Mission San Luis Rey
Mission San Luis Rey
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Founded in 1798, Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, known as the "King of the Missions," is a National Historic Landmark. The largest of all the 21 California missions, it is home to a community of Franciscan Friars and is open daily to the public in the Franciscan tradition of heritage and hospitality. Facilities include a Retreat Center with day and overnight programs for spiritual renewal, multi-function meeting spaces, a Cemetery open to all people, Mission Gift Shop, Historic Church and interpretive Museum.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
638 reviews
Excellent
425
Very good
165
Average
38
Poor
6
Terrible
4
J David
Virginia Beach, VA1,619 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
San Diego's Spanish heritage is nowhere more firmly rooted than in its dramatically beautiful missions. It was here the missionary monks, led by Father Junipero Serra, began their chain of 21 missions throughout California. Two missions and two assistencias can still be found within the United States.
Between 1769 and 1823, the Spanish built 21 missions in a chain that stretched from San Diego to north of the San Francisco Bay in an attempt to colonize "Alta California". The missions were approximately 30 miles apart, which was considered a one-day's journey on horseback. The road connecting the missions was known as the El Camino Real, which means "The Royal Highway." Father Junipero Serra established nine missions before his death and burial at Mission San Carlos.
The Mack Daddy of them all is San Luis Rey.
Often called the "King of the Missions," Mission San Luis Rey is the largest of all 21 California missions. Established by Father Fermin de Lasuen in 1798, the mission was the eighteenth founded and was named after King Luis IX of France.
Until the mid-1800s, the mission's church was the largest structure in California. Soon after its founding in 1798, Mission San Luis Rey housed and served the largest population of Native Americans (more than 2,000). It was the only one in California to have a wooden cupola and dome of its type and design, made from pine trees brought down from Palomar Mountain
After its dedication, Mission San Luis Rey de Francia was left in the care of Father Antonio Peyri. Father Peyri was extremely popular with the local Natives and he cultivated what would eventually become a thriving community. Despite his hard work and local popularity, the Mexican Government mandated that Father Peyri return to Spain in 1832.
It is fabled that the local Indians followed Father Peyri to the San Diego Harbor and begged him to stay. When he insisted that he must go, two Native boys chose to accompany him back to Spain. Pablo Tac, one of the Indian boys, became a priest and wrote an autobiography of his journey.
San Luis Rey is an inspiring family friendly place to visit. Self guided tours takes a few hours to half day to cover all the grounds. The price of admission is a bargain. Adults $7, youth 6-18 $3. There is also merchandise for sell in the small shop.
Between 1769 and 1823, the Spanish built 21 missions in a chain that stretched from San Diego to north of the San Francisco Bay in an attempt to colonize "Alta California". The missions were approximately 30 miles apart, which was considered a one-day's journey on horseback. The road connecting the missions was known as the El Camino Real, which means "The Royal Highway." Father Junipero Serra established nine missions before his death and burial at Mission San Carlos.
The Mack Daddy of them all is San Luis Rey.
Often called the "King of the Missions," Mission San Luis Rey is the largest of all 21 California missions. Established by Father Fermin de Lasuen in 1798, the mission was the eighteenth founded and was named after King Luis IX of France.
Until the mid-1800s, the mission's church was the largest structure in California. Soon after its founding in 1798, Mission San Luis Rey housed and served the largest population of Native Americans (more than 2,000). It was the only one in California to have a wooden cupola and dome of its type and design, made from pine trees brought down from Palomar Mountain
After its dedication, Mission San Luis Rey de Francia was left in the care of Father Antonio Peyri. Father Peyri was extremely popular with the local Natives and he cultivated what would eventually become a thriving community. Despite his hard work and local popularity, the Mexican Government mandated that Father Peyri return to Spain in 1832.
It is fabled that the local Indians followed Father Peyri to the San Diego Harbor and begged him to stay. When he insisted that he must go, two Native boys chose to accompany him back to Spain. Pablo Tac, one of the Indian boys, became a priest and wrote an autobiography of his journey.
San Luis Rey is an inspiring family friendly place to visit. Self guided tours takes a few hours to half day to cover all the grounds. The price of admission is a bargain. Adults $7, youth 6-18 $3. There is also merchandise for sell in the small shop.
Written 1 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CleopatraBunny
Flagstaff, AZ1,795 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
While not the first, it is the only one to boast President Lincoln’s involvement in giving the mission back to the Catholic Church in 1865. Well-curated exhibits and a peaceful church (you can see the interior for free when there’s no mass). Worth the admission fee. Extensive gift shop and plenty of free parking.
