San Diego California Temple

Reviews

• MZ

  M Z

  2 days ago
  1.0
  Don’t know why I feel so called to leave a review, which I usually never do. As an energy reader and psychic, the vibe here just feels off to me, aside from the dazzling architecture. I’m definitely not getting that sacred or solemn vibe you'd expect from a church; instead, it gives off a heavy cult feeling. No offense to any religion, of course, this is just my personal opinion. You can also sense this same energy in the staff; they put on a friendly facade, but beneath it lies a negative undertone and a subtle, condescending attitude toward visitors. I wouldn't recommend this place because for me, I don't just visit a space, I feel its energy. No matter how good it portrays itself on the outside.
• FF

  F C Alvarez (Fast Flo)

  6 days ago
  5.0
  This is an interesting and very pretty building. However, they have the audacity to think that they are the 'San Diego Temple' as if Muslims don't have a Temple. Jews don't have a Temple. Buddhists don't have a Temple. On the tour, which was free, they took us in a great big circle. Up and down stairs and elevators and all around and around and around but never to a place where they have religious ceremonies. Just meeting rooms with specific purposes before you go to the NEXT meeting room. On the other side of the fence, they have some of the most glorious chandeliers I have seen that weren't in the Vatican. Or the Louvre. They also have very very interesting and familiar artwork on the walls. It is so interesting and familiar, if you are an educated Christian, you would think they were all painted by Catholics. Still, the tour is superficial. But it was also free. Even if you go to the Vatican, you get to go into the Church proper where Mass is held, not just to dressing rooms and bathrooms.
• AH

  allan haber

  Jul 3, 2026
  4.0
  We visited when the temple was open to the public after the recent renovation. Beautiful temple, the outside is pristine. I honestly did not know what to expect on the inside. I was unaware of the fundamental differences between the Christian/Catholic Church and a Mormon temple. I guess I was expecting the inside to be more like the churches I visited in Europe but because I wasn't educated in the Mormon faith, I felt the inside to be sterile, unadorned, and void of the typical aspects of the church. Inside, for me, was a bit underwhelming, however, it is pristine inside. The members were exceptionally warm and greeted us wonderfully. They thanked us repeatedly for visiting. We felt very welcomed. Everything was very well organized. Thank you for opening your doors to us. We saw when the temple was being built in the late 80's and early 90's but never made it inside...until now
• ML

  Marcie Lemieux

  Jun 27, 2026
  5.0
  Wednesday I had the opportunity to tour the San Diego California Temple. I booked my complimentary tickets weeks in advance, as visitors are only being allowed inside from June 18 through July 11 following a three year renovation project. I arrived around 2:20 PM for my 2:30 PM reservation. Guests were first directed into a large tent to wait, and groups were gradually brought inside. My group didn’t enter until just after 2:50 PM, and no one ever asked to see our tickets. The dress code appeared to be anywhere from casual to business casual. I had come directly from training seniors at a nursing home and was wearing pink leggings and a jacket. Before I could even ask whether my outfit was appropriate, one of the young women working there complimented my leggings. Everyone I encountered was incredibly friendly and welcoming. The temple was originally built 33 years ago, and non-members have not been allowed inside since its dedication. It was truly an honor to be a guest and experience a place that is usually reserved for members of the faith. Before entering, children helped place protective shoe covers over our shoes to preserve the temple’s floors. We were told they are seeing around 10,500 visitors per day, with people traveling from all over to tour the building. One thing I learned is that, unlike Christian churches, the temple is not where weekly worship services are held. Instead, it is used for special religious ceremonies and ordinances. One of the first things you see upon entering is a large baptismal that resembles a giant jacuzzi, complete with stairs leading down into it. Members perform baptisms on behalf of deceased ancestors who may not have had the opportunity to be baptized during their lifetime. It is supported by 12 oxen, representing the 12 tribes of Israel. We were shown the dressing rooms where members change into white clothing, symbolizing purity and equality before God. There are separate dressing rooms for men and women, each lined with numerous changing stalls. We also saw rooms where instructional presentations are shown, followed by a large, open space designed for quiet reflection and prayer. The atmosphere was calm and reverent, with very little talking. One of the most interesting areas was the sealing rooms, where marriages are performed. Mirrors face one another on opposite walls, creating a reflection that appears to go on forever, symbolizing eternal families and eternal marriage. As for the overall experience, everyone was exceptionally kind, welcoming, and soft-spoken. The building itself was immaculate, bright, and incredibly organized. Personally, the atmosphere felt a little unusual to me, almost like stepping into a very elegant, brightly lit funeral home. Everything was perfectly ordered, and the uniformity of it all gave off a feeling that I can understand why some outsiders might find a bit unsettling or misunderstood. That said, I appreciated the opportunity to experience a tradition and belief system different from my own. At the end of the day, most people are searching for the same things: faith, community, purpose, and connection. It was fascinating to step inside a place that plays such an important role in the lives of so many people and to gain a better understanding of their beliefs and practices.
• ML

  My Le

  Jun 27, 2026
  5.0
  If you’re in San Diego driving along Interstate 5 by La Jolla, you have seen this beautiful white looking castle. It’s the San Diego Temple of Latter-day Saints. It’s been closed to the public for the last 33 years! We attended the open house on 6/19/2026. It’s going on until 11 July. Tickets are sold out. If you didn’t get to reserve a ticket, no need to worry because they don’t check or scan. Everyone gets a chance to go in. Meaning, if you have a ticket, no need to arrive at your assign day or time. I found out the hard way because I was running late and stressed out. Wasn’t until I got there that I figured everything out because no one tells you anything among the chaos. Do this: Park off site to be shuttled in. The lot on site is tiny. Nice tour buses with A/C, comfy seats, the buses had Finding Nemo playing on the tv. The minute you arrive on site and get off the bus, you can either detour off to take photos of the exterior. Or follow the white chain in single file line to the big white tent. The tent is where they seat you to be in the shade. As the rows exit the tent towards the temple, you get seated to wait your turn. It’s about 30 minutes wait of just sitting there. I would suggest to bring a hat or umbrella in case you’re one of the groups that get stuck outside waiting to be seated and you’re out in the sun. Then your row is ushered to exit towards the temple. The first 1 minute stop talks about the religion and how sacred it is that no photos or filming allowed. Then as you approach the entrance, there are stations with volunteers to put shoe coverings on you. Next, you enter the temple with another 1 minute intro before you truly go on your tour. It’s well thought out and organized with a volunteer at every room. Be prepared for lots of stairs and walking. Tour took 30 minutes. Young kids and babies allowed. We had some in our group and I have to say, it wasn’t pleasant when they’re all crying, screaming, and walking around. No strollers. If you need assistant or in a wheel chair, there’s a separate area to check in and you get your own tour as you use the elevator. After the tour, we took photos of the exterior. So many volunteers available to answer questions and take photos for you. It’s truly a blessing to be able to visit this temple while it’s open to the public. I felt the energy. The architect is also gorgeous. They do not try to sell, preach or recruit you. No brochures were given out. It’s purely informational about each room and what they believe in.

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