6. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

SAN LUIS OBISPO.   Founded in the 18th century by Father Junipero Serra, who hoped to convert the native Chumash people to Catholicism, this Franciscan mission was named for the Bishop of Toulouse, Saint Luis. The surrounding area, known as the Valley of the Bears, helped supply the mission's earliest residents with ample quantities of bear meat – so much so, in fact, that they sent shipments to other missions in Alta California. The mission continues to play a significant role in San Luis Obispo's fortunes, serving as the centerpiece of its downtown area, as a major tourism draw, and as a parish church for the local Catholic population.   (© 10Best)

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