Written 22 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NormKeith
Azusa, CA1,857 contributions
June 2021
The mission was founded on June 12, 1798. The current church, built in 1815, it the third church on this location. It is a National Historic Landmark for its pristine example of a Spanish mission church complex. It is amazing how they built such a high dome between the Transepts and in front of the Chancel area. It was interesting walking through the church, museum, grounds which includes the largest Olive Tree in California and the onsite cemetery.
Written 19 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GIGI ,2010,
Apple Valley, CA1,357 contributions
May 2021 • Family
We visited the church while we are in the area and I’m so glad that we did come in and discover the beautiful church and grounds. The church is very old and you can enjoy some beautiful paintings and sculptures. Next to the church is a nice little museum and gift shop. Right next to the museum is a beautiful rose garden with some beautiful sculptures, in the garden is the oldest pepper tree in California brought from Peru in 1830. This mission is worth your stop and a must if your in the area.
Written 7 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cardinalhill
Lake Elmo, Minnesota42 contributions
Jan 2020
This a a beautiful mission, formed in 1798. Much of it had been destroyed in the 19th Century but it has since been refurbished. It is an active mission with the addition of being a tourist site. The grounds are lovely and the setting is an oasis in the dense residential development around it. If you are a lover of history and enjoy colonial architecture...this is worth the side trip.
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alison V
Bremerton, WA11 contributions
Feb 2020
Planned a tour and attend Mass afterward. My sons (30 and 28 chronilogically) have a GREAT love for the Lord, as do I. When we went to Mass the church was noisy. There was no Spirituality. There were no Stations of the Cross. There were no kneelers and we couldn't find the Tabernacle. Never in my life have I seen my son want to leave so bad and so frustrated bordering angry a house of God. It is usually he doesn't want to leave. We were at a loss and I respected my sons desires and we left.
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
urbanguy
Richmond, VA5,010 contributions
Apr 2022
The Mission San Luis Rey is the largest of the 21 California Missions. It has quite a history (all on the internet before you visit). The Cemetery was established in 1798, as was the Mission. The grounds are beautiful and well maintained.
A very nice historic place to visit.
A very nice historic place to visit.
Written 8 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Blondie
Miami, FL10 contributions
Mar 2022
My favorite of the California missions I have toured. In excellent condition, beautiful grounds. Daily services are still held. Weekdays at 12 noon, check weekend times for English and Spanish. Wonderful giftshop, great variety. The church is a treasure, beautiful beyond description.
Written 1 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony K
Moreno Valley, CA941 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Very nice grounds and definitely a cool Mission. The construction & architecture is amazing for how old it is. The oldest Pepper Tree in California is there still growing. The seeds were brought from Peru by a Sailor in 1830.
Written 12 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JesseLosAngeles
Los Angeles176 contributions
Mar 2013 • Family
This is our family's 3rd mission to visit for our children's school projects and it was certainly the least impressive. More importantly though, I think it's long past time that students should be made to write about these missions. There are many ugly realities locals suffered at the hands of the monks and representatives from Spain. When I look at the graves and tributes on the grounds I am ashamed of what is actually being represented in the history of the mission.
Written 6 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
St. Louis the King of France who ruled in 13 century was the largest mission churches and people are attracted to mission churches to visit and pray. and especially when the Franciscan orders brought it to the mission here in California.you can see it your self.I love to come here because I believe all what you can see inside the Church The altar is unique to San Luis Rey for devotional areas. I believe in St. Francis of Assisi the founder of the Franciscan order to bring this mission to California. this place is clean environment., beautiful view, peaceful, ,and they have tours guides, and they have retreats, or you can book for accommodation in the mission. and lots of accommodation nearby.
Written 13 December 2019
From what I can recall it raised cattle, goats, pigs, etc. It was a major agriculture area with hundreds or thousands of acres.
Written 9 January 2019
Thought I'd toss this question in this unlikely spot. My wife and I are looking for a clean, quiet, big sky, place to spend February and March. We are both in need of time for writing projects. Recommendations please. Lou, in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Louferreri
gmail.
com
Written 5 January 2019
Sorry we were just driving through
Written 8 January 2019
Absolutly. Just go to the gift shop and they will be happy to help you
Written 15 May 2016
We're planning a trip to Oceanside & Capistrano Beach this summer and we want to go on a pilgrimage to different mission churches in the area. Can anyone suggest other churches? Mission San Luis Rey is definitely #1 on our list. Thanks in advance.
Written 20 January 2016
Go to MYTcounty look under Local Interest then California Missions. You can look at how to plan your trip. It has a list of all California Missions and a map showing where they are. San Diego has a very beautiful mission and San Juan Capistrano is very lovely. The legendarily swallows return to the Mission on March 19th (St Joseph's Day).
Written 21 January 2016
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