If you’ve ever driven down Interstate 5 near La Jolla at night, you’ve seen it. That glowing, ethereal white structure with the spires reaching toward the clouds like something out of a futuristic fairytale. It’s the LDS San Diego Temple, and honestly, it’s one of the most polarizing landmarks in Southern California. Some people think it’s a castle. Others think it’s a Disney-esque cathedral.
The truth is actually a lot more interesting than the myths.
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Why the LDS San Diego Temple Looks So Different
Most temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints follow a fairly standard, stately aesthetic. But the San Diego California Temple—dedicated back in 1993—broke the mold. It was designed by architects William S. Lewis Jr., Dennis Hyndman, and Shelly Hyndman. Here’s a fun bit of trivia: the Hyndmans were actually Roman Catholic.
Because they weren’t members of the LDS faith at the time, they brought a fresh, almost avant-garde perspective to the project. They weren't just checking boxes on a corporate blueprint. They were trying to capture a sense of "the divine" through geometry.
The result? Ten spires.
Most temples have one, three, or six. San Diego has ten, making it the most spire-heavy temple in the entire world. The exterior isn't just white paint, either. It’s a specific mixture of marble chips in plaster. That’s why it has that weird, beautiful shimmer when the sun hits it at 4:00 PM. It doesn't just reflect light; it glows.
The Mystery of the 10,000 Stars
If you look closely at the glass, the doors, and the stonework, you’ll notice a recurring theme: an eight-pointed star. This is known as the Seal of Melchizedek.
Basically, it’s two squares overlaid at 45-degree angles. While most visitors just think it’s a pretty design choice, it’s actually repeated over 10,000 times throughout the building. For the people who worship there, the number eight signifies a new beginning or a fresh start.
Inside the temple (which, let's be real, most people never see), this geometry gets even more intense. There’s a central star-shaped atrium filled with a garden that connects the two main towers. It’s meant to be a physical representation of light and growth.
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Can You Actually Go Inside?
This is the big question. Short answer: Kinda, but mostly no.
Temples are different from the local meetinghouses where Latter-day Saints have their Sunday services. Think of a meetinghouse like a community gym—everyone is welcome to walk in and join the game. The temple is more like the locker room for the championship team. It’s reserved for members who meet certain standards of their faith.
However, there’s a massive exception happening right now.
The Great Renovation of 2023-2026
The LDS San Diego Temple closed in July 2023 for a massive overhaul. They didn't just change the lightbulbs. They did a multi-phase renovation that included:
- Restoring 144 decorative art glass windows.
- Reconfiguring the interior to handle larger groups.
- Deep-cleaning that signature marble-chip exterior (30 years of freeway exhaust is no joke).
- Upgrading the "Seal of Melchizedek" details throughout.
Here is the insider tip: Whenever a temple is built or goes through a major renovation like this, the Church holds a public open house. During those few weeks, anyone—regardless of religion—can walk through the entire building. No questions asked.
The San Diego open house dates are usually announced a few months before the rededication. If you’ve ever been curious about what those two-story Celestial Rooms with the grand staircases actually look like, that is your only window of opportunity. Once it’s rededicated (expected sometime in 2026), the doors close to the general public again.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Site
There’s a common misconception that there is a visitor center on the actual temple grounds. There isn't.
While the grounds themselves are open to the public—and they are stunningly manicured, perfect for a quiet walk—there isn't a museum there. If you want the "history" fix, you have to drive about 10 miles south to Old Town. That’s where the Mormon Battalion Historic Site is located.
The Battalion is actually a huge part of San Diego's history that most locals forget. In 1847, a group of about 500 pioneers completed the longest infantry march in U.S. history (over 2,000 miles!) to get here. The temple is basically a modern-day monument to that heritage.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
If you just want to see the LDS San Diego Temple for yourself, don't just stare at it from the I-5. Take the Nobel Drive exit.
- Parking: There is plenty of free parking on-site. You don't need a permit to park and walk the gardens.
- Photography: You can take as many photos as you want of the exterior. It’s easily one of the most photographed buildings in the county. Just be respectful if there are wedding parties around (which happens almost every Saturday).
- The Night View: The temple is floodlit every single night. If you’re a photographer, the "blue hour" just after sunset provides the best contrast against the white marble.
- Dress Code: While there’s no official dress code for walking the gardens, most people treat it like a park/sacred space. Casual is fine, but maybe keep it respectful.
The Actionable Bottom Line
The LDS San Diego Temple isn't just a religious building; it’s an architectural landmark that defines the North County skyline. Whether you’re interested in the "Seal of Melchizedek" symbolism or you just want a peaceful place to walk away from the La Jolla traffic, it’s worth the stop.
Keep a close eye on the official Church newsroom for the 2026 open house dates. It is a once-in-a-generation chance to see the art glass and the grand staircase without needing a "recommend" to get through the front door. Until then, the gardens remain one of San Diego's best-kept (and quietest) secrets.