Mission San Luis Rey de Francia (Oceanside, CA)

When we decided to return to my hometown of Oceanside for our family vacation this year, I knew I wanted to take my kids to historic attractions that would leave an impression, help them understand the founding of the state, and not be too overwhelming.  On the 2nd day after our arrival, we decided to drive a mere 5 miles to the beautiful Mission San Luis Rey de Francia for the beauty of the location as well as our proximity to such a historic site.

Mission San Luis Rey de Francia shown in sepia tone. 

Mission San Luis Rey de Francia was built in 1798 and, though it is the 18th mission built in California, it is by far the largest, earning itself the name of 'King of the Missions'.  It is a National Historic Landmark and was recently ranked first among the Seven Wonders of San Diego County North.  Set on 56 gorgeous acres, the mission offers a museum, a cemetery, several gardens accessible to the public, a lavanderia, a kiln, a church, and a gift shop.  Though AAA says to allow one hour, those who read displays and want to truly immerse themselves in the location and experience should allow at least two.  The museum is a must-see since it offers facts and displays in regards to historical context and importance, but also a self-guided tour which can't be enjoyed in its entirety on the outdoor grounds alone.

The excavated barracks shown in sepia, devoid of modern buildings or cars in the background, looks as though they were abandoned only a handful of years ago.

The beauty of Mission San Luis Rey de Francia should be observed in person, but this picture shows the stark whiteness of the structure's exterior against the bright, blue sky with its old fountain framing the shot.

The hallway facing westward towards the gift shop at Mission San Luis Rey de Francia.  You can see the age of the wooden beams overhead and that only some of the floor tiles have been replaced over the years.  The mission is very well maintained!

The central courtyard contains the Sacred Garden.  Unfortunately the hallways on the perimeter are inaccessible to the public.  This was the best shot I could get.

The Lavanderia and Sunken Gardens are incredibly beautiful, in spite of the arid summertime conditions.

Water would flow from these 'gargoyles' and the Indians would wash their clothes and bathe in these open air laundry facilities ('lavanderia').  To learn more about this extensive water conservation system, even by modern standards, visit Mission San Luis Rey's Lavanderia.

Interesting facts about Mission San Luis Rey de Francia:

* Bull fights took place on the property in the early days of the mission.
* California's first pepper tree was planted on the property in 1830 and can still be seen living on the property.  The trunk measures 44 feet in diameter.
* The church is built in the shape of a cross and still operates today for weddings, funerals, and concerts.
* The cemetery has been in use since 1798 and contains a large memorial to the Luiseno Indians who helped to build and maintain the mission.  Nearly 3000 Indians are buried on the site.  It is the oldest burial ground still in operation in San Diego County.
* The skull and crossbones on the cemetery gate trace their origin to the 1950's when Walt Disney Studios filmed the television show 'Zorro' on this property.
* The San Luis Rey College, for Fransciscan students, operated on the grounds between 1950 and 1968.
* The padres taught Indians the skills that would benefit their community, such as: adobe brick making, blacksmithing, carpentry, leatherwork and tanning, shoemaking, soapmaking, weaving, spinning, and candle making.
* Since this Mission was not a presidio, a military fort, only 5 to 11 soldiers were housed in the barracks at the front of the structure in order to protect it.
* There was once a turnstile at the gate to the walled-in lavanderia and sunken gardens to keep unwanted wildlife out.

To learn more about the retreats, volunteering opportunities, workshops, and other offerings at the mission as well as details on the hours of operation and grounds, please visit the Mission San Luis Rey de Francia's website.  There are more pictures available there as well of areas that I didn't get to see and share with you.