Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá

Birthplace of the California Mission (Coastal) System. While admiring the beauty and cultural significance, remember it was built on the backs of Indian slave laborers--mainly women and children.

CHL242 In 1769, Frs Junípero Serra, Juan Vizcaino, & Fernando Parrón raised and blessed a cross to establish Alta California's first mission. Relocated from Presidio Hill to this site in August 1774.

Very informative, cheap tour. $3 if you are a student. Really Beautiful!!!😍😍

CHL84 EL CAMINO REAL - Plaque was placed on 250th anniversary of birth of CA's apostle, Padre Junípero Serra, OFM, to mark El Camino Real as he knew it and helped blaze it.

It's great for a nice walk. Photoshoot and prayer time. All around beautiful!

You can take the trolley (MTS) to get here. From the trolley stop, it is a two-block walk. Well worth the visit!

Wonderfully peaceful place full of history. Good luck tossing a coin in St. Francis's Well, it's much harder than it sounds.

The very first mission in California. Walk around the church and grounds and take in the history.

San Diego County has the most missions in the state, with four in all: Mission San Diego de Alcala, Mission San Luis Rey, Mission San Antonio de Pala and Mission Santa Ysabel.

history! the first mission in the long line of california missions.

It's a great place for history lessons.

Tons of parking out back through the parking round-a-bout. Don't worry if parking out front is full.

An actual person rings the bells at noon and 6pm.

Take the tour and stay for Mass.

Not my favorite of the missions, rather plain. Expected of the first mission, I suppose.

church on sundays!