Historic Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded on November 1, 1776 as the seventh out of twenty one missions established by the Spanish in California.
Highlights of Mission San Juan Capistrano
Native American Exhibit Learn about the indigenous Acjachemen people for whom the mission was established. Includes original artifacts and explanatory displays of tribal origins, native foods, hunting and gathering, plant uses, music, basketry and ceremonies.
Grinding Stone Example of a device used by the Acjachemen to grind acorns for food.
Padre’s Kitchen Exhibit illustrates the differences between Spanish farming and ranching and Native American food sources, including the impact of ranching on the indigenous people.
Padre’s Sitting Room Discusses the skills padres taught to the Native Americans and features a reproduction of the 1776 baptismal register.
Mission Clubhouse Explore the hands-on activities to learn about the Acjachemen culture, Mission work and more.
Rancho Room Explains what happened to the Mission and the Acjachemen people during the secularization period.
Historic Mission Cemetery The first recorded burials date back to 1781. By 1850 over 3000 individuals are believed to have been buried there.
Soldiers Barracks Enjoy a special exhibition of painting reproductions after originals held in the collections of the Irvine Museum and the Jack & Shanaz Langson Institute and Museum of California Art.
Bell Ringing Tradition The Mission has a long history of bell ringing traditions. Nowadays, the bells are rung at 9:00 daily to honor Saint Junipero Serra, the founder of Mission San Juan Capistrano.
The Swallows of Mission San Juan Capistrano
On St. Joseph’s Day, March 19th, the Mission celebrates the annual return of swallows to the grounds of the Mission after passing the winter in warmer climes.
As reported in his memoirs, Father St. John O’Sullivan, Pastor of Mission San Juan Capistrano from 1914-1933, invited the swallows to nest at the Mission after seeing their mud nests batted down from the eaves of a shop in town.
He called out to them, “Come on swallows, I’ll give you shelter. Come to the Mission.There’s room enough there for all.” And so they did.
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Getting to Mission San Juan Capistrano
Mission San Juan Capistrano is located on Ortega Highway, just off of Interstate 5 in San Juan Capistrano, CA.
Address:
Mission San Juan Capistrano
26801 Ortega Highway
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Telephone:
+1 (949) 234-1314
Website:
www.missionsjc.com
Accessibility:
Free accessibility maps are available at the Gate House. The Mission does not provide or rent wheelchairs.
Rules for Visitors
- Mission grounds are historic and uneven. Please watch your step.
- Smoking, vaping and alcohol are not permitted on site.
- Please do not chew gum on site.
- Do not climb, stand on or write on historic walls, arches or fountains.
- Please respect all animals wildlife on the grounds, including lizards and fish.
- Please put trash and recycling in the designated bins.
- Please do not sit on the ruins of the Great Stone Church.
- No drones or tripods allowed on site.
- Exercise caution near open flame.
- No outside candles permitted on site.
