San Diego Mission Basilica de Alcala

First of the 21 missions and known as the Mother of the Missions, Mission San Diego de Alcala was founded on July 16, 1769 by Blessed Junipero Serra. It was designated as a Minor Basilica in 1976 by Pope Paul VI. The Mission today is an active Catholic Parish in the Diocese of San Diego.

Personal Experience: This is a beautiful mission which you can explore for free. It’s a great spot for photoshoots and weddings and there’s even a museum which covers the history of this mission and the surrounding area.