The San Diego California Temple opened its doors to the public in summer 2026 for the first time in more than thirty years. The public open house ran June 18 through July 11, 2026, and has now closed. The temple is being prepared for its rededication on Sunday, August 23, 2026, after which entrance returns to members of the Church holding a current temple recommend.
If you have driven Interstate 5 through San Diego, you already know this building. Its white towers and golden spire have been a landmark above the freeway since 1993. For three and a half weeks this summer, anyone could step inside and see it for themselves. Opportunities like that come along about once in a generation for a given temple.
Here is what happened, what comes next, and how to prepare.
Rededication Date and Broadcast Details
The temple will be rededicated on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with a rebroadcast at 2:00 p.m. The dedicatory session will be broadcast to congregations within the temple district. The Church has not yet announced which leader will preside at the rededication.
Open House Dates and Location (Now Closed)
Dates: Thursday, June 18 through Saturday, July 11, 2026 (closed Sundays)
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Address: 7474 Charmant Drive, San Diego, CA 92122
Admission was free and reservations were available through the official open house page. The open house has now ended. The next public milestone is the rededication on Sunday, August 23, 2026.
Who Could Attend the Open House?
Everyone. The open house was open to people of all faiths and backgrounds, members and friends alike. That was the one window when the public could tour the inside of the temple. After the building is rededicated, entrance is reserved for members of the Church who hold a current temple recommend.
What Visitors Saw
The temple open house was a walking tour that lasted about 45 minutes. Volunteer hosts were on hand throughout to answer questions as visitors moved through the temple, seeing rooms used for instruction, sealings, and baptisms, along with the celestial room. The San Diego temple is known for its eight-pointed star atrium and its art glass, and the recent renovation refreshed the interior throughout.
A few notes on how it ran. Cameras were not allowed inside the temple. The pace was quiet and reverent, with some walking and a little waiting, especially during evening and weekend hours.
Why This Temple Matters for Southern California
The San Diego California Temple was the third temple built in California and the 45th in operation when it was first dedicated in April 1993 by President Gordon B. Hinckley. More than 720,000 people toured it during its original open house that year.
In July 2023 the temple closed for an extensive renovation. For nearly three years, members across the San Diego area traveled farther for temple worship. The open house marked its homecoming. Nearly 730,000 Latter-day Saints live in California, and for the Saints of San Diego County this building has been a spiritual anchor for a generation. Seeing it reopen is a meaningful moment for the whole community.
What to Wear to a Temple Open House
There is no dress code for a temple open house, and no special clothing is needed to attend one. Temple clothing is not required and is not expected for a public tour. Most visitors wear Sunday best or business casual, such as a modest dress, a blouse and skirt, dress slacks, or a button-up shirt. Comfortable closed-toe shoes are a good idea, since you will be on your feet for part of the visit.
If you are wondering whether you need to dress a certain way to be respectful, the answer is simple. Come as you would to any place you hold in regard. Neat and modest is plenty. Children are welcome under the same guideline. For the complete rundown, see our guide to what to wear to a temple open house.
Preparing for Temple Worship After the Rededication
Once the temple is rededicated, members who attend to participate in ordinances will prepare a little differently. Inside the temple, members wear white clothing during the endowment and sealing ordinances.
If a temple open house is part of your own preparation to attend the temple for the first time, two of our guides may help. Our post on what to wear to the temple for the first time walks through what to expect, and our guide to LDS temple dresses covers fabrics, fit, and how to choose one. You can also see the dresses we carry in our temple dress collection.
There is no rush. Preparing for temple worship comes in its own time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the San Diego California Temple open house free?
Yes. Admission was free for everyone. Reservations were recommended but there was no cost to attend.
Was a reservation required for the open house?
Reservations were recommended and could be made online through the official open house page. Walk-in guests were welcome as space allowed, and the final Saturday was the busiest day of the entire open house.
Can non-members tour the San Diego California Temple?
The open house was open to visitors of all faiths. That was the only window for the public to see inside. After the August 23 rededication, entrance is reserved for members of the Church holding a current temple recommend.
Can I still tour the San Diego California Temple?
The public open house ended July 11, 2026. After the rededication on August 23, the temple is open to members of the Church who hold a current temple recommend.
What should I wear to a temple open house?
Sunday best or business casual is typical. No special or temple clothing is needed. Comfortable closed-toe shoes are recommended for the walking tour.
Where is the San Diego California Temple located?
At 7474 Charmant Drive, San Diego, CA 92122, near La Jolla, just off Interstate 5.
When is the San Diego California Temple rededication?
Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with a rebroadcast at 2:00 p.m.
A House of the Lord for San Diego
For more than thirty years, this temple has stood watch over the San Diego coastline. This summer its doors opened to all, and more than a generation of Saints in San Diego County welcomed it home. It will be rededicated on Sunday, August 23, 2026.
Details from the open house remain on the official San Diego California Temple open house page and the Church Newsroom announcement.