San Gabriel Arcángel was one of the most prosperous missions and known as The Queen of the Missions. Because of it's location at the cross roads for travelers traveling north and south between Mexico and Alto California and later east and west, it hosted many travelers and soldiers, many of which were disruptive to the work of the missionaries. The mission produced more wheat than any other mission, along with corn and beans. Tallow and soap were major products produced thanks to large herds of cattle. The oldest grape vine, planted in 1826, still grows at the mission. Mission San Gabriel was the winery for all the missions and the largest winery in California.

The unique mosque-like church was begun in 1779, but not completed until 1805.

Following the secularization in 1834, the mission and lands were taken away from the church. When the mission was returned to the Franciscans in 1843, little was left and most of the buildings were damaged beyond use. The Catholic Church regained the property in 1859.

The El Molino Viejo (The Old Mill) was built about 1816 as a gristmill supporting Mission San Gabriel Arcángel.

From Interstate 10 Exit Del Mar Avenue or New Avenue north and refer to map. From Interstate 210: Sierra Madre Boulevard south Sierra Madre Boulevard becomes Marino Avenue as it crosses Huntinton Drive. Continue south on Marino Avenue. At fork in the road, stay left Marino Avenue. Turn right onto Junipero Serra Drive. Right turn into mission parking lot.

Map to be added