San Diego is where it all began. The colonization of Alta California began here and the first mission was founded by Father Junipero Serra on July 16, 1769.
Known as the “mother of the Alta California missions”, San Diego was the first mission in the chain. The very first mission was built in Old Town San Diego but it was later moved to its present location in 1774.
But visiting the mission for the first time was not what I was expecting. The mission is located six miles inland in Grantville, a middle-class neighborhood which really doesn’t evoke the mission era.
And despite its historical significance, the mission is simple and unpretentious.
A notable feature of Mission San Diego is the 46-foot tall campanario, or bell wall, which holds five bells.
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The mission has an excellent museum which describes the various stages of mission history.
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Alta California Missions 