San Juan Capistrano

Introducing San Juan Capistrano

Famous around the world for the swallows that return from their winter migration on the same day every year (March 19 to be exact), the small town of San Juan Capistrano is also home to the ‘jewel of the California missions.’

Located about 10 miles southeast and inland of Laguna Beach, the beautiful Mission San Juan Capistrano (949-234-1300; www.missionsjc.com; 31882 Camino Capistrano; adult/child/senior $6/4/5; 8:30am-5pm) was built around a series of 18th-century arcades, each of which enclose charming fountains and lush gardens that range from rose to cactus to water lilies. The charming Serra Chapel - whitewashed outside and decorated with vivid frescoes inside - is considered the oldest building in California. It’s the only chapel still standing in which Father Junípero Serra gave Mass. He founded the mission on November 1, 1776 and tended it personally for many years. The mission’s gift shop has a good collection of books on early California and mission history.

To celebrate the swallows’ return from their South American sojourn, the city puts on the Festival of the Swallows every year on March 19. The birds nest in the walls of the mission until around October 23. They’re best observed at feeding time, usually early in the morning and late afternoon to early evening.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009