Mission San Diego de Alcala

When in Europe what do you visit or tour besides museums? Cathedrals…lots of Cathedrals.

So to follow suit…when in California you must visit the humble Missions because they are an extension of the grand Cathedrals of Europe.

While in San Diego I was looking for inexpensive things to do and stumbled upon a website for the very first California Mission ever built.

Mission San Diego de Alcala.

Mission San Diego

For a suggested donation of $3 per adult you may take a self-guided tour of the beautiful adobe mission and the lovely gardens that surround this historic building.

This Mission marks the birthplace of Christianity in the far west. Founded in July of 1769 by Father Junipero Serra. Mission San Diego is the first of 21 California Missions built between 1769 and 1823. If you would like to read a lot more about the history of the Mission you should check out the official Mission San Diego de Alcala website. If you are a fourth grade student in California it is a must!

I enjoyed the entire tour including the “Casa de Padres”, a small museum, the beautiful garden and of course the Basilica. It was a warm afternoon and I felt peaceful as I wandered around taking in all the history.

Come join me on a photographic journey of Mission San Diego!

Father's House

View of Bell Tower From Basilica Entrance

Basilica San Diego

Bell Tower Through Arch

Mission Bell

Statue in Mission Garden

Peaceful Garden Path

Beautiful Front Portico

Parting Shot