Today, this former small religious and agricultural community is one of Orange County’s most popular cultural destinations.
As one of 21 missions established across California, this historic landmark is considered by many to be the birthplace of modern day Orange County. Built over 200 years ago, the Mission’s purpose was to create a self-sufficient community that focused on agriculture, education and religion.
Founded in 1776, Mission San Juan Capistrano was built to expand the borders of Spain into the Americas and spread the Christian word to local Native Americans. Today, the mission is living testament to California’s multicultural history, educating the thousands of visitors who flock here every year.
At the turn of the 19th century, the mission began to expand, reaching its peak by 1806, with a population of 1000 people, along with all of their farm animals. The focal point was - and still is - the Great Stone Church, an architectural triumph.
The mission is set in 4 hectares of stunning gardens containing fountains and well-preserved architecture. Enjoy a scenic stroll among these beautiful surroundings and visit the museum which offers a variety of activities suitable for young visitors as well as the young at heart. Feed the Koi fish, pan for gold and try your hand at American Basket weaving. There’s plenty going on here making it perfect for families.
During the month of March, a must-see is the Return of the Swallows on St. Joseph’s Day. Thousands of these incredible birds flock to the mission en masse every year to begin their annual nesting among the church ruins. This remarkable event is celebrated with a number of festivities hosted by the mission, including live mariachi music and other live performances.
Mission San Juan Capistrano is open daily, excluding some public holidays. You really need to set aside a whole day to see everything and take part in some of the daily activities. However, if you’re short of time, there’s a one-hour guided tour available at weekends. Or if you prefer to do your own thing, there is a self-guided audio tour available any day of the week (included in the admission fee).
It takes about 25 minutes to drive to Mission San Juan Capistrano from downtown Santa Ana or the South Coast Plaza and there’s plenty of free public parking. Public transport networks also run in the area.
