Mission San Luis Rey

The largest in California, this mission was founded in in 1798 by the Spaniards although it was named for King Louis IX of France. While California is relatively young in the history of the world, these missions provide a very good glimpse into the past when the region was settled by the Spanish. Among the flowers, gardens, beautiful architecture, and peaceful atmosphere, you'll learn the good, the bad, and the ugly of the building of California by the Spanish missions to become one of the wealthiest states in the world. (submitted by Jenna Marquez)