It was worth the visit. However, I expected to find more of the original construction. The current building is apparently a reproduction of the original, built in the 1930’s. In general, very good. The museum and the main temple, and the chapel were very organized, everything explained in detail. Also, there is an internal patio/ garden with fountain, where I relaxed while reading a bit of their history.

Please consider coming to San Diego to not only visit the beaches or the Zoo, but also the first Mission in the State of California. In fact, this was the only place, besides essential businesses, that stayed open almost the entire year and worth visiting both with family and alone.

Delightful Mission, the first in California. Smaller than some others but rich with history and beauty. Certainly worth a visit here. Just be aware that close handicap parking is limited to one spot and wheelchair bound visitors will find it difficult to impossible to visit many areas.

It is a beautiful church. It took me back in time and I wonder how it was built, structure of the building was strong and the design very unique. Very peaceful energy.

Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá is located in the Mission Valley, this historic mission church was beautifully restored and founded by Father Junipero Serra. There is plenty of history to be seen here at the mission and there are many of informative displays with interesting artifacts all throughout. We had a great learning experience while exploring the history of the mission and how it came to be. The smaller kids won’t really understand it much but we did enjoy the open area such as the courtyard and garden. Upon entering, tickets must be purchased inside the small gift shop. Since we visited during the weekend, the gift shop was crowded and we were in line to purchase tickets. A map of the mission is given to provide information and enjoy a scavenger hunt throughout. Bathrooms are available, and free parking.

Historical and beautiful. Do the self tour and see the museum. The courtyard was in full bloom. Respect the grounds and people as it is still a working mission with services.

What an amazing mission! It is so beautiful and historic with rich history. To watch a good friend of mine get married here brought the ceremony to another level of being magical and special. We need to come back and explore the property.

We couldn't see inside because we went there on New Year's Day and the visitor center was closed. Beautiful church, prayed in the grotto.

Stopped here on a whim due to being close by when visiting family. Beautifully landscaped grounds and tons of history. Ladies in gift shop knowledgeable and friendly, explaining walking tour. Reasonable entry price. Peaceful and beautiful settong.

No trip to explore the city of San Diego and it's history is complete without visiting the Mission. A short drive from Old Town up the 8, it gives a more complete picture of the founding and lives of those that were here before. This functioning church/ museum/ historical location/dig site, and a pretty cool gift shop to boot.

Beautiful spanish mission. I love these because you get to go to visit and see first hand how these missions operated and you get to see artifacts. Free parking was available up front and architecture was beautiful here.

Lovely placed to visit, lots of history and the gardens are beautiful. Volunteer staff in the gift shop were very cordial and attentive. This is the good place to bring your children for a history lesson on early California. My only complaint is, they make it a point to emphasize what the Spaniards contributed to the Indians and California but very little is said about the contributions made by the Indians and the treatment of the Indians.

It is a bit over rated, would love more history about the mission, people who lived there and things they did.

Clean place. The staff are very nice. The whole area is well preserved. The only downside is that the museum is under renovation.

One of the smaller missions. Loved seeing the original bell. There is a lot of excavating being done in the back are which makes it look messy but it isn't, just work being done.

Beautiful place to visit and rich in history. Certainly worth the trip. Not all aspects of the property are wheelchair accessible, but there is handicap access available on the backside.

Beautiful Peaceful Sunday 730am Mass. Aloha and Welcome Rev. Raymond Philip Napuli, he is a blessing. He made us Heartfelt cried and tears from his past August 2020 Sundays Sermon Homily.

Beautiful place!!! I was a little underwhelmed by the church itself , until they said the church grounds are 250 years old this year. The grounds are amazing and the rose garden is stunning ! There is a small museum, a pretty large gift shop, where the women were so knowledgeable and helpful!!! We bought several items from them gift shop.

