Mission San Juan Capistrano, located in Costa Mesa, CA, is a historic landmark and museum that serves as the Birthplace of Orange County. Founded over two hundred years ago, it is the 7th of 21 missions statewide and showcases a standing chapel where Saint Serra once conducted Mass. This monument to California's multi-cultural history embraces its Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and European heritage, and is renowned for the Annual Return of the Swallows, attracting over 300,000 visitors annually.
As a self-sufficient community established by Spanish Padres and Native Americans, Mission San Juan Capistrano was a hub for agriculture, industry, education, and religion. Today, it stands as the Jewel of the California Missions, offering a glimpse into the region's rich past and welcoming guests to explore its fascinating history. The mission is dedicated to celebrating and preserving the contributions of the Acjachemen Native Americans, the first people of Orange County, and continues to prioritize the preservation of their culture and heritage.
Generated from the website