mission san gabriel archangel

I love all the missions in California but this one is particularly fascinating. When I visit I cannot help but reflect on how this Mission once stood alone in what is now the center of such a vast urban area. It is a beautiful Mission and grounds with excellent artifacts in the museum. Even if not for the special connection to Los Angeles' history this would be a wonderful place to visit. On display are baptismal records hand written by FR Junipero Serra, several historic books and bibles and photos and paintings of significant people in the Mission and the areas history. Very much worth visiting for those who come to LA.

Local history is represented here. A bigger gallery of old photos would help get a better 'feel' for the location. At least the church was able to raise the funds to retofit after the Whittier earthquake which was pretty hard on the old buildings.

I do photography and this was a wonderful place to take photos. At every turn there was an image! I am on a mission (excuse the pun) to photograph everyone of the CA Spanish Missions. I have 10 more to go!

lots to do during fiesta: art displays, native dancing and singing, tour the museum and the grounds (the mission is beautiful), learn history from re-enactors and make corn husk dolls, fun zone rides, et.

My son and I came here on a Wednesday morning and had the place to ourselves. I was enchanted. I am protestant, not Catholic, but I absolutely positively felt the presence of God here. I also could feel the deep sense of history the place had... don't know how to describe it... This place is loved and cherished by its caretakers, and has been for centuries, and you can feel that. The gardens were beautiful with trees and vines dating to the late 1700's! The small cemetery was so nicely kept and touching with the tributes to the fathers who have passed away here. The church itself is so quaint, so charming, that I could sit there in the stillness and quiet and feel my cares drift away. The museum was my favorite part. This is not a polished, professionally-curated museum. This is a lovingly preserved collection, probably low on funds to preserve things, with many hand-written tags rather than typed. There is an AMAZING collection of old bibles here [dating to the 1500's!], old furniture, old garments, paintings, photos, pottery, dioramas, etc., etc. The museum was chock full of wondrous and fascinating things. I am not exaggerating when I say that I saw more things here than at the Ellis Island museum in New York City, which has few objects on display and mainly had just pictures [at least as of July 2014]. I really wish I lived closer to this place... I could see myself going here often. Even my atheist son said he wished we lived closer so he could attend worship here! Mission San Gabriel, know that you are doing a wonderful job caring for your treasure. Please keep it up and know that you have an important task that does not go unnoticed.

Great choice for the "Fourth Grade Mission Project" and to simply learn about the history of one of the most interesting missions in this great state of California. Our family visited the mission on a special day when the original Indian tribe who lived and worked at the mission in the past came that day to talk about their ancestors life in the olden days.. This is a fascinating working mission which shows for example how soap, wine, and leather goods were made. They have a nice museum with interesting artifacts and even a photo of Lucille Ball when she visited this mission.I highly recommend a visit. Nice gift shop.

Mission San Gabriel was founded in 1771 and is part of the California Missions. Its still a very active mission. We have enjoyed visiting several times when in the area. There is a small museum as well.

There are two churches at SG...remember to visit the original mission and the grounds behind it....if you can make it for a Sunday Mass...it is worth it...lovely mix of people and true sense of the Spirit.

We have been there before and did the full tour then. This time we there was something going on in the chapel and they had things kinda running at less than full steam. Instead of doing the full tour of the grounds again, we just walked around on the front lawn and gardens and got some good photos. We have family nearby in Alhambra so we'll be back again I'm sure.

This is a peaceful, tranquil place a few miles from downtown. This place gives visual satisfaction to what you learn in school history and social studies class. Or goal is to visit all twenty one, but this is my favorite so far. Don't forget to visit the gift shop :)

I've driven by Mission San Gabriel years ago. I remember little of the place other than I wanted to continue driving. This time we stopped and went it. Wow! Though not along the main El Camino Real of the 21st century (US 101/I-5), it's worthwhile to detour to see it. The chapel is small and to its side is a neat baptistry. In the courtyard are the graves of its clergy. But the hidden treasure is hidden behind the sacristy.The museum is the gem of the place! Many relics and artifact and great old photos, artwork, furniture, santos and more! It's not just about Mission San Gabriel, its also about the community it started, grew around it and its people! If you like both mission history and the history since its founding in by Father Serra as the forth of California's Missions in 1771, by all means visit there!

The mission is worth a visit particularly if you are interested in Californian history. Pleasant well kept gardens and an easy to follow self guide tour tell the history of the mission with a range of exhibits, implements etc from the early days of mission life.

My husband and I are touring all of the 21 Missions of California. The San Gabriel Mission and grounds are lovely -- landscaped with flowering plants and cacti. There are displays of Spanish and Tongva Indian culture. There is a small cemetery inside the walls and many objects from the Mission's past are on display. Walls are painted with colorful murals.Hanging grapes were ripening on the arbors, the Chapel has a beautiful Retablo and the Museum is overflowing with Mission history and artifacts. Restored workshops and interpretive displays explain Mission life. Very nice gift shop. Nearby buildings reflect Mission Revival style. There are several nice cafes in the area. Really enjoyable day!

Very well kept mission and one of the best in CA (we have seen most of them). Great museum and great grounds.

Took my 10 yr old son there today and he loved the entire experience. The history and artifacts that they have there are great. I would take him back in a heartbeat!