San Juan Capistrano Things to Do Tips by Goner Top 5 Page for this destination

Something for the Kiddies

In the Los Rio Historic district is Jones Mini Farm, a small farm where children can see the animals

Address: Los Rios Street & Del Obispo Street

Directions: In the Los Rios District across the railroad tracks.

The Mission Museum Mission Museum Review

The various Mission Museum period rooms display the living quarters and objects during the time the Mission was in use. In the South Wing Museum, the simple quarters of the padres is show with a small bedroom and study. The dining room exhibits John Forster, a rancher who resided at the Mission in the mid-19th century.

Address: Ortega Hwy at Camino Capsitrano

Directions: TAke the Ortega Hwy exit off the 5 freeway

Vegetable Garden Vegetable Garden Review

The vegetable garden was nearly as pretty as the flower gardens and I didn't see any bugs.

Volunteers called the "Mission's Gardening Angels" gather weekly to maintain and beautify the Mission gardens.

Directions: The vegetable garden is along side the kitchen area of the Mission

Archeology Finds

They are still excavating the Mission compound and are finding many of the original rooms and work areas. There is an architectural office at the back of the mission. Since the 70's they have found over 4,000 pieces of pottery and other artifacts.
The picture is of the metal furnance, the first in California.

The San Juan Catholic Church Interior San Juan Catholic Church Review

This Catholic church sits directly behind San Juan Capistrano Mission. I haven't found any historical data on the church, but it appears to be nearly as old as the Mission. The interior is domed, with such graceful arches. The gray walls are painted with flowers similiar to mission churches. The paintings hung in the church seem old also. The chandeliers are made of panes of glass instead of crystals, a distinctive design.

Address: 31522 Camino Capistrano

Directions: Behind San Juan Mission.

Phone: 949-234-1360

Father Serra Statue

This statue is located in front of the Great Stone Church and is of Father Serra and the Indian Boy, the famous statue denotes the meeting of cultures.

The Oldest Building in California

In the Serra Chapel the 350-year old golden Baroque alter was sent from Spain. Notice how brilliant the gold is in the photo. The Chapel was built in 1776-78 and is the oldest building in California. In the early 1920's it was restored by Father St. John O'Sullivan, pastor of the Mission from 1910-33. He was dubbed "the great restorer of the mission". The silver processional pieces were brought by Father Serra from Mexico.

Directions: Inside the Mission of San Juan Capistrano Mission compond.

The West Wing West Wing Museum Review

The museum rooms are located in the West Wing. They were rebuilt in 1970-74 and contain an autovisual room and bookstore.

Directions: In the Mission Compound.

Sacred Garden Bells

The bells were originally hung in the tower of the Great Stone Church until the earthquake of 1812. The large bells date back to 1796 and the small bells to 1804. These were the clocks of the mission calling people to meals, work and religions services.

Directions: Behind the Great Stone Church.

The Great Stone Church Great Stone Church Review

With local Indian labor this monumental church took nine years to build. It was begun in 1797 and dedicated in 1806, the church only stood for 6 years before a massive earthquake in 1812 toppled the chuch killing 40 Indian worshippers inside. The church has never been rebuilt and is refered to as the "American Acropolis". As funds are raised the church will be rebuilt in the future. Scaffolding has been erected displacing many of the mud nests of the swallows decreasing the numbers that revisit San Juan Capistrano.

Directions: Inside San Juan Capistrano compound.