Junipero Serra Museum

2727 Presidio Dr., San Diego, CA 92103

Open:

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Friday to Sunday)

At the Junipero Serra Museum, you’ll learn what life was like for the earliest settlers of San Diego and the lives of those who lived along the river bank.

By Todd Sarouhan

Last Updated on
Apr 12, 2024

Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

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Learn About San Diego’s Early History at the Junipero Serra Museum

Arches Leading to the Junipero Serra Museum

The Junipero Serra Museum Overlooking Mission Bay

With San Diego’s seemingly endless picturesque beaches, entertaining attractions, and other things to do, it’s easy to get swept up in all the fun available in the modern day.

However, it can be an eye-opening experience to take a look at the history of San Diego County which will likely change the way you see the city. One of the best ways to do so is by visiting the Junipero Serra Museum run by the San Diego History Center.

The Junipero Serra Museum is located in Old Town in San Diego, California. It is home to the San Diego History Center collection, and it educates visitors on the early settlements that helped shape the future development of San Diego.

Whether you’re a San Diegan resident like me or a tourist interested in history, learning about California’s missions and the role they played in the area’s early development means seeing San Diego in a new light and appreciating just how much has changed over time.

The museum is named after Father Junipero Serra, who was a Roman Catholic missionary. He led the missions that brought the first European settlers to California in 1769. There are a total of 21 missions in California, nine of which were founded by Father Junipero Serra.

Wine Press at the Junipero Serra Museum

Preserving a Piece of History

The museum features the Presidio, which was the site of the original Mission San Diego de Alcala, the mission only lasted in the original location for 5 years.

The remaining structure later became an active military fort from 1769 to 1835. The Presidio and the nearby Church complex were home to people of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds, including soldiers and their families, Native American workers, craftsmen, and even prisoners.

Renovations have recently been made to the Junipero Serra Museum with the aim to restore and preserve much of the original architecture that adorns the interior of the building.

Renovation efforts have also focused on the iconic tower, from which visitors can look out across the landscape.

Daytime at the Famous Cosmopolitan Hotel in Old Town San Diego

More History Opportunities in Old Town

Interested in learning more about San Diego’s past without even leaving the Old Town neighborhood?

Stay at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. This historic Adobe building is the second oldest in San Diego and said to be haunted.

I also love the nearby Whaley House, a historic landmark that’s been called the most haunted house in America! Pre-purchase an All-inclusive Go City San Diego pass to save while visiting the Whaley House and dozens of other attractions around the city.

Step back in time with Todd on this tour of The Cosmopolitan Hotel and restaurant. The Cosmopolitan Hotel is one of the oldest buildings in San Diego and is rumored to be haunted. Originally built in 1827 as Casa de Bandini, this historic San Diego landmark has led many lives over the years and continues to be one of the most visited haunts of San Diego.

Stay at the Cosmopolitan Hotel

Popular Hotels Nearby

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Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Old Town

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Courtyard by Marriott Old Town

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Holiday Inn Express San Diego Airport - Old Town

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Cosmopolitan Hotel

$99

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The Visitor Experience

Hallway to the Junipero Serra Museum

The building that houses the Junipero Serra Museum was constructed in the style of Spanish Revival architecture. While it’s a reconstruction and not the original building, it still faithfully captures what the mission would have looked like at the time.

The museum still has many connections to San Diego history. The floor tiles at the entrance are duplicates of those from the original flume that used to run from the mission dam. There’s also a large library inside the museum which contains hundreds of books about California’s history, many of which are historical texts themselves.

You can explore the main exhibit room, which contains dozens of antique furniture items that make it feel like you are really living in the past. There are dioramas arranged to depict what life was like for the people who lived at the mission. This room also contains a Concord stagecoach, which has become the main attraction of the museum.

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Exploring Museum Attractions

Looking up at the Junipero Serra Museum

The museum contains a number of different attractions and exhibits for you to view when you visit. In addition to those listed below, there are also rotating exhibits and annual events. You can check the official website to see what events are running when you plan your visit.

Previously, the museum also housed a selection of fine art curated by the San Diego History Center. Though the collection is no longer on display, there are still plenty of amazing sights to see during your visit.

The Concord Stagecoach

I think the Concord stagecoach is one of the most impressive parts of the museum.

It was restored in 1961 and now stands as the centerpiece in the main exhibit room. The stagecoach is valued at over $10,000, making it the most valuable antique at the museum.

Looking at the Junipero Serra Museum

The Presidio

As a mission site and a military base, the Presidio is full of history.

Visitors can take a peek into this history by interacting with various displays that offer insight into historic events. There are audio recordings from contemporary historians, a three-dimensional rendering of what the mission would have looked like when it was first constructed, and an interactive timeline to explore.

The Presidio also contains some of the artifacts that were recovered from previous archaeology projects at the site. These artifacts provide greater insight into how people lived during and even before the construction of the original mission.

Iconic Regional Landmark

The Junipero Serra Museum sits on one of the most significant historical sites on the West Coast, the site of the first permanent European settlement in what is today the State of California.

Landing Gallery

On the upper floor of the museum, you’ll find the landing gallery.

This room contains information about the development of San Diego along the river. It includes a visual history of the San Diego River watershed and what the surrounding area looked like during each time period.

Looking at the Junipero Serra Museum

Tower Vista Gallery

If you’re looking for a great photo op, look no further than the tower vista gallery!

This tower is the highest point of the museum. When guests reach the top, they can look out over a picturesque scenery that stretches in all directions.

Kosaii

The Junipero Serra Museum underwent an 8-year renovation project to transform various areas of the museum, restoring and revitalizing its interior and exterior. The renovation also included the addition of a recreation of Kosaii, a settlement of the Kumeyaay indigenous tribe that predates Spanish colonization.

With this new addition, guests can step even further back in time and learn more about indigenous peoples from Southern California’s history.

Events, Weddings and More at the Junipero Serra Museum

The Junipero Serra Museum is open for guests to walk through at their own leisure, but for those looking to learn more while they walk around, there are guided tours. The museum can also be rented for private events.

Path in Presidio Park to the Junipero Serra Museum

Walking Tours

You will have the opportunity to learn about the history of California’s missions from a knowledgeable tour guide as you explore the different areas of the museum, from the site of the Presidio de San Diego outside to the interior rooms.

Tours are held on Saturdays and Sundays. Note that those taking the walking tour will need to navigate sloping paths and stairs.

Event Rentals

The Junipero Serra Museum can be rented out for special events ranging from company parties and cocktail hours to large-scale gatherings like weddings.

The terrace is transformed into a banquet space, and guests can enjoy excellent views of both the Pacific Ocean and the city from the scenic tower.

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Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town

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The Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel seamlessly blends its family-friendly colonial style with the historic and cultural surroundings of Old Town San Diego.

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Important Things to Know for Visitors

If you want to make the most of your visit to the Junipero Serra Museum, follow these tips. They’ll keep your visit fun and free of stress.

Parking Lot for the Junipero Serra Museum

Where Can You Park?

Free parking nearby is offered at the base of the Serra Museum hill, on Presidio Drive.

Do You Need to Book in Advance?

There’s no need to book ahead when visiting the museum. Walk-ins are welcome as long as the museum is open.

Entrance to the Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town

Where Can You Stay Near the Junipero Serra Museum?

San Diego’s Old Town is a historic neighborhood, and many of its hotels let you feel like you’re experiencing its past - without sacrificing on amenities!

My personal favorite choice near the Junipero Serra Museum is the Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town, which has a design theme that replicates Spanish Colonial architecture.