“Are we already at Disneyland, Daddy?”

You wouldn’t be the first to hear this if your small fry are looking out the window as you zoom along Interstate 5 on the way to La Jolla. The San Diego Mormon Temple rises up seemingly out of nowhere and looks a lot like Sleeping Beauty’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom.

The stunning white structure, with spires that soar to 190 feet, was built in the early ‘90s. A gilded statue of the angel Moroni sits atop the eastern peak.

EXPLORING THE MORMON MYSTERY

Upon completion, locals of all faiths (or no faith) were invited to tour the interior of the temple. Over 720,000 curious San Diegans accepted the invitation. It was so exotic, fascinating, mysterious – I’m not sure what the right word is – that I went twice, each time slipping on shoe covers to protect the white carpet. For its good neighbor efforts, the Church was presented with the Public Relations Society of America's prestigious Silver Anvil Award.

The open house ended when the Temple was dedicated in April 1993. Today only "recommended" Mormons can enter. However, the beautiful grounds and gardens, which cover seven acres, are still open to visitors Tuesday through Saturday. Church staff are available to show you around, answer generic questions about their religion, and discuss the architecture from 7am until dark.

Technically, the Temple isn’t in La Jolla because it’s on the east side of I-5, but it couldn’t be closer. To get there, exit I-5 at Nobel Drive and go east to Lebon Street. Turn right onto Lebon and then right again onto Charmont Drive.

There’s more information at http://sandiegomormontemple.org/ or you can call 858-622-0991.