About Mission San José
Founded in 1797 by Father Fermin Francisco de Lasuen, the Mission San José is one of the 21 Spanish Missions built in Alta California. While there are several missions in the area, Mission San José stands alone in its continued work and influence within the community. Founded initially to keep Spain’s claim to the California land, the mission evolved into an outreach for native Californians to learn about Christianity and the Spanish culture. The mission still has a strong Spanish influence on the community.
This unique site is close to San Francisco. Locals of the city often visit for a peaceful afternoon. Students and teachers are welcome, as well as tourists, to explore Mission San José and learn about the beliefs and history of the people who serve there. Visitors can listen to the San Francisco Chamber Choir perform inside the mission, where the acoustics will blow you away. Other music groups also offer performances at the mission and allow you to experience the music flowing around you while inside the Old Mission Church, where many of the performances are held. After each performance, enjoy a post-concert reception where you can mingle with other guests and volunteers from the mission. Stop by the gift shop and museum, housed in the former padre’s living quarters.
Fun Fact: The original Mission San José was destroyed in 1869 from an earthquake. The current mission was restored between 1982 and 1985. It is said to be one of the most authentic restorations of a mission in California.
Things to do Near Mission San José
While Mission San José may not be one of the hottest attractions in California, it is steeped in history and offers a glimpse into times gone by. Step inside the cool walls of the mission and be transported through the decades. While visiting the Mission San José, there are several other places and attractions that you do not want to miss.
- Drop by the Olive Hyde Art Center and Gallery for a glimpse into the works of several local artists and show your support of the arts
- Wander through the Museum of Local History to learn more about Fremont and its storied past including pre-Columbian artifacts
- Hike through the Mission Peak Regional Preserve or try your hand at horseback riding or hang gliding
- Show your appreciation for art at the Green Forest Art Studio and take an art class or wander through their gallery of local artists
- Hop on the Niles Canyon Railway for an adventure you will not soon forget, visit during the holidays and check out their Train of Lights
- Lace up your walking shoes and hit the trails at Coyote Hills Regional Park and breathe in the fresh air while communing with nature
- Shop until you drop at the Pleasanton Farmers’ Market to get not only fresh produce but also funky and eclectic handmade items
- Take a drive into San Francisco
Transit Options In or Near Mission San José
- Bus 27
- Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Orange
- Taxi
Luggage Storage Near Mission San José
There are so many interesting things to see and do inside and near Mission San José; you can easily spend hours exploring every nook and cranny. You will most likely be doing a lot of walking while you are in the area. Wear comfortable shoes and don’t be left holding big, bulky bags while you are exploring. Download the Bounce app and find one of the many Bounce partners near Mission San José to safely stow your belongings. Then, enjoy the sights burden-free.
Luggage Storage Options Near Mission San José
Mission San José and neighboring communities offer so much for you to see and experience without being super touristy. You have the opportunity to see California as the locals do. Don’t be stuck lugging your bags through Fremont or San Francisco if you venture there. Drop your things at a Bounce location and hit the streets unencumbered.
Luggage Storage Near California’s Great America
There is no better place to unwind, have fun riding amusement rides or watch quirky shows than California’s Great America. This amusement park opened in 1976 and has become a fantastic attraction in Santa Clara, just minutes from the Mission San José in Fremont. With over 100 acres of rides, stages, food vendors, and shops, California’s Great America is a great destination when in the area. You may even recognize parts of the park as having been featured in Getting Even with Dad and Beverly Hills Cop III.
Come test your courage on the Gold Striker, Rail Blazer, and Flight Deck. Sit back and relax with an ice-cold drink or dripping ice cream cone and watch one of several shows offered throughout the day by the park’s performers. Climb up to the Observation Tower for amazing views of the Bay Area. Bring along your camera and snap some photos while up on the deck. Large bags are permitted inside the park but will put a damper on your fun. Drop your bags at a nearby Bounce location so you can race through California’s Great America without being weighed down.
Luggage Storage Near Computer History Museum
Granted, spending an afternoon exploring the Computer History Museum does not sound like a fun and adventurous activity. This museum does have the typical dusty artifacts all relating to computing history such as hardware, videos, photos, software, code, documents, and films. It does also have some pretty interesting interactive exhibits that draw you into the world of computers, allowing you to learn while you play. Learn how to write HTML or JAVA code while you interact with the different displays.
Those really into computers who want to learn more about the history of computing and maybe hone some computer skills can sign up for a workshop or lecture. Seminars fill quickly, so sign up early. Ask for a tour guide to walk you through the museum and give you an oral history of the various exhibits. Large bags are not welcome inside the museum, but Bounce has got you covered. Book-short term storage via the handy app, and you're all set.
Luggage Storage Near Ardenwood Historic Farm
Spend an afternoon at Ardenwood Historic Farm. This Regional Historic Landmark was a working farm dating back to the 1850s when George Washington Patterson came to California searching for gold but instead discovered the fertile land in Fremont. Patterson and his wife Clara worked side by side to create a prosperous farm complete with a Victorian mansion and masterful Victorian gardens.
Today, the East Bay Regional Park District runs the farm. It is still a working farm that plants and harvests the same crops grown over 100 years ago using farming tools from the 1870s through present day. Visitors can learn about the different agricultural practices that have evolved since the farm began in the mid-1800s. Workers at the Ardenwood Historic Farm dress in period-specific clothing will answer questions and serve as guides through the farm’s mansion, gardens, outbuildings, and fields. You will be doing a lot of walking while at the farm, and heavy or bulky bags will get in your way. Locate a Bounce partner using the app and stow your bags first.