Timothy Olson
Google
Mission San Jose: A Surprisingly Serene Detour for the Non-History-Loving Family
As someone who generally prefers a good game of sports outside or a refreshing swim to a hallowed hall, the idea of visiting a museum (even an outdoor one) isn't usually my first choice. And frankly, my family isn't exactly clamoring for a history lesson either. Yet, we opted for Mission San Jose, and I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised.
The mission proved to be incredibly spacious and, to my delight, refreshingly uncrowded. It felt less like a stuffy exhibit and more like a peaceful stroll through some seriously old, beautiful architecture. The staff were genuinely friendly and helpful.
One thing that immediately scored points in my book (and probably the kids' too) was the abundance of drinking fountains scattered throughout the grounds. Dehydration was clearly not on the mission's agenda. We even found a little theater room where we caught a video, which was a nice way to absorb some of the plentiful information without feeling like I needed a history degree just to understand the plaques.
Ultimately, Mission San Jose is truly beautiful and incredibly peaceful. Even for a family like ours, who generally skips the historical deep dives, it was a surprisingly serene and enriching experience. It might not convert us into full-fledged history buffs, but we can definitely appreciate the quiet beauty and the friendly vibe it offered.
And it's free.