Nice relaxed place, entrance is $5 for Adults, $3 Students

really nice place and i hope you visit it and if you do have a great time and i am in 4th grade and i am learning about it so have fun if you visit

An extremely well maintained and beautiful mission and gardens that exemplify the beginning of the Roman Catholic- Franciscan colonization of California.

Beautiful restored buildings and gardens. The museum is carefully and expertly curated. Also has an active parish and other ministries.

Pretty grounds. The cacti are very interesting. Lots of it was closed when I was there. Small and quick stop if you don't have a lot of time.

You really felt like you were in a piece of San Diegos history I was born and raised in San Diego and places like these make you feel connected to your lineage I love the old church I took lots of pictures and had a great time.

There are many artifacts present and even an ongoing archeological dig. The meditation garden and sanctuary have a peaceful, sacred feel. Most impressed with the ringing of the mission bells at noon.

(Translated by Google) Beautiful (Original) Bonito

So much history, gorgeous gardens and very peaceful to spend a couple hours. Worth the trip!

We came here for a homeschool field trip. The museum was informative of the history of the mission. We received a 4th grader mission information guide which helped us understand all the different statues and art in the Basilica. It was great to visit the first mission in Alta California.

A beautiful place of worship and an important slice of California history. Very serene and well-preserved. A must-see!

Reminds me of begin in Mexico went on a rainy day and it was so much fun very beautiful place

Really enjoy going to Mission Basilia San Diego. It was extremely interesting to all of history around you.

Came from out of town to attend a funeral at the mission. Easy to find, with an impressive, rustic Catholic interior. The mission system is a CA jewel!

Beautiful and Peaceful. Great place to rejuvenate, pray and take in some history about San Diego first Mission. The Mission has been beautifully restored.

Great place to attend Mass. Update- 8-21 There are still some outdoor Masses. Early Sunday at 7:30 and Saturday evening at 5:30. It’s beautiful! My favorite place to be weekday evenings at 5:30 p.m. daily Mass. Great end to my work day! You see every age there - even college students! Otherwise we are indoors at both the Mission Church snd St. Francis Hall. They have lots of Masses to chose from and anything from no music to several others with various music types. One Spanish Mass at noon Sunday. Most chairs are under canopy, social distanced and set up in groups of 1,2 and 3( asked not to move). Come and enjoy both the beautiful courtyard and Mass. *The Bishop recommends masks indoors and so it’s up to you if you want to wear one or not.* You will be welcomed either way! There are few venues that are so lovely. Birds and squirrels visit the fountain. Parishioners are friendly. There are two daily Masses and several weekend Masses. The priests are reverent and homilies won’t disappoint! Also visitors - if you plan ahead you can request a docent tour on the website. It’s a free service offered by well trained volunteers -

We love visiting the CA missions, have visited about 9 already. Sometimes we just sit in the church or on the grounds and just chill.

Cool place, but didn't go inside. Would probably get more visitors if you didn't have to pay to get in. Something about paying to go into a still-in-use church doesn't sit right with me..

Superb church. This is still an active parish, and a very good one. If you are Catholic and looking to join a church, I recommend this one!

It is really calm. I liked seeing all the objects they used or made in the past. It is also beautiful how the place changed over time. I recommend it for a calm afternoon in family

Beautiful calm place to see one of the Missions. You can see how the Fathers lived and also see an excavation site. Check out the gift shop as well, some interesting things. Supposedly people do a bike tour to see all of them along the coast!

Nice visit. Paid for self guided tour ($8), it's very short tour. Some may not find it worth it. Church is very peaceful and modest. I enjoyed it, mostly due to the history of the church.

This was a worthwhile stop during my trip to California. The church is full of religious and state history of California. The museum does an excellent job explaining the importance of the missions during the colonization of California The church is over 200 years old and displays some very unique old world design features. The grounds are absolutly beautiful, full of lush gardens and beautiful trees. The staff were all extreamly friendly, from the gift shop attendants to the gardeners.

