It was established on July 25, 1797, by the Franciscan order, on a site chosen specifically due to the large number of Salinan Indians that inhabited the area, whom the Spanish priests wanted to evangelize.

After being closed to the public for six years due to the 2003 San Simeon earthquake, the church reopened on September 29, 2009.

Mission San Miguel Arcángel land was sold off after the Mexican secularization act of 1833.

The bells were rung at mealtimes, to call the Mission residents to work and to religious services, during births and funerals, to signal the approach of a ship or returning missionary, and at other times; novices were instructed in the intricate rituals associated with the ringing the mission bells.

[18] This historic site is well preserved with the original Inn and Stagecoach stop now a museum and small gift shop.

[19] The grounds are maintained by San Luis Obispo County Parks with picnic sites and restrooms available.