Mission San Luis Obispo

Set in the heart of one of California's most charming coastal cities, Mission San Luis Obispo del Tolosa was founded on Sept. 1, 1772 — the fifth in the California mission chain.

Tucked between bustling streets and quiet neighborhoods, the San Luis Obispo de Tolosa mission is one of San Luis Obispo's top attractions.

The historic Mission Plaza San Luis Obispo hosts several concerts and events throughout the year. In fact, the plaza has served as a gathering place since the early Mission days, when it was the site of bullfights and bear baiting.

In fact, the Mission of San Luis Obispo was home to so many bears that Fr. Serra called the area "La Canada de Los Osos," which means "Valley of the Bears."

Bear meat was a valuable source of protein in those days, and the Mission often shared its bounty with other Mission communities. A statue outside the Mission pays tribute to the bears who once lived in the area.

Built by Father Jose Cavalier (the Mission's first pastor) — along with five soldiers and native Chumash Indians — Old Mission San Luis Obispo remained in use through 1842, when Fr. Ramon Abella passed away. The Mission eventually fell into ruin until it was revitalized and became the county's first courthouse and jail. Full restoration began in 1933.

Today the Mission in San Luis Obispo is home to several historic pieces of art, including Peruvian oil paintings and Spanish chandeliers in the chapel. The five San Luis Obispo del Tolosa Mission bells each have their own names, in honor of the patron saints of Alta California's first five missions. They are Carlos, Diego, Antonio, Gabriel and Luis. The bronze bells are still rung today, in honor of the first bell ringing by Father Junipero Serra on Sept. 1, 1772.

Outside, a quiet creek and bridge runs alongside the Mission, where you'll find the Walter Murray Adobe home, established in 1853. it is located at 747 Monterey Street, directly across from the Mission.

The entrance to the San Luis Obispo Mission is quite lovely. Photo © by Veronica Hill.

The San Luis Obispo Mission gardens are quite beautiful — home to lovely pergolas draped with wine grapes, a bubbling stone fountain and well, and a replica of a Chumash Indian oven.

Named for Saint Louis, Bishop of Toulouse, France, the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is still an important part of daily life in the area, with regular masses offered in the Mission church. 

The Mission San Luis Obispo mass schedule is at 7 a.m. and 12:10 p.m. weekdays; 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (Spanish) on Sundays.

The Mission at San Luis Obispo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily for tours. The Mission Gift Shop and Museum is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, and can also be viewed online. The store sells books, rosary beads, crosses and Mission history packets for school assignments.

One of the most quaint California Missions, San Luis Obispo is part of the Diocese of Monterey. The Old Mission School San Luis Obispo and Mission Prep School are much loved Catholic schools in San Luis Obispo, and highly regarded educational institutions.

IF YOU GO
Old Mission San Luis Obispo is located at 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3521. Call (805) 781-8220 or visit www.missionsanluisobispo.org

Have you been to the San Luis Obispo California Mission? Share your reviews below!