The Mission is small compare to others, unfortunately the museum was closed when we showed up, I believe on Saturdays it closes at 3pm, please visit their website for more business hours. The Church was open and the church garden which I took pictures of the garden only. I didn't get a shot of the inside of the church out of respect for the nuns that were in there at the time. Some very good history in the mission, which my family loves hearing. Totally recommend visiting.

Very nice place you can tour the grounds for a small fee

Awesome. Loved the museum.

In High Gear* making preparations for Santa*...please excuse the clutter... Moving the list..., have a Seat...would you like some Hot Cocoa?

i am going there for a school projects

Pay a nominal fee for a self guided tour. Mission is nothing special but lots of info posted about its history. Right near the malls in Mission Valley so not too far out of the way.

This place is memorable but it was very crowded

A great place where you can’t find inner peace.

Good mass today

Beautiful campus located east of downtown San Diego. Not easily visible from the street. Limited parking.

Gorgeous spot! Very quaint and serene to walk through.

Such a beautiful and dreamy place that really makes you feel more connected to God

I had fun there looking at the mission i want to go again. It was the best experience i ha at a mission.

This is the oldest mission in California. Very informative and definitely worth the visit.

Beautiful and historic. My friend got married there and it could not have been more perfect. There is a courtyard on the side, pomegranate trees, white adobe walls, brick walkways, etc.

Beautiful mission and wonderful history of California. ! San Diego my home away from home ..!

Nice staff, we were able to go to the church without paying. Ive been to this mission before and its just beautiful. The entire location was open during the COVID19 pandemic. Very surprised because mission Rey de Francia was closed.

Lovely place

Open for prayer and beautiful serene gardens with benches for prayer and meditation

(Translated by Google) Nice place with a lot of history! (Original) Bonito lugar con mucha historia!

Having grown up in San Diego, I have been to this mission many times over the years for mass, weddings, baptisms, and funerals. I have always loved it. It’s a simple but well-preserved building in the inside and out with gorgeous grounds. The inside still has the original cobblestone floors throughout, too. Choose your footwear wisely before visiting. It is a wonderful place to sit and reflect and pray.

The Mission is a great place, historical

It is my parish.

Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala was stop #11 for us, during the time we came there was a small entrance fee and if you wanted to attend Mass it was being held outside. They do let you know in the entrance that you must wear a mask or you will not be allowed in. If you're going to be in the museum their is a limited amount of people allowed in at a time, which of course people don't pay attention to. So be cautious, if you see too many people just walk out and go back in when it less crowded. This is the first Mission built by Father Junipero Serra. This area was inhabited by the Kumeyaay people. The original mission was burned down during an uprising by the local natives. Father Luis Jayme is one of those killed in the uprising, he currently lies entombed beneath the church floor near the alter. Father Junipero returned to oversee the rebuilding of the Mission. Some very interesting things from this Mission, if you're in the area stop by check out a little piece of History whether you agree with or not. #1 of 21

Very nice place - there is parking up top.. Google maps directed us to a parking lot but you can park up close. Nice place - small charge to tour and very interesting information about the site. Nice place to visit!

Loved it

Beautiful.

Beautiful, beautiful place with lots of historical items and info. Just walking around is a treat, but they also still have mass here (currently held outdoors). The actual church/chapel inside is awe-inspiring. Outside, it feels almost tropical with the palm trees and flowers. Also a couple fruit trees. Nice little gift shop. Even a real archeology site just inside the courtyard. NOTES: 1-There is a parking lot visible from the road and steps will take you up. 2-There is a pretty well-hidden driveway just east of that main lot (I had to drive past it once from each direction before finding it). There is drop off up there for those that can't do stairs, and maybe a handful of parking spots. 3-The church and inner grounds close at 3pm Saturdays to get ready for mass.

The best place ever

So full of history...

So serene.

A beautiful outdoor mas in a historic setting.

It has been a while since I visited this mission. It is quiet and out of the way so is a good place to collect my thoughts and meditate. The gift shop attendants were very kind. The monastery garden is very beautiful.

good place to rest and pray