Spend some time in Southern California and you’ll quickly realize it has some extraordinary historical places to see. Although many people may think of SoCal as the place to go for a dose of sunshine and sand, there’s actually quite a lot of history to enjoy that will appeal to your cultural side.

Whether you are a tourist, a lifelong resident, or somewhere in between, this one historical site in SoCal that dates back to the 1700s is a place that everyone should experience at least once.

The Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá is located at 10818 San Diego Mission Rd., San Diego, CA 92108.
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From the moment you pull up to this Mission you'll be in awe of its beauty. It's almost hard to fathom that this destination in Southern California dates back 250 years.
Mission San Diego
Founded in 1769 by Friar Junipero Serra, this stunning church holds a vast amount of history. As stated on its official website, "San Diego de Alcalá, the first of the twenty-one great California Missions, marks the birthplace of Christianity in the west coast of the United States."
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The intricate details inside the church are spellbinding. Take a quiet moment to reflect on the space and you'll leave feeling enchanted by what you see.
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Mission San Diego

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More than just a historical site, it also continues to be an active church for all denominations. For those who are interested in attending a service, Mass is scheduled weekdays and Saturdays at 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. On Sundays, Mass is held every hour beginning at 7 a.m. through 12:00 p.m. with a final Mass at 5:30 p.m.
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Tours of the church and grounds are available Monday through Friday at 9.00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. It's quite an impressive sight to see, so allow plenty of time to soak up all the beauty this historical church has to offer.
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flickr/rob bertholf
The grounds are equally as stunning. Stroll through the gardens and you'll be immersed in natural beauty in every direction. It's almost like a small slice of heaven right here on earth.
Mission San Diego
The year 2019 marks the 250th year of Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá. Throughout the year there will be a variety of events to celebrate this milestone. You can find out more details by visiting their website (link listed below) for updates about upcoming events.
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Did you know Southern California was home to a church that dates back to the 1700s? If not, you’re not alone as many people are not aware of this fun fact. If you’d like to get more information about this historic church, you can get all the details on their official website right over here.

If you were fascinated by this article, you may also want to learn about this glass church in Southern California that is beyond stunning.

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10818 San Diego Mission Rd., San Diego, CA 92108