We take our daughter to explore the Beautiful mission and we always stop the coffee shop for friendly service and great stories.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Britney M.
It's been a long time since I've been to the San Luis Rey Mission. The last time was when I was in elementary school and we had a field trip lol I remember walking around the mission and then having a picnic in the grass lol Unfortunately, what brought me back to the mission, was a loss in the family. I have a couple family members who are buried here at San Luis Rey Mission. A family member recently passed away and his ashes are now in the wall at the mission. The service was beautiful. It's a great resting place. Very pretty clouds and greenery (flowers etc). We were really happy with the service. The mission is just as beautiful as it always has been.
Jo S.
Mission San Luis Rey escaped my previous visits in Oceanside since it is further away from downtown, about 15 minutes car ride. During my last visit, we realized we had more time to spend in the area, so we decided to check out the Mission. The Mission spreads out on beautiful grounds, it is more to visit that you might think. Lots of outdoors areas, ruins of an old laundry, cacti gardens, a cemetery, many spaces to explore. The place has even a cute coffee shop with a nice seating area behind, a cute yard. Lots of California history here (for more details check the review of my Yelp friend J. David H.), the mission was founded in 1798 with an European gothic style for the cathedral, more unique for our area. They do tour here, or you can visit on your own for $8 full admission, free for kids under 5. The place is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. Lots to see and explore, very peaceful and serene, you can spend at least an hour here and gather more information about So Cal. We enjoyed our visit, the church is beautiful, it is a "working" church so they do held service here. Since we went before Christmas, the place was nicely decorated for the holidays!
Perlie P.
Our first time checking out this mission. Docents were friendly and informative. We added the audio guide to help us navigate the museum portion. I'm a sucks for a good audio tour and this one did not disappoint! So much info and I loved that you could listen to only what you were interested in. My kids 13 and 10, enjoyed the audio tour as well. There was a small coffee shop with snacks. The gift shop was really big with lots of unusual, but beautiful gifts. We had a nice picnic on the grass area out front. Restrooms were nice and clean. We really enjoyed our visit!
Manish C.
While beaches, the pier, and the historic downtown are on the radar for most who visit Oceanside, California, you can take in a little history/culture by venturing farther inland to discover Mission San Luis Rey, the 18th of California's Spanish missions which was founded back in 1798. I wasn't sure what to expect having visited Spanish missions in other states, but none in California. My understanding is that the California missions are all historic and beautiful, but the ones most people visit are farther north along the Pacific coast in the Santa Barbara/Solvang/San Juan Capistrano areas, although they extend from San Diego all the way to Sonoma (north of San Francisco). There is plenty of free parking and a museum on site that charges a nominal admission fee if you're interested in the history of the mission. There is also a small cafe with beautiful views of the gardens. The mission and grounds themselves are free to roam about. While not the most intriguing of Spanish missions, it's a great change of pace from the activity of Oceanside, as the grounds are very picturesque and peaceful. Overall, Mission San Luis Rey isn't a place I'd venture out of the way to visit, but would recommend to those visiting the Oceanside area who appreciate such attractions and a little culture.
Ricardo Leon
Small, quiet, and peaceful. Would
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bruce O.
Mission San Luis Rey, Oceanside, CA - November 22, 2023 I always enjoy checking out California missions. I've been to most, but not all, of them. This was my first visit to Mission San Luis Rey. It is a nicely done mission with several rooms dedicated displaying Spanish artifacts from the mission days from the beginning of the 19th century - baskets, tools, cooking utensils, reconstruction of a typical Spanish room of the Friars of the day, beautiful paintings, etc. The mission is well taken care of with a large enclosed Cemetary with lots of plush vegetation. The inner courtyard is also nicely taken care of with lots of flowering plants and vegetation. The sanctuary was closed when we were there, but the pictures looked nice. This particular mission doesn't have much information about the original Native American inhabitants that were consumed by the Spanish missionaries when they arrived. I'm actually more interested in the original inhabitants than I am of the Spanish missionaries that took over their way of life. Nice mission if you want to get a feel for the Catholic missionaries that took this land over 200 years ago.
Allison T.
The museum and church were beautiful! I wish the gardens were more available to be able to walk through than only people attending retreats can visit them. The staff were super polite, and so were the Friars.
Michael M.
It seems odd to review a cemetery for a burial but I have 2 separate experiences with the mission that are opposite of each other. 11 years ago I buried my father here then and last week I brought my mother to be buried with her husband. Death is an emotionally difficult time. When burying my father the staff back then was not very accommodating or honestly lacked interpersonal skills in handling people who wanted to even stay for the lowering of his casket into the ground. My sons and I had to stand over by the building's while he was buried. Fast forward 11 years and it was as different as night and day. Danielle who is the current Director/manager has updated how burials are done. The congregation was invited to stay and witness the lowering. The young woman who directed this part of the funeral engaged me to be sure we did all the things that are important in closing out the life of my mom. She was respectful, invited us to throw flowers on the casket before the closing. The workers who do the actual burial were respectful as well and to put it simply they were all just nice people. A better and improved service was provided in a caring way. A much more positive experience then the first time in 2012. Thank you Danielle and the burial crew. I'm sorry I don't remember your names otherwise I would write them.
