Mission San Gabriel
Designated as the "Pride of the Missions", the San Gabriel Arcángel Mission is the oldest building in Los Angeles County.
Founded in 1771 by Father Junipero Serra, who accompanied Gaspar de Portola's Spanish expedition through California (and encounters with the Hahamongna in the Arroyo Seco), the Mission San Gabriel was the most agriculturally productive of all the California missions, harvesting over 353,000 bushels of wheat, barley, corn, beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas. The Mission also boasted the largest vineyard in Spanish California. Located at the nexus of three major trails in the area, travelers and military expeditions often stayed at the Mission. It was from the Mission San Gabriel that clergyman led the development of the Church of our Lady of the Angels at the small town of Nuestra Señora la Reina de Los Angeles, founded in 1781.
An active Roman Catholic Church, the mission features a Moorish appearance with capped buttresses and six bells (the oldest cast in 1795) that were rung for daily ceremonies and rituals. Highlights of the artwork on display include "Stations of the Cross", a painting by native inhabitants that was exhibited in the 1893 World's Columbia Expedition, and the over 300 year old "Lady of Sorrows", a painting said to have been used to help broker peace between the Tongva and the missionaries. Spend an afternoon touring the Church, checking out artifacts at the San Gabriel Historical Association Museum, and wandering the Mission grounds where you can watch operations from the original Mission complex being performed, including tanning and soap vats. In the evening, dine at the nearby Lunas Mexican Restaurant and take in a live performance at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse.
Note: Mission is open 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 359 days a year. For group tours call (626) 457-3048.
DIRECTIONS TO START
TRANSIT: From Downtown Los Angeles take the 487/489 Bus towards 487 El Monte Station via Sierra Madre. Get off at the Romona/Main Stop and walk north on Romona. The mission grounds will be on your right.
CAR: Exit the 10 East at North New Avenue. Keep left at the first fork and keep right at the second fork to continue onto North New Avenue. Turn right onto North New Avenue. In about 1 mile continue onto Romona Street. Ramona will turn slightly left and becomes South Mission Drive. The mission grounds will be on your right.
SIGHTSEEING
San Gabriel Mission Playhouse
Constructed in 1927, the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse is a historical Spanish style theater that hosts a variety of local and international performing arts groups.
320 South Mission Drive
San Gabriel, CA 91776
(626) 308-2865
San Gabriel Historical Association Museum / Hayes House
This impressive museum houses photos, research materials, and artifacts that illustrate the rich history of life in San Gabriel. The Victorian Hayes House provides an excellent insight into the Victorian period in Southern California.
546 W. Broadway
San Gabriel, 91776
(626)308-3223
NEARBY PARKS
Plaza Park
The Juan Bautista De Anza National Historic Trail is commemorated in this park just adjacent to the mission. In the center of the park you will also find the Bicentennial Fountain, built in 1976 to celebrate the nation's 200th Birthday.Located at the intersection of Mission Street and Romona Street
428 South Mission Dr
San Gabriel, CA 91776
Smith Park
Smith Park features a fine picnic area, a stunning hand painted entrance tile mural depicting scenes from Gabrieliño-Tongva life, replicas of village structures, and a dry stream creek bed surrounded by native plants.
232 West Broadway
San Gabriel, CA 91776
(626) 308-2875
DINING
Lunas Mexican Restaurant
Praised for its great location and friendly service, Lunas Mexican Restaurant serves traditional Mexican dishes. For the adventurous, try the shrimp azul - shrimp wrapped in bacon!
343 South Mission Drive
San Gabriel, CA 91776
(626) 576-7653"?
Mission 261
Located just next door to the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, Mission 261 serves specially designed Dim Sum for lunch and Cantonese delicacies as well as traditional seafood for dinner.
261 South Mission Drive
San Gabriel, CA 91776
(626) 588-1666"?"?
Golden Deli
Dine at Golden Deli to experience top notch Vietnamese pho, egg rolls, and shrimp paste.
815 West Las Tunas Drive
San Gabriel, CA 91776
(626) 308-0803