Mission Of San Diego

San Diego Missions are the best places to explore the history of San Diego and San Diego's Spanish, Indian and Mexican heritages. In 1769, Spanish missionaries built the first permanent settlement and San Diego mission, near where Old Town San Diego and Presidio Park are now located. The mission San Diego was the first non-Indian settlement in California. Led by Father Junipero Serra, the missionaries went on to establish eight more missions along the California coast. The Junipero Serra Museum is located in Presidio Park at 2727 Presidio Drive and contains historic artifacts and information concerning Father Junipero Serra, San Diego's beginnings and the San Diego Mission.

In 1774, a new San Diego mission was finished in Mission Valley and was named Mission San Diego de Alcala located at 10818 San Diego Mission Road. This tiny mission was named San Diego de Alcala in honor or Saint Didacus of Alcala.

The largest of California's 21 missions is Mission San Luis Rey, founded in 1798 by Father Fermin Lasuen. Located in San Diego's North County in Oceanside at 4050 Mission Ave., the "King of the Missions" was once home to some 3,000 Indians. Today, this San Diego mission is still used as a seminary and church.

If you love the rich history of the missions, head on into Balboa Park and explore their fabulous museums and gardens!