Lilted my first candle today in a very long time. How powerful can one journey lead to many thoughts landing me here today
George D.
Sometimes in life you meet people who say " if you need anything, just call me." Of course, you go out of yer way to not make that call. You like to think that they meant it, but you really don't want to be a bother. Sarah is not that Gal. She is a doer. A follow througher . Having to deal with the passing of my mom was the worst. But Sarah literally made parts of the situation absolutely perfect. Anyone who has the pleasure ( unfortunately) to deal with her, is the lucky one. Every phone call resulted in a problem solved. It's like she was made for her job. I'm so grateful for her in this unfortunate time. Just can't say enough good things about her. Thank you
Michelle M.
Absolutely stunning the King Of Missions. This mission is simply time stopped in time and beauty. Went here for a candlelight concert, and instantly fell in love. I've never been to this mission but the location is wonderful. I also met one of the brothers and he was kind to tell us the differences of the Franciscan brotherhood. If you have a chance to be in Oceanside I decidedly recommend visiting this historic mission!!
Theresa F.
This is a wonderful, sacred historical site. I stop in sometimes just to meditate and say a prayer when I drive by.
Borneo G.
I don't identify as Catholic anymore, but I like going to missions and learning about California history, albeit controversial. I remember going here on a school field trip and thinking it was super boring. I don't know what teacher thought it would be a good idea to bring a bunch of first graders here (esp when not everyone in the class is Catholic and the town I grew up in (Fallbrook) is ultra conservative), but I digress. As an adult, I loved this place! It's bigger than the mission in San Diego and I'd say it's as nice as the one in San Juan Capistrano. Admission for the museum is $8. The church is free to enter, although donations are welcome. As usual, there is a white-washed version of how the Spaniards came and converted the Indigenous Americans (called the Luiseños) along with a curated collection of artifacts and paintings. The grounds are beautiful; unfortunately a lot of it is closed off to the public as they're used for religious retreats that the church holds periodically. The cemetery is gorgeous; probably one of the nicest I've seen. Lastly there is a gift shop and a coffee shop! This is the first time I've seen a coffee shop in a mission, which I thought was really cool! Whether you are Catholic or not, this mission is a great place to visit!
We take our daughter to explore the Beautiful mission and we always stop the coffee shop for friendly service and great stories.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
It's been a long time since I've been to the San Luis Rey Mission. The last time was when I was in elementary school and we had a field trip lol I remember walking around the mission and then having a picnic in the grass lol Unfortunately, what brought me back to the mission, was a loss in the family. I have a couple family members who are buried here at San Luis Rey Mission. A family member recently passed away and his ashes are now in the wall at the mission. The service was beautiful. It's a great resting place. Very pretty clouds and greenery (flowers etc). We were really happy with the service. The mission is just as beautiful as it always has been.
Mission San Luis Rey escaped my previous visits in Oceanside since it is further away from downtown, about 15 minutes car ride. During my last visit, we realized we had more time to spend in the area, so we decided to check out the Mission. The Mission spreads out on beautiful grounds, it is more to visit that you might think. Lots of outdoors areas, ruins of an old laundry, cacti gardens, a cemetery, many spaces to explore. The place has even a cute coffee shop with a nice seating area behind, a cute yard. Lots of California history here (for more details check the review of my Yelp friend J. David H.), the mission was founded in 1798 with an European gothic style for the cathedral, more unique for our area. They do tour here, or you can visit on your own for $8 full admission, free for kids under 5. The place is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. Lots to see and explore, very peaceful and serene, you can spend at least an hour here and gather more information about So Cal. We enjoyed our visit, the church is beautiful, it is a "working" church so they do held service here. Since we went before Christmas, the place was nicely decorated for the holidays!
Our first time checking out this mission. Docents were friendly and informative. We added the audio guide to help us navigate the museum portion. I'm a sucks for a good audio tour and this one did not disappoint! So much info and I loved that you could listen to only what you were interested in. My kids 13 and 10, enjoyed the audio tour as well. There was a small coffee shop with snacks. The gift shop was really big with lots of unusual, but beautiful gifts. We had a nice picnic on the grass area out front. Restrooms were nice and clean. We really enjoyed our visit!
