I have been to at least half of the California missions. None of them tried to whitewash history like Mission San Luis Rey. The descriptions told tall tales about how happy the Native Americans were (not "Indians as this "museum" referred to them) and how sad they were when the founder of the mission left. When I talked to the cashier about the signage, she told me that I was "opening up a can of worms" and that "there are two sides to every story" and that I should go to their website. Sorry, there is not a valid other side to genocide and enslavement of an entire group of people. If you want to visit, tour the free sites of the mission, but do not give them any money and avoid the "museum".

We enjoyed the church, it was beautiful. The mission was well kept. It was very informative of the Indians and the padres that had lived there. There was a very nice courtyard. Worth the trip.

This is one of The most impressive Missions in California….the Museum attached to it is full of fascinating history, including an excellent video exploring the early colonization of Southern California and its native inhabitants.

Very nice grounds and definitely a cool Mission. The construction & architecture is amazing for how old it is. The oldest Pepper Tree in California is there still growing. The seeds were brought from Peru by a Sailor in 1830.

The Mission San Luis Rey is the largest of the 21 California Missions. It has quite a history (all on the internet before you visit). The Cemetery was established in 1798, as was the Mission. The grounds are beautiful and well maintained. A very nice historic place to visit.

My favorite of the California missions I have toured. In excellent condition, beautiful grounds. Daily services are still held. Weekdays at 12 noon, check weekend times for English and Spanish. Wonderful giftshop, great variety. The church is a treasure, beautiful beyond description.

Real history here. Museum was very interesting. Make sure you visit the cemetery, kiln & laundry. Inexpensive

A beautiful and peaceful place to visit.,I strolled through the cemetery (which does not date back to the founding), enjoyed the mission church, paid to go through the fine museum, and had a cup of tea in the tiny tea room overlooking the mission garden with the oldest pepper tree. This mission still is home to 18 Franciscan Friars and a retreat center, making it more “alive” than other missions I have visited. The picnic tables on the lawn in front would be handy for car trippers, particularly families.

The mission was founded on June 12, 1798. The current church, built in 1815, it the third church on this location. It is a National Historic Landmark for its pristine example of a Spanish mission church complex. It is amazing how they built such a high dome between the Transepts and in front of the Chancel area. It was interesting walking through the church, museum, grounds which includes the largest Olive Tree in California and the onsite cemetery.

Scenic place with lots of interesting history. Very nice gift shop. Area to walk around amidst the trees.

We visited the church while we are in the area and I’m so glad that we did come in and discover the beautiful church and grounds. The church is very old and you can enjoy some beautiful paintings and sculptures. Next to the church is a nice little museum and gift shop. Right next to the museum is a beautiful rose garden with some beautiful sculptures, in the garden is the oldest pepper tree in California brought from Peru in 1830. This mission is worth your stop and a must if your in the area.

We walked the grounds to include the cemetery and pepper tree. We lit a candle in the church and visited the gift shop. A lot of history here.

This is a great place for people who loves history, of course the cemetery service seems very active there, but very beautiful church of Mission series.

Lots of interesting history in an amazingly serene atmosphere, very peaceful. Enjoyed the history and the gorgeous chapel.

Nice old mission in the area. Still used as a church so there were people inside praying and doing their candle thing. Gift shop is all religious items. Catholics will appreciate this more than just tourist types.