"It's hard to imagine how remote California's earliest mission once must have been; these days, it's accessible by major freeways (I–15 and I–8) and by the San Diego Trolley." Full review
Lonely Planet
"Although the site of the first California mission was on Presidio Hill, in 1774 Padre Junípero Serra moved it about 7 miles upriver to this location, closer to water and more arable land." Full review
Michelin Guide
1 Star
"California's first mission, with its gleaming white stucco façade and distinctive five-bell campanario." Full review
i
Note the 18C painting of St. Didacus, rescued from the fire of 1775, and the hand-carved wooden statues
Afar Magazine
"Mission San Diego is the very first Mission built in what is now the state of California and was built in 1769." Full review
Where
"Founded by Father Junípero Serra in 1769, Mission San Diego de Alcala has served as a historic monument and a working Catholic parish." Full review
Afar Magazine
"An active parish of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego, Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá remains a tranquil place of worship and reflection." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler
"Services still happen daily in this mission dating to 1769." Full review
i
Make sure to spend some time in the gardens, which are filled with palms, flowers, and succulents.
Frommer's
"Known as "the King of Missions," the San Luis Rey is the largest of California's missions and one of its most beautiful." Full review
There’s never a bad time to visit San Diego. The beaches, the Mexican food, and the yearlong sunshine make you realize why this Southern California city is nicknamed “America’s finest city.”. Read more
Experts' Choice Award 
Fodor's
Lonely Planet
Michelin Guide
Afar Magazine
Where
Condé Nast Traveler
Frommer's
/-117.10657,32.78412,14/400x224@2x?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoidHJpcGV4cGVydHdlYiIsImEiOiJja2Fud3l2MDcwbXZ0MndyeGF3eGI3ZWhzIn0.zLqNa1RECyZZadF8zfQM5w)