While beaches, the pier, and the historic downtown are on the radar for most who visit Oceanside, California, you can take in a little history/culture by venturing farther inland to discover Mission San Luis Rey, the 18th of California's Spanish missions which was founded back in 1798. I wasn't sure what to expect having visited Spanish missions in other states, but none in California. My understanding is that the California missions are all historic and beautiful, but the ones most people visit are farther north along the Pacific coast in the Santa Barbara/Solvang/San Juan Capistrano areas, although they extend from San Diego all the way to Sonoma (north of San Francisco). There is plenty of free parking and a museum on site that charges a nominal admission fee if you're interested in the history of the mission. There is also a small cafe with beautiful views of the gardens. The mission and grounds themselves are free to roam about. While not the most intriguing of Spanish missions, it's a great change of pace from the activity of Oceanside, as the grounds are very picturesque and peaceful. Overall, Mission San Luis Rey isn't a place I'd venture out of the way to visit, but would recommend to those visiting the Oceanside area who appreciate such attractions and a little culture.
Small, quiet, and peaceful. Would
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mission San Luis Rey, Oceanside, CA - November 22, 2023 I always enjoy checking out California missions. I've been to most, but not all, of them. This was my first visit to Mission San Luis Rey. It is a nicely done mission with several rooms dedicated displaying Spanish artifacts from the mission days from the beginning of the 19th century - baskets, tools, cooking utensils, reconstruction of a typical Spanish room of the Friars of the day, beautiful paintings, etc. The mission is well taken care of with a large enclosed Cemetary with lots of plush vegetation. The inner courtyard is also nicely taken care of with lots of flowering plants and vegetation. The sanctuary was closed when we were there, but the pictures looked nice. This particular mission doesn't have much information about the original Native American inhabitants that were consumed by the Spanish missionaries when they arrived. I'm actually more interested in the original inhabitants than I am of the Spanish missionaries that took over their way of life. Nice mission if you want to get a feel for the Catholic missionaries that took this land over 200 years ago.
The museum and church were beautiful! I wish the gardens were more available to be able to walk through than only people attending retreats can visit them. The staff were super polite, and so were the Friars.
It seems odd to review a cemetery for a burial but I have 2 separate experiences with the mission that are opposite of each other. 11 years ago I buried my father here then and last week I brought my mother to be buried with her husband. Death is an emotionally difficult time. When burying my father the staff back then was not very accommodating or honestly lacked interpersonal skills in handling people who wanted to even stay for the lowering of his casket into the ground. My sons and I had to stand over by the building's while he was buried. Fast forward 11 years and it was as different as night and day. Danielle who is the current Director/manager has updated how burials are done. The congregation was invited to stay and witness the lowering. The young woman who directed this part of the funeral engaged me to be sure we did all the things that are important in closing out the life of my mom. She was respectful, invited us to throw flowers on the casket before the closing. The workers who do the actual burial were respectful as well and to put it simply they were all just nice people. A better and improved service was provided in a caring way. A much more positive experience then the first time in 2012. Thank you Danielle and the burial crew. I'm sorry I don't remember your names otherwise I would write them.
beautiful small and full of sweet kind
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Lilted my first candle today in a very long time. How powerful can one journey lead to many thoughts landing me here today
Sometimes in life you meet people who say " if you need anything, just call me." Of course, you go out of yer way to not make that call. You like to think that they meant it, but you really don't want to be a bother. Sarah is not that Gal. She is a doer. A follow througher . Having to deal with the passing of my mom was the worst. But Sarah literally made parts of the situation absolutely perfect. Anyone who has the pleasure ( unfortunately) to deal with her, is the lucky one. Every phone call resulted in a problem solved. It's like she was made for her job. I'm so grateful for her in this unfortunate time. Just can't say enough good things about her. Thank you
Absolutely stunning the King Of Missions. This mission is simply time stopped in time and beauty. Went here for a candlelight concert, and instantly fell in love. I've never been to this mission but the location is wonderful. I also met one of the brothers and he was kind to tell us the differences of the Franciscan brotherhood. If you have a chance to be in Oceanside I decidedly recommend visiting this historic mission!!
This is a wonderful, sacred historical site. I stop in sometimes just to meditate and say a prayer when I drive by.
I don't identify as Catholic anymore, but I like going to missions and learning about California history, albeit controversial. I remember going here on a school field trip and thinking it was super boring. I don't know what teacher thought it would be a good idea to bring a bunch of first graders here (esp when not everyone in the class is Catholic and the town I grew up in (Fallbrook) is ultra conservative), but I digress. As an adult, I loved this place! It's bigger than the mission in San Diego and I'd say it's as nice as the one in San Juan Capistrano. Admission for the museum is $8. The church is free to enter, although donations are welcome. As usual, there is a white-washed version of how the Spaniards came and converted the Indigenous Americans (called the Luiseños) along with a curated collection of artifacts and paintings. The grounds are beautiful; unfortunately a lot of it is closed off to the public as they're used for religious retreats that the church holds periodically. The cemetery is gorgeous; probably one of the nicest I've seen. Lastly there is a gift shop and a coffee shop! This is the first time I've seen a coffee shop in a mission, which I thought was really cool! Whether you are Catholic or not, this mission is a great place to visit!