A Central California landmark.

Founded in 1772, the mission continues to serve the community

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, founded in 1772 by Franciscan missionaries, is the fifth of the 21 Spanish missions established in Alta California. The mission has always been situated near its present location, close to the water of San Luis Creek. Located in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo, the old mission has become a historical treasure admired by visitors from all over the world.

The gardens have grown and evolved over centuries. The grape arbor is reminiscent of the vineyards that once filled acres around the mission. Over time, staff and guests have added more plants and trees to the garden. Visitors are encouraged to bring a book, find a bench and take a rest in the garden.

Learn more about the history of the mission on a docent-led tour. Guided tours start at 1:15 p.m. Monday – Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday and begin in front of the gift shop. One-month advance notification is required for group tours of 10 or more. Reservation forms are available on the mission website, or call (805) 781-8220.

The docents enjoy sharing their love of the old mission. You will learn how the Mission grew in stages, who is buried in the floors of the church, and the story behind the centuries-old art still hanging from the adobe walls. The mission, originally constructed from rudimentary thatch, bows, and logs, grew to the substantial walls and tile roofs still standing today. In contrast to some missions, the San Luis Obispo mission never fell into complete ruin or abandonment during and following the secularization period under the Mexican government.

The grape vine arbor in the gardens. Courtesy Mission San Luis Obispo website.

The original church consisted only of the main wing leading to the sanctuary and altar. In the 1880s and again in 1948, the annex wing was extended in stages to provide seating for the rapidly growing San Luis Obispo community.

The Mission museum and the gift shop are housed in the Convento Wing, the original living quarters of the friars. The museum displays artifacts from Native Californian, Mission Era, and American settlement. The gift shop offers an eclectic collection of crafts, jewelry, art and books, with a friendly staff ready to help and answer questions. Proceeds from the gift shop help maintain the mission.

Pilgrims and visitors of many faith traditions find the quiet and peace of the Old Mission Church, its grounds and gardens, to be a place of rest and renewal for the spirit. Unlike many California missions, the church of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa does not charge admission but welcomes donations, and its doors are open most days of the year. There are two daily masses and six masses on the weekend in English and Spanish.

For more information, hours, schedules of masses and events, or to arrange a group tour visit www.missionsanluisobispo.org or call (805) 781-8220.