Mission San Juan Capistrano, CA 6.47

Mission San Juan Capistrano is a California landmark and museum dedicated to education, inspiration and preservation. Founded in 1776 by Saint Junipero Serra, it was the seventh of eventually 21 missions to be established in California. The Mission offers visitors a view of early California history, historically significant architecture, beautiful grounds, gardens, that have inspired it to be called the "Jewel of the Missions."

Mission San Juan Capistrano is the birthplace of Orange County, and its vibrant history has spanned over 240 years. It is home to Serra Chapel, built in 1782, which is the most historically significant church in California because it is the oldest building, and the only remaining California mission church where Saint Junipero Serra celebrated Mass. Nearby, the Ruins of the Great Stone Church which bears witness to the Native Americans and Spanish people who built the impressive structure over nine long years, but also a memorial to tragedy and the earthquake of 1812 that felled the church and killed 40 of baptized Native Americans.

Despite its multifaceted past as a Spanish mission, a private Mexican rancho, and a historic site, Mission San Juan Capistrano remains a cultural heart of the community.