Mission San José — Attraction in Fremont

Trying to decompress and chill after a long few night shifts out of town, plus wanted to read up on and see more of Fremont, CA.

Staff was kind and I was the only person there when they first opened at about 09:15 or so... made for a very meditative ans serene experience to fully enjoy the mission without others interrupting the experience.

I purchased a Souvenir shirt to support the mission in a small way and I belive the fee was $10 entrance, but the cashier gave a medical discount of $5 for me to pay instead (another reason why I decided to buy a shirt lol). Appreciated this gesture!

Taking landscape photos that capture light and shadow or muted colors and focused foreground with unfocused background is my "happy place" I thoroughly enjoy capturing "moods" of old buildings, architectural beauties, and unique plant life... so I did a series of photos.

Would definitely recommend this mission for school age tours, a family outting on a nice day, or for the individual looking to spend some time with their Maker. The garden and fountain is relaxing over a cup of coffee.

Worth...

Mission San Jose, the 14th mission, was founded in 1797 by Father Fermin Lasuen. It was located near the Pueblo de San Jose, the first Spanish settlement built in California. In 1808, an earthquake damaged its bell tower, collapsing it. During a 1809 reconstruction, the bell tower was shortened to the roof line.

By 1834, the church was secularized and its assets were sold. During the gold rush, its buildings were used as a trading post. Later, the buildings were used as a hotel, store and tavern.

In 1868, a major earthquake completely destroyed Mission San Jose. All that remained were the padres' quarters.

Mission San Jose's history is varied in that it only served as a Spanish mission for 30 years. A complete restoration of the mission began in 1982 and was finished by 1985. There is a museum on site, next to the church, containing exhibits of mission life and the local Ohlone...

A must see in the Bay Area, especially with kids to learn about the Mission history in the Bay Area. Expect to spend about 2-3 hours. $20 for adults and $7 for kids.

Museum has nice displays of life and times of Native Americans (Ohlone) of this region and the Spanish missionaries who baptized them. There is a video viewing room at the end, the 20 minute video is a must watch - pretty much gives you the background of all the Spanish names of roads/cities/landmarks in the Bay Area.

From the museum gift shop you take the door to visit the rebuilt adobe-brick old church. Walking into this church takes you back 200 years. Such beauty and peace inside. We were there for Good Friday service and it was incredible to hear the live organ playing music that filled the inside of the church! A side door in the church takes you out to the 200-year old graveyard with tombstones...