"Make a Pilgrimage to California's Missions" Top 5 Page for this destination San Juan Capistrano by zrim

San Juan Capistrano Travel Guide: 157 reviews and 469 photos

the old mission grounds - San Juan Capistrano

The most likely reason for a stop in San Juan Capistrani is for a visit to its lovely and historic mission. The mission was founded in 1776 by Father Junipero Serra. At the time California was still Spanish territory and the Franciscan padres were aggressively attempting to convert the indigenous peoples. In California alone, they constructed 21 missions such as the one found at San Juan Capistrano.

Pros and Cons

Pros:serenity
Cons:tour groups
In a nutshell:beautiful gardens

Last visit to San Juan Capistrano: Feb 2004
Intro Updated Mar 3, 2004
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Reviews (12)

how may we serve you? - San Juan Capistrano

Frogs and Roosters Shopping (1)

I don't know that I've ever put up a shopping tip on VT. However, this frog and rooster caught my eye as I walked down... more travel advice

Remains of the Great Stone Church - San Juan Capistrano

The Great Stone Church Things to Do (6)

Work on the Great Stone Church commenced in 1796 with the dedication of the completed church coming ten years later on... more travel advice

Belltower at the parish church - San Juan Capistrano

The Parish Church Things to Do (6)

Construction on this new church was begun in the 1980s. The design incorporates the same general feel of the Great Stone... more travel advice

home to historical society - San Juan Capistrano

The O'Neill Museum Things to Do (6)

Located in the Los Rios District the O'Neill Museum is home to the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society. The museum is... more travel advice

Comments (9)

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kyoub Oct 6, 2005 at 3:46 AM

I enjoyed your great discription of the town and the excellent tips. Sadly I will not be there at the right time to see the swallows either.
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cnango Apr 18, 2005 at 10:48 PM

HI Zrim, I am on the Board of the Mission SJC & serve as a Docent ,giving tours to 4th graders.Loved your GREAT pictures, pages & tips! If you were a local I would try to recruit you :)
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keida84 Apr 17, 2005 at 7:43 AM

Hi Phil, I just got back from SJC. Your pages reflect the spirit of the town. Very nice! Kat
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mht_in_la Apr 29, 2004 at 7:09 PM

nice intro. will visit soon
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Goner Mar 25, 2004 at 9:57 PM

I enjoyed your page on San Juan, it's a lovely place to visit and I'm ready to go back.
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mrclay2000 Mar 20, 2004 at 12:53 PM

I was taken aback myself at the shopping tip, but the belltower photo at the parish church is. . .worldtrekkeresque.
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deecat Mar 19, 2004 at 8:50 AM

Phil, I admire the attention you pay to detail and thoroughness. Your photographs are outstanding. It's a perfect package!
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globetrott Mar 7, 2004 at 12:04 PM

What an interesting place & great pics ! ..that chicken-waitress certainly makes a great shopping-tip !! ;-))
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starship Mar 3, 2004 at 3:07 PM

Nice page and photos. Isn't the mission just beautiful?!