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
- Mid-June 2026 — The Deep Summer Hush Begins: The Class of 2026 graduated May 21–22, the K–12 graduations across Lamorinda are wrapping this week, and the SMC campus is at its quietest stretch of the year. Mid-June through July is the contemplative window — minimal foot traffic, chapel and grounds open during daylight hours, and visitor lots reliably wide open. The hills around the campus are just past peak green, transitioning into the classic California gold that holds through August. Pair the walk with a coffee from Town Bakery Cafe on the way in (closed Mondays — Tuesday–Sunday if you want the pastry stop) or a slice from Pennini’s after.
- Mid-June Through Mid-August — Long Evening Light: The palm-lined walkways glow at golden hour, and sunset is currently past 8:30 PM — the photographer’s window is roughly 7:30 to 8:15 PM, when the chapel’s bell tower catches the last warm light against the eastern hills. Weekday and weekend mornings both work; late-afternoon golden hour is the photographer’s pick.
- Thursday Evenings (June 11 – Aug 20) — Pair with the Sun Kings: The Moraga Commons Summer Concert Series is six minutes down Moraga Way. A late-afternoon SMC campus wander into the 6:30 PM concert is one of the best Moraga summer evenings you can stitch together.
- Mid-August Reset: The summer hush breaks when new students arrive for orientation. If you want the contemplative version of campus, mid-August is your last reliable window.
- September–October: Students return in full, campus energy rebuilds, and the weather is consistently in the 70s with crisp mornings. Football and soccer seasons get going.
- Basketball Season (November–March): Catch a Gaels game at McKeon Pavilion for local atmosphere. Men’s basketball draws the biggest crowds, especially when the West Coast Conference rival Gonzaga rolls through.
- 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.
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
Explore More in Lamorinda
- Moraga Guide — Full overview of the town this sits in
- All Things to Do — More Lamorinda outings, parks, and venues
- Real Estate in Lamorinda — Buying or selling in Lafayette, Moraga, or Orinda