Mission San Luis Rey Museum Admission
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Discover a fascinating chapter in California history during a visit to the Mission San Luis Rey. Founded in 1798, the mission is now a National Historic Landmark, and among the largest adobe structures in Southern California. This admission includes a self-guided tour to the museum and several other areas on mission property; explore at your leisure between 11am and 3:30pm daily.
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Some of the sites have uneven surfaces, which may be difficult for those with walking disabilities or using wheelchairs
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What To Expect
Mission San Luis Rey
Discover a fascinating chapter in California history during a visit to Mission San Luis Rey, located just north of the San Diego downtown. This admission, valid daily between 10am and 4:30pm, includes access to the on-site museum, mission grounds, and a self-guided tour, during which you can explore the National Historic Landmark at your own pace. Founded in 1798, Mission San Luis Rey was once known as “King of the Missions.” Among the largest and most prominent of the 21 Spanish missions located across California, it’s famous for its sprawling lavanderia archaeological site, as well as its sunken gardens, wooden dome and cupola, and other unique architectural features. In the museum, discover Native American, Spanish, and Mexican artifacts, and learn about the history of Spanish influence in California. Today, the mission doubles as a home to Franciscan friars and is a functioning retreat center; its church celebrates daily Mass at noon, which visitors are also welcome to attend.
What‘s Included
Self-guided tour
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Food and drinks
Meeting points
Mission San Luis Rey
4050 Mission Ave. Oceanside United States
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Options
Mission San Luis Rey Museum Admission
Reviews
40 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Do not enter
Patricia C,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Where I live it was raining long wait and when I arrive they had already closed the museum and were closing the pantheon I could not enter
Need tickets??
X7857NZmartinac,,Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00I'm not sure if it actually need to buy tickets. Bought tickets through TripAdvisor ahead but this place even didn't ask us to show anything. We just walked in. It's a nice place anyway.
Peaceful retreat
N4296APsherrym,,Jun 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Learned another, great museum. Moving mass. The grounds spoke the history. Friendly staff. Great variety of momentos in the gift shop covering all ages.
If you are interested in...
Rita I,,Apr 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00If you are interested in history, this mission is a good insight of how important religion is to confederate all together people. There were two video to explain what the friars did and what they still do with poor or not people. I recomend it.
Good Visit
Stephen G,,Jan 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Enjoyed unusual history and impressive restoration. Tour information was easy to read. Friendly and knowledgeable docents.
Great tour.
mastie1619 k,,Nov 28, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Nice historical place one should visit. Great story revealing. How the city in past was and who are all involved bringing this city together.
Interesting history and artifacts
carolyn z,,Oct 27, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The mission explains a lot of history, has some very I tresting artifacts and art. The grounds are so pretty and restful. This is a great place to spend a few hours to learn and enjoy.
Beautiful Mission!
Brenda L,,Jun 20, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00The experience of using the voucher was smooth and pleasant. The place was very nice and well-maintained. The pictures and texts on the wall helped us to understand the history of the mission more. There are many nice areas in the Mission, but most of them are not opened to public.
Great start to visiting Oceanside
DENISE L,,Mar 28, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Went on a weekday , so not crowded , it’s large so few places to visit within . Admission was cheap. Church had several masses going back to back so when I went in it was quick in between mass. Overall beautiful place
A nice way to spend an afternoon.
1HBgirl,,Mar 6, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I am new to San Diego county and was driving around when I happened to go by the mission. It’s very charming and interesting. The history of all the missions is fascinating but this one has some very old art that’s been restored and even has the original document signed by Abraham Lincoln when the missions were given back to the Catholic Church. The staff there are very nice and informative.
Related Experiences
Operated by Mission San Luis Rey