most commonly identified today as U.S. Route 101 and portions of California State Route 82. In the San Francisco Bay Area, the road still officially retains the name "El Camino Real" as it passes through cities like Palo Alto, Redwood City, and San Mateo. You can still spot the iconic mission bell markers—distinctive cast-iron bells hanging from curved shepherd's crooks—lining the highway to signify its historical path. While the original 18th-century trail was a dusty footpath for Franciscan friars and Spanish soldiers, it has evolved into a major commercial and commuter artery for the Golden State. In 2026, many sections of the road are being redeveloped with "Grand Boulevard" initiatives to improve walkability and public transit, though it remains a vital link for anyone looking to follow the historic trail from San Diego all the way north to Sonoma, blending modern infrastructure with California's colonial past.