Presidio Park

"The Junípero Serra Museum, in Presidio Park, is one of the most familiar landmarks in San Diego. As a major symbol of the city, it stands atop the hill recognized as the site where California began. It was here in 1769 that a Spanish Franciscan missionary, Father Junípero Serra, with a group of soldiers led by Gaspar de Portolá, established Alta California’s first mission and presidio (fort)." (Courtesy of the San Diego Historical Society.) Photography by RM Lewis

The Mission San Diego de Alcala was later moved a few miles further east to a location more amenable to sources of water and agriculture, where it exists today and is a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike.