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Mission San Luis Rey Review

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Mission San Luis Rey

Fodor's Review:

Mission San Luis Rey was built in 1798 by Franciscan friars under the direction of Father Fermin Lasuen to help educate and convert local Native Americans. Once a location for filming Disney's Zorro TV series, the well-preserved mission, still owned by the Franciscans, was the 18th and largest and most prosperous of California's missions. The sala (parlor), the kitchen, a friar's bedroom, a weaving room, and a collection of religious art convey much about early mission life. Retreats are still held here, but a picnic area, a gift shop, and a museum (which has the most extensive collection of old Spanish vestments in the United States) are also on the grounds, as are sunken gardens and the lavanderia, the original open-air laundry area. Self-guided and docent-led tours are available. The mission's retreat center has limited, inexpensive dormitory-style overnight accommodations.

  • Cost: $5
  • Open: Daily 10-4

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