Historic Missions In The Diocese of San Diego

Mission Basilica San Diego De Alcalá

10818 San Diego Mission Road, San Diego

California’s first mission. Established in 1769 by St. Junipero Serra, it was moved to its current location in 1774. Father Luis Jayme was martyred there in 1775. Today, the mission is an active parish, administered by priests from the Diocese of San Diego.

Mass Times: Mass times in the old mission church are daily at 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. (Vigil); Sundays at 7:30, 9, 10:30, noon and 5:30 p.m. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered Sat. 4-5 and at 6:30 p.m.

Times Open: Self-guided tours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Admission: adults $8; seniors and students $5; children $3. (619) 281-8449

Get Directions

Visit Website

St. Thomas Indian Mission

350 Picacho Rd, Winterhaven, CA 92283

The first mission at Ft. Yuma was named Purísima Concepción, established in 1780. It became a U.S. military outpost in the 19th century and was revived as an active mission again in 1919. The current church, St. Thomas Indian Mission, was dedicated in 1923. Today, the mission is San Diego’s eastern-most parish.

Mass Times: Sun. 4:30 p.m. (AZ time)

Times Open: The mission is closed during the week, but staff will accept visitors who make arrangements beforehand by calling (760) 572-0283.

Get Directions

Visit Website

Mission San Luis Rey

4050 Mission Ave., Oceanside, CA 92057

The “King of the Missions,” the 18th of California’s 21 missions, was founded in 1798 by Fr. Fermin de Lasuén. It reigned above the other missions in terms of size, productivity and population. Today, the Historic Mission adjoins Mission San Luis Rey Parish and is a center for education and retreats staffed by the Franciscans. The Mission Cemetery is still actively in operation and all people of good will are welcomed. The Historic Church, Gift Shop, Coffee Shop and Museum are open seven days a week.

Mass Times: Daily Mass (M-F) at the Old Mission Church is at noon. Sunday Mass is at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (Spanish).

Times Open: Open daily from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission: $8 for adults, $5 seniors, $5 youth (6-18 years), active military and dependents are free. Guided behind-the-Scenes tours are available on Saturdays and Sundays, find out more here.

Get Directions

Visit Website

Mission San Antonio de Pala

11798 Pala Mission Rd, Pala, CA 92059

Founded in 1816 as an “asistencia” (sub-mission) to the Mission San Luis Rey. Visitors see the same stone floor, roof tiles, and adobe walls that were put in place more than 180 years ago. Today, Pala Mission still ministers to the Native American population.

Mass Times: Daily Mass (M-F) is 8 a.m., Sat. 5 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m. (Eng) and 11 a.m. (Span) at the San Juan Diego Ctr.

Times Open: Fridays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The museum and Gift Shop are only open 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month.

Get Directions

Visit Website

Santa Ysabel Indian Mission

23013 Highway 79, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070

This “asistencia” (sub-mission) to Mission San Diego was founded in 1818. Today, it is a parish of the Diocese of San Diego which still serves Native Americans as well as others.

Mass Times: Mass is on Sat. at 3 p.m., on Sun. at 8:30 a.m.

Times Open: Daily, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Get Directions