Mission San Diego de Alcala
Mission San Diego de Alcala was California's first church. A national Historic Landmark, a California Historic Landmark, and a City of San diego Historic Designation the Mission San Diego de Alcala was an instrumental part in shaping the early stages of the City of San Diego. A great deal of Californian history can be learned here by visiting the church and the museum. The focal point of Catholicism in the west for many years, the Mission is now open to anyone who wants to see firsthand a couple of hundred years of American history that includes Catholicism, Native Americans, and much more.
The first of the twenty one missions, the Mission San Diego de Alcala is nicknamed the Mother of the Missions. Founded on July 16, 1769 by Blessed Junipero Serra and in 1976 was designated by Pope Paul VI as a Minor Basilica. Currently the Mission is used as an active Catholic Parish as part of the Diocese of San Diego.
10818 San Diego Mission Road
San Diego, CA 92108
www.missionsandiego.com
Directions: Take I-8 east to the Mission Gorge Road exit. Turn Left at traffic signal. Drive on Mission Gorge and than take a Left onto Twain Avenue. After a little bit, Twain Avenue becomes San Diego Mission Road. The Mission San Diego de Alcala is located on the right.
The museum and gift shop are open from 9:00 am - 4:45 pm every day.
