California is home to 21 Catholic missions, spanning from San Diego to San Francisco, that were built between 1769 and 1823 when Alta California was a Spanish colony.
Mission San Juan Capistrano, the seventh of these missions, was founded in 1776 on All Saint’s Day and holds the distinction of being the Jewel of the Missions…and it is easy to see why…
Its buildings are well-preserved, providing a fascinating peak into what life was like for California’s first European settlers. And its gardens boast a serene beauty ripe for meditation and contemplation.
The Mission is also home to Serra Chapel, the state’s oldest building and oldest church still in use.
Admission $9
9am-5pm
(949) 234-1300
Daily guided depart from the visitors center: Mon-Fri, 11:15am and 1pm; Sat-Sun, 11:15am, 1pm and 2:15pm.
Audio tours are free and available in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Vietnamese.
Train: San Juan Capistrano (Metrolink, Amtrak), plus 1 block walk