San Diego Mormon Temple (also known as San Diego California Temple) is a landmark dedicated to The Church of Jesus of Latter-day Saints. Visit the temple to appreciate its magnificent castle-like exterior and manicured lawns. Come after sunset and late in the year to delight in the church’s spectacular illumination. Founded in 1984, San Diego Mormon Temple was the 47th built Mormon church.
The imposing temple stands on a 7.2-acre (2.9-hectare) site and at its highest point reaches a lofty 169 feet (52 meters). It’s pure white façade evokes memories of a fairytale fortress located in a far-off land and contrasts beautifully with the blue skies.
Gaze up at the two main towers, each surrounded at its base by multiple spires. A celestial star-shaped atrium connects the towers.
Crowning the eastern tower is a statue of the revered Angel Moroni. Legend states that following the statue’s installation a flock of seagulls circled it and then continued their flight. Seagulls are sacred to the Mormon faith and believed to have saved a pioneers’s harvest in Salt Lake Valley in 1848.
Access to the interior of the church is limited only to Mormons. Those able to enter discover whitewashed halls, eye-catching displays of stained-glass and elegant chandeliers. Otherwise, spend time strolling around the temple’s perimeter and between geometric lawns and boxwood hedges. December is a great time to visit, when the grounds are draped in bright lights, Christmas decorations and nativity scenes.
Located in the University City district, the temple is a 20-minute drive north from Downtown San Diego. Free parking is available for drivers. Catch a bus to La Jolla Village Square and then walk from there.
Visitors can see the exterior of San Diego Mormon Temple at any time of the day. Some nearby attractions are Birch Aquarium at Scripps and Rose Canyon Open Space Park.
