Junípero Serra Museum

Perched on a hill overlooking the valley below and the Pacific Ocean, the Junípero Serra Museum tops many lists for the most beautiful place in San Diego to get married. This Spanish Revival building in Presidio Park just above historic Old Town doubles as a private-event venue. Its intimate terrace is perfect for an outdoor wedding reception.

That Spanish Franciscan missionary, Father Junípero Serra established the Mission San Diego de Alcala, the first mission in Alta California (modern day U.S. California, as opposed to Baja California) on the site in 1769 makes spending time at the museum that more memorable.

Open most weekends, the landmark museum (which was built in 1928 and is often mistaken for the original mission built by Father Serra in 1769) contains documentation of Father Serra’s arrival and artifacts that reveal the daily life of the Kumeyaay Native Americans, the Spanish, and the Mexican inhabitants of early California. It also houses collections of the San Diego Historical Society. Hike up into the museum’s tower and enjoy spectacular views of Mission Bay.

During the school year, students participate in programs where they trace the history of the padres, soldiers, and settlers who established the mission. Students are led through a section of the park, discovering the plaza, stables, jail, chapel, and commander’s house that lie protected underground today. Students also “meet” real historic figures by dressing in costume as Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, Father Serra, Guillermo Carrillo, Señorita Pico, and Josefa Carrillo de Fitch.

Whether you are looking for a historic, picturesque venue for a romantic wedding or creative photo shoot or want to feel the aura of what life must have been like when the Spanish first arrived at this spot, the Serra Museum and presidio is the perfect choice.

For venue rental information, contact Nicole George, Event Coordinator & Venue Manager at ngeorge@sandiegohistory.org or call (619) 232-6203, Ext. 109. For general museum information, call (619) 297-3258 or visit http://www.sandiegohistory.org/serra_museum.html.

Open:
June 1 – Sept. 7, 2014 – Fri., Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sept. 8, 2014 – June 4, 2015 – Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
June 5 – Sept. 6, 2015 – Fri., Sat., and Sun., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission:
$6 Adults
$4 Seniors, Students, Retired Military and Dependents (I.D. required)
$3 Youths ages 6-17
Free Children under 6
Free Active Duty Military (I.D. required)
San Diego History Center members receive unlimited free admission