Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá

Spanish colonization brought dramatically beautiful missions to California, with the first and grandest being Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala, founded in 1769. The birthplace of Christianity on the West Coast, the Basilica—nestled down in stunning Mission Valley near the San Diego River—is a beautifully serene place to visit. History buffs can make reservations for a tour, attend mass in the original chapel, visit the mission’s museum and gift shop, and stroll among the mission grounds where the oldest known cemetery in California is located.