The San Diego California Temple is the 47th dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the third temple built in California. Located in the La Jolla community of San Diego, the temple is famous for its soaring twin spires, brilliant white exterior, and dramatic modern design. Visible from Interstate 5, it has become one of Southern California's most recognizable landmarks and one of the most photographed temples in the Church. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
A Brief History
President Spencer W. Kimball announced the San Diego California Temple on April 7, 1981, during the April General Conference. Originally, plans called for a much larger temple with four ordinance rooms and numerous sealing rooms. However, after years of planning and community discussions, the design was revised before construction began. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
Groundbreaking services were held on February 27, 1988, with President Gordon B. Hinckley, then First Counselor in the First Presidency, presiding. Construction lasted more than five years due to the temple's complexity and custom architectural design. Before the dedication, the temple welcomed over 720,000 visitors during a six-week public open house, one of the largest open houses in Church history. President Ezra Taft Benson dedicated the temple on April 25, 1993, making it the 47th dedicated temple of the Church. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
The temple was the final temple dedicated during President Benson's presidency and has served members throughout Southern California, northern Baja California, and surrounding areas for more than three decades.
What Makes This Temple Unique?
The San Diego California Temple is unlike any other temple in the Church. Rather than using traditional architectural styles, the temple features a striking contemporary design with two soaring spires reaching approximately 180 feet into the sky. The unique exterior is clad in marble chips embedded in precast concrete, giving the temple its brilliant white appearance in the California sunshine. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
Inside, the temple contains approximately 72,000 square feet and features four ordinance rooms, eight sealing rooms, and a baptistry. The celestial room is one of the largest in the Church and is highlighted by dramatic windows, elegant chandeliers, and sweeping architectural lines. Beautiful art glass throughout the temple depicts vines, flowers, and flowing water, complementing Southern California's natural beauty. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
Another unique feature is its location atop a hill overlooking Interstate 5. Thousands of travelers pass the temple every day, making it one of the most recognized temples by people both inside and outside the Church.
Visiting the Temple
The San Diego California Temple is located at 7474 Charmant Drive in San Diego, California. The temple does not have a visitors' center, arrival center, or patron housing. An on-site distribution center is available for temple patrons. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the beautifully landscaped grounds, fountains, and gardens surrounding the temple, which are especially beautiful in the evening when the temple is illuminated. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
Fun Facts
- Third temple built in California.
- 47th dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Announced on April 7, 1981.
- Groundbreaking held on February 27, 1988.
- Dedicated by President Ezra Taft Benson on April 25, 1993.
- More than 720,000 people attended the public open house.
- Approximately 72,000 square feet.
- Features four ordinance rooms, eight sealing rooms, and one baptistry.
- Twin spires rise approximately 180 feet above the temple.
- Exterior finished with marble-chip precast concrete.
- One of the most photographed and recognizable temples in the world.
- Visible from Interstate 5 in La Jolla. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
Final Thoughts
The San Diego California Temple is one of the Church's most iconic architectural masterpieces. Its bold modern design, breathtaking twin spires, and prominent location have made it an enduring symbol of faith for millions of people who pass by each year. Whether you're attending an ordinance, touring the grounds, or admiring its stunning architecture, the San Diego California Temple is an unforgettable stop on any temple journey. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
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