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Travel & Experiences

Mission San Juan Capistrano

A young girl runs past the blooming gardens inside Mission San Juan Capistrano. The gardens have helped make this mission among the state's most popular.

A young girl runs past the blooming gardens inside Mission San Juan Capistrano. The gardens have helped make this mission among the state’s most popular.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Most of this mission, including its beloved Great Stone Church, was reduced to rubble by an 1812 earthquake that killed 40 people. But the ambitious restoration, its lush garden, its train-station-adjacent location and the story of Capistrano’s swallows have made it immensely popular. READ MORE >>

San Juan Capistrano, seventh mission, 1777

The interior of the Serra Chapel, another structure named after Father Junipero Serra. This might be the last building in which Serra administered sacraments.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

San Juan Capistrano, seventh mission, 1777

A replica of the historic Great Stone Church is seen in front of all that remains of the original structure. The structure collapsed in the December earthquake of 1812.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

San Juan Capistrano, seventh mission, 1777

Tourists take pictures among the remains of the Great Stone Church.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

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San Juan Capistrano, seventh mission, 1777

Today’s Mission San Juan Capistrano features lush gardens.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

San Juan Capistrano, seventh mission, 1777

The gardens bloom near walls that are more than 200 years old.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

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