Behind the Scenes Tour at MSLR (For 6 people)

Get behind the scenes at the Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside, San Diego County. The historic site is full of interesting artifacts and stories; this is your chance to learn all about it. This docent-led tour takes you through the museum, church, and cemetery with stories you won’t find on the self-guided tours. Visit the private gardens and other areas of the mission not usually open to the public. Enrich your visit to the historic Mission with a docent-led tour Enjoy access to the gardens and other private areas Hear the stories of the Mission and the people it serves. Mission San Luis Rey Enjoy an exclusive Behind-the-Scenes tour of Historic Mission San Luis Rey. In addition to a comprehensive tour of the museum, Historic Church, and Cemetery, you will also explore the private gardens of Mission San Luis Rey not normally open to the public. The Mission’s docents will share interesting stories about the Mission, the Luiseno Indians, and the Franciscan Friars.

MISSION SAN LUIS REY (Old Mission San Luis Rey)

Each Year at the Mission will be full of exciting events and activities – some new; some old favorites! Click here for more information and how you can be a part of Mission history by attending, sponsoring, or volunteering at events throughout the year.

The largest of all the 21 California missions, Mission San Luis Rey is home to a community of Franciscan Friars and is open daily to the public in the Franciscan tradition of heritage and hospitality. In addition to an interpretive Museum, our facilities include: a Retreat Center with day and overnight programs for spiritual renewal and multi-function meeting spaces; a Cemetery open to all people; Mission Gift Shop; and the Historic Church.

Founded in 1798 by Padre Fermín Francisco de Lasuén, successor to Padre Junipero Serra, Mission San Luis Rey was named after St. Louis IX, King of France, who lived during the 13th century. The history of the San Luis Rey area reflects five periods of occupation: Luiseño Indian, Spanish Mission, Mexican Secularization, American Military, and Twentieth Century Restoration.