If you’re over the frigid temperatures and jumping for joy about the sunny spring and summer seasons ahead, you’ve probably got the travel bug like the rest of us. We get it. The sun is out and you’re ready to explore! Not only is traveling fun, but it’s a chance to get out of your usual environment and enrich yourself in another city’s culture. Consider visiting one of these beautiful churches on your next North American adventure:
1.) Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis King of France
New Orleans, Louisiana
If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans, make sure you set aside a day to visit the St. Louis Cathedral, also known as the oldest Catholic Cathedral in continual use in the United States. Immerse yourself in the church’s rich history that dates all the way back to the 1700s and enjoy a view of Jackson Square and the Mississippi River, conveniently located in the heart of the French Quarter.
Visit their website to learn more.
2.) Memorial Presbyterian Church
St. Augustine, Florida
Inspired by St. Mark Basilica’s signature Venetian Renaissance style, the church features a breathtaking 150-foot tall copper dome with a 20-foot tall Greek Cross at the top. Inside, lays a classic Venetian floor pattern made up of varying square and rectangular tiles and gorgeous stained glass windows that depict the lessons of the Apostles’ Creed. Besides being Florida’s first Presbyterian congregation, CNN named it one of the eight religious wonders in the United States, making a visit to this historic church truly worthwhile.
Take a guided tour to learn about the church’s unique art and architecture. Visit their website for more details.
3.) The Cathedral of Saint Andrew
Honolulu, Hawaii
Get the true Hawaiian experience when you visit Honolulu’s Cathedral of St. Andrew. The beauty of the Cathedral lies in its simplicity and well executed details, like the over-sized bronze doors from which you enter, and the Great West window that covers the entire west end of the Cathedral with intricately patterned, hand-blown stained glass. The church is also very rich in history, making a special appearance on the popular TV show, Lost, and is home to Hawaii’s first Gothic vaulted Cathedral which was made as a memorial to Queen Emma’s husband, King Kamehameha IV.
Interested in attending one of the Cathedral’s authentic Hawaiian services? Check the schedule on their website.
4.) Wayfarers Chapel
Rancho Palos Verdes, California
If you have plans to travel to the Los Angeles area, you must make the 45-minute trip from downtown to visit Wayfarers Chapel. In 1951, Lloyd Wright, the son of famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, designed the “tree chapel” to be a sanctuary where nature’s purist beauty meets the most sacred space. Enjoy the view of the garden’s Redwood trees and roses through the chapel’s glass windows and soak up the fresh, salty air from the nearby Pacific Ocean.
To check out everything there is to see and do while you’re there, visit their website.
