Mission San Diego de Alcala

Location: Mission Valley (11 Miles / 15 Minutes Northeast of Downtown San Diego)

Open Daily: Museum is open 9AM – 4:45PM

Cost: Suggested Donation of $3

Features: First California Mission; Museum Shares the History of the 21 California Spanish Missions.

Mission San Diego de Alcala Highlights: The first California Mission was set up in 1769 in nearby Old Town, where the Father Junipero Serra Museum now resides. Despite its perch overlooking the San Diego Bay, the Mission had a difficult time accessing enough water resources to cultivate the adjoining land. As a result, the Mission was moved five years later to its current location in Mission Valley. The Mission continues to hold Catholic Church services and was designated a Minor Basilica by Pope John Paul VI.

When to Visit Mission San Diego

• During the school year, many classes are brought to the Museum. If you want to avoid these crowds, your best bet is to visit in the afternoon after 2PM.



• Traffic in the area can be very heavy on Sundays during the Fall when the San Diego Chargers are playing nearby at Qualcomm Stadium.

What to Expect

The Mission has been expanded over the years. There are still remnants and artifacts from the early years of the Mission that make up the Museum. Plan on spending up to an hour touring the Museum and Church, longer if you stay for a Mass. Pick up a Museum brochure that tells the history of the Mission and provides information for a self-guided tour. You may also request an audio tour for a nominal fee. (Read more about the History of the Mission.)

Mass Schedule – Daily Mass is held at 7AM and 5:30PM. Additional Masses are held on Sunday.

Food – There is no food on the premises. McGregor’s Neighborhood Sport Bar is about a half-mile west along San Diego Mission Road. There are a number of restaurants and fast food options on Mission Gorge Road, which is a couple blocks east of the Mission.

Information on Visiting the Mission de Alcala

Admission Prices:

• Parking is Free
• Suggested donation of $3 for Adults and $1 for Kids.

Directions from Google Maps to 10818 San Diego Mission Road in San Diego, CA 92108.

Traffic – It is relatively easy to reach Mission San Diego since there are several freeways nearby. Traffic can be busy because the Mission is located between Qualcomm Stadium and San Diego State University. However, there are rarely any bad delays unless you are visiting on a Fall Sunday when the San Diego Chargers have a game at Qualcomm. Learn how to get the latest traffic updates.)

Transit – The Mission San Diego Trolley Stop is a block away from the Mission. Walk left on Rancho Mission Road and take a right on San Diego Mission Road. (See San Diego Transit Information for a Trolley Schedule and information on using the online Transit Planner.)

Find More Attractions with Similar Themes or Location: *Top San Diego Museums*, Architecture, Mission Valley Area |