Saint Mary’s College brings a touch of classic California collegiate beauty to Moraga. The campus is open to visitors, and it’s worth a wander — Spanish Mission-style architecture, palm-lined walkways, and views of the surrounding hills.
What to See
The Chapel
The heart of campus, architecturally and spiritually. The Spanish Mission-style chapel is beautiful and typically open to visitors during the day.
The Grounds
Wander the palm-lined paths, admire the mission architecture, and enjoy views of the hills. It’s a peaceful escape, especially during summer when students are away.
De La Salle Hall
The main administrative building, an Instagram-worthy example of California mission architecture.
Gaels Athletics
Saint Mary’s competes in Division I athletics (West Coast Conference). Basketball is the big draw — the team has made multiple NCAA tournament appearances. Check the schedule for:
- Men’s and Women’s Basketball
- Baseball
- Soccer
- Tennis
Best Times to Visit
- Early April 2026: Post-March Madness, campus settles into a quieter rhythm — but this is arguably its most beautiful moment. The palm-lined walkways glow in spring light, the surrounding hills are still emerald green (they’ll transition to gold by late April), and California poppies dot the slopes near the athletic fields. Temperatures hover in the comfortable mid-60s. Come on a weekday afternoon for contemplative wandering; the students are in class and you’ll have the grounds nearly to yourself.
- March-April: Spring brings blooming flowers and lush green hills surrounding campus. The combination of California poppies, Spanish architecture, and palm trees is peak California beauty.
- Summer: Campus is quieter with students away — ideal for peaceful wandering.
- Basketball season (Nov-March): Catch a Gaels game for local atmosphere.
Local Lore
Saint Mary’s College has been in Moraga since 1928, but the institution itself dates to 1863 — making it one of California’s oldest colleges. Before settling in Moraga, the school moved multiple times: San Francisco, Oakland, and even a brief stint in Martinez. The Moraga campus was chosen for its isolation and beauty — the Christian Brothers who run the college wanted a contemplative setting away from urban distractions.
The campus’s distinctive palm-lined walkways weren’t just aesthetic choices. The palms were planted in the 1930s by students as part of campus beautification, and they’ve become one of the most photographed features of the grounds. The main quad, with its mission-style buildings and mountain backdrop, has appeared in films and commercials seeking “classic California college” scenery.
Fun fact: The campus sits in what was once the Moraga Rancho, a Mexican land grant from 1835. The Moraga family — descendants of José Joaquín Moraga, who led the expedition that founded San Francisco — owned these hills for generations before selling to developers and the college.
Good to Know
- Campus is open to visitors — just park in visitor areas
- The setting is beautiful — bring a camera
- Chapel is worth stepping inside
- Basketball games are fun local entertainment
- College town energy during the school year