Faith-Based Travel in Oceanside

Oceanside, California has a relaxed, laid-back energy that is perfect for you to connect, rejuvenate, pray and meditate. You will enjoy all that Oceanside has to offer, including a thriving Arts District, museums, locally sourced cuisine, and our unsurpassed coastline. Oceanside is an inclusive community with regional attractions for all faiths and beliefs. When traveling to San Diego, you can experience a destination through the comfort of your own religion, or learn more about others, and explore cultures in new and exciting ways. Oceanside’s proximity to San Diego also gives you convenient access to the region’s historic, religious and spiritual landmarks.

Oceanside's Spiritual Triangle

Oceanside is uniquely located in the center of three religious philosophies. The Spiritual Triangle of Oceanside features the Prince of Peace Benedictine Abbey to the North, the Rosicrucian Fellowship to the West, and the Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, a Franciscan Mission, to the East.

Prince of Peace Abbey

The Prince of Peace Abbey is a Benedictine Monastery situated on a mesa overlooking the San Luis Rey River Valley and the Pacific Ocean. It was founded in 1958 by monks of St. Meinrad’s Archabbey in Indiana. The facility serves as a retreat house and gardens for those seeking spiritual renewal.

A popular feature open to the public is the Prayer Walk (outdoor stations of the cross). Please remember to keep all conversation to a whisper. The monastery church is open to guests for public worship. They also host individuals and groups for private retreats or you groups can join their Day of Recollection.

Rosicrucian Fellowship

The Rosicrucian Fellowship offers sanctuary from the demands of the modern world. Operating as the International Headquarters, the Fellowship aims to unite Christianity with science.

Mount Ecclesia (dedicated on October 28, 1911) is the location of the international headquarters of the fraternal and service organization The Rosicrucian Fellowship (TRF), located on grounds in Oceanside, California. It is also the location of its spiritual temple, called The Ecclesia, situated upon the promontory of a high mesa overlooking the San Luis Rey River Valley and the Franciscan Mission San Luis Rey de Francia.

On April 7, 1995, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places as the Rosicrucian Fellowship Temple.

Mission San Luis Rey

Known as the “King of the Missions,” Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, is the largest of the California Missions. The title “King of the Missions” was bestowed upon this California state treasure because of its expansiveness and architectural beauty. With such peaceful and inspirational surroundings, it is easy to visualize the everyday life of the Franciscan Friars and Native Americans who inhabited the Mission more than two centuries ago.[/caption]

The Mission architecture is extraordinary. Hand carved wooden doors, bright and colorful hand painted walls and murals, the original baptismal font (made by Native Americans) of hand hammered copper, and a mixture of Classical and Baroque reredos are not to be missed. The Mission provides guided and self-guided tours, a museum, a gift shop, retreat center, and year-round special events.

Explore San Diego's Regional Spirituality

The Immaculata at USD

The church of The Immaculata, which was dedicated on May 5, 1959, owes its beginning to the Most Reverend Charles Francis Buddy, founding bishop of the Diocese of San Diego. Spanish styling is dominant in the exterior architecture of the church with its mosaic dome and red Cordova tile roof. The church’s interior is famous for its dramatic blue and gold domed ceiling and numerous stained glass windows. It is truly a stunning site.

Mission San Diego Alcalá

Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá was the first Franciscan mission in The Californias, a province of New Spain. Located in present-day San Diego, California, it was founded on July 16, 1769, by Spanish friar Junípero Serra in an area long inhabited by the Kumeyaay people.

Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial (Mt. Soledad Cross)

Shimmering black granite stories tell a tale of honor and sacrifice for the greater good upon Mt. Soledad. From a humble redwood cross erected in 1913 to the formation of the Mount Soledad Memorial Association in 1952, the memorial has been a beacon to the citizens of San Diego. The current cross was authorized by the city of San Diego to honor those who served faithfully during the Korean conflict.

You may also like: Mt. Helix Cross in La Mesa

San Diego Museum of Man Saint Francis Chapel

Saint Francis Chapel (Balboa Park)

The Saint Francis Chapel is located in scenic Balboa Park on the south side of the California Plaza, across the street from the main entrance to the Museum of Man. Designed by Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue as an example of a Spanish Colonial church, the Chapel was built to add a religious note to the Panama-California Exposition of 1915.

San Diego California LDS Temple

The San Diego California Temple, located in La Jolla, is the glowing white castle-like structure towering off of Interstate 5. While the interior of the temple is for members-deemed-worthy only, the exterior structure itself is a sight to see. The grounds are available for all who wish to take pictures. There are often friendly-people on hand to answer questions.

Self-Realization Fellowship and Meditation Grounds

At the Encinitas Retreat and Ashram Center, Paramahansa Yogananda lived for many years and began the first SRF retreat program. It is beautifully situated high above the Pacific Ocean, about 10 miles south of Oceanside. The temple and gardens were established by swami Paramahansa Yogananda in 1937. A must visit for anyone appreciating nature and its calming affects.

Temple Beth Israel

Take the Coaster to Old Town San Diego’s Heritage Park to see the Temple Beth Israel (1889) San Diego’s first synagogue, constructed by the Congregation Beth Israel. The structure is the second oldest synagogue in the American West.

Religious and Spiritual Group Travel, Conferences, and Wellness Retreats

Oceanside is home to two christian based retreat centers at the Prince of Peace Abbey and the Mission San Luis Rey. Both locations offer structured activities and meals where you can either create your own meeting agenda or register to join one of their hosted retreats. If you prefer to create your own meeting, retreat or conference, Visit Oceanside has the resources to help make planning your event easy.

Visit Oceanside Can Help You Plan Your Next:

Wellness Getaway
Women’s Retreat
Church Conference or Group Travel
Faith-Based or Spiritual Retreat
Pastor’s Retreat and Getaway

Getting Started? We’re Here to Help!

Visit Oceanside’s Gathering and Special Events Guide is a complete list of area event venues, vendor referrals, and local accommodations and is a one stop shop for your event planning. This guide includes Oceanside’s venues categorized by type and includes capacity details, contact information, and catering options. The guide also includes group dining locations along with activities and excursions for your entire group to enjoy together! Prefer to chat? Call Dana Higgins for personal planning and destination consultation at 760-637-9953.

“I have served as a convention coordinator for over 30 years so I know the importance of a responsible relationship between the community and ourselves. Early on in the process, the team made themselves available to serve our interests at every turn desiring to make sure we were fully aware of the benefits of choosing Oceanside as a family-welcoming destination for our extended church family. ” – R. Weber, United Church of God

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