Mission San Fernando is in an intensely urban area surrounded by freeways and noisy boulevards. But once you enter the grounds of the mission, you are in another world. It almost feels rural and surprisingly peaceful.
The “Mission of the Valley” was one of the later missions to be established (#17) and filled the gap between the missions in San Gabriel and Ventura. The buildings and grounds are immaculate and feels more like a fancy resort.
The church is a replica. The original withstood the 1812 earthquake but was later destroyed by the 1971 San Fernando earthquake. It was completely rebuilt and repairs completed in 1974. Pictured here are the Spanish reredos.
This mission is picture perfect with manicured lawns and plantings, palm trees, a large fountain, freshly painted yellow walls, potted plants, and statues of Junipero Serra and Fermín Lasuén.
The museum has a number of rooms and is one of the best in the mission system. Handsome wood and glass display cases show case Spanish and Indian artifacts. Plan to spend extra time here.
In addition, there are a number of mission era workshops which feature weaving, carpentry, saddle-making, blacksmithing and pottery.
Surprise! Right next to the mission church is the final resting place of comedian Bob Hope. Hope and his wife are interred in the “Bob Hope Memorial Garden” with a half-dome over their tomb.
There are also display cases in the museum containing Bob Hope memorabilia, including movie posters, awards, magazines, photographs, books and other items.
Alta California Missions 