Mission San Juan Capistrano

I recall this church from my elementary school days but it wasn’t until I visited the site when I was older that I fully appreciated it. The mission is one of the oldest European settlements in Orange County and boasts so much historical significance for the area. A few hours spent visiting the crumbling mission gives a better understanding of how things were back in the 18th century. You will find a pavilion of ruins on one end, but fully functional buildings on the other end with a museum, a small chapel, and educational programs for children and adults. It is the seventh of 21 missions in California, and one of the most beautiful.

While on a two week trip across California, we stopped at the Mission San Juan Capistrano about 30 minutes before they closed. I was busy walking around the grounds getting as many photos in as I could before the light was gone and as it was nearing closing time, I realized I hadn’t visited the chapel. I walked over to the chapel just as the security guard was getting ready to lock it up. I asked him if he would permit me to set up my tripod to get just one shot. Thankfully he did and this was that shot. That chapel had a palpable numinous quality to it that was simply ineffable. I highly recommend The Mission San Juan Capistrano as a must see on everyone’s Southern California travel itinerary.

As part of our two week trek across California, we stopped off at the Mission San Juan Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano just south of Los Angeles. We got there at around 4:30 which left us only 30 minutes to see everything. Although not a huge place, it is also not what I would call small. The grounds are incredibly beautiful. Inside the inner courtyards is a large koi pond. I was able to capture it in the soft light of the setting sun. The Mission is a truly memorable visit if only just to go there and enjoy an evening sit on one of their benches watching the humming birds dance from flower to unending flower.

The Spanish mission at San Juan Capistrano is a beautifully preserved monument to the courage and conviction of Fr. Junipero Serra and his followers, who founded 21 missions in California. The great stone church partially collapsed in an 1812 earthquake and was never rebuilt; today the remnants have been stabilized and the grounds overflow with colorful shrubs, trees and flowers. Visit from mid-March to October and you can catch a glimpse of the famed swallows. After visiting, head to Dana Point for lunch at the marina.