Step Into History at Oceanside’s Mission San Luis Rey

The San Luis Rey Mission de Francia—called the “king” of California missions—sits in a sheltered valley 10 minutes east of Coast Highway and downtown Oceanside just off Highway 76, a four-lane expressway that extends from Oceanside, through Bonsall and past Fallbrook in San Diego’s northeast, all the way east to Lake Henshaw. All around the white Spanish-Colonial Mission, home to California’s sole remaining European Gothic cathedral, wildflowers and jacarandas dot the hillsides, blooming among the tall, lush green and gold grasses from the 30 inches in winter rain. Founded in 1798, the San Luis Rey Mission was the 18th and largest of the 21 original missions established by Spain in California. The mission bore witness to the Spanish colonial period, the Mexican era, and the beginnings of California’s statehood. Considered a National Historic Landmark for its importance to the Spanish and Mexican heritage of the western United States, San Luis Rey de Francia still functions today as a parish church, Franciscan college, retreat space, and conference center. During the week, the grounds are not as busy with visitors and tourists....