Mission Courtyard

The early history of the state of California and its famous mission trail can be experienced in the authentic Mission Courtyard. Many of the California missions were founded by Father Junipero Serra, whose statue can be found in the grassy area in front of the Courtyard. The first mission was built in 1769 with the others strategically planned, one days journey apart up the coast from San Diego.

The courtyards traditionally were walled gardens with four straight paths leading to a center fountain. They were used as outdoor workplaces where livestock were housed, bricks made, and hides were tanned. The fountain traditionally had three tiers so that chickens could drink from the bottom, horses from the middle, and people from the top.

The Garden's Mission Courtyard features murals of the 21 remaining missions painted by local artists Bridget Duffy and Mark Fenton.

Animal prints on the handmade floor tiles are symbols of good luck. See if you can find the ones in our courtyard.