Mission San Juan Capistrano is located in San Juan Capistrano, about an hour southeast of Los Angeles. The mission, which was founded in 1776 on All Saints Day by Spanish Catholics, was named after Giovanni da Capistrano, a 15th-century theologian. The mission houses the oldest building in California, the Sierra Chapel, which is still being used. The mission is most associated with its yearly Return of the Swallows, which takes place in March.
The Mission of San Juan Capistrano, located halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, is one of the most beautiful missions in California. It celebrates the Return of the Swallows each March, marking the return of spring. Each year, the swallows migrate to Argentina in October and return to their spring and summer home in March. This celebration started centuries ago and continues to be a well-loved festival and well worth seeing.
The Mission San Juan Capistrano offers weekend guided tours to guests who are not already part of an organized tour group. Trained guides will lead you through the 10-acre mission and give information on its history. In addition, the guide will provide various pieces of information about the gardens, fountains and other exhibits on the grounds. For large or tour groups, the mission also offers Tour and Dine packages.
During the summer, the mission offers a night-under-the-stars camping activity for children and accompanying adults. The event includes an evening meal, activities and breakfast the following day. The fees for the event, as of summer 2010, are $65 for nonmembers, $55 for members and $50 per person in groups of four or more. All those participating must pre-register.
Christmas time is an especially festive time at the mission; Christmas at the Mission is offered in early December each year. During this time of year, the gardens are all lit up for the season. Children have the opportunity to see Saint Nicholas, and a nativity is set up for visitors. This special event includes a choir, dance and mariachi performances, a photo with Santa and festive holiday crafts that children will enjoy.
On the second Saturday of each month, the mission hosts a Living History Day. During this event, history comes alive through reenactments. Actors are clad in magnificent costumes and present a program that teaches about the history and customs of the mission through tales, demonstrations and artisan crafts. The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Panning for gold is a thrilling activity that amuses both young and old. The mission provides you with the opportunity to pan for gold in the mission's own trough. The mission supplies the pan and the treasure. Panning happens on Saturdays from 12 to 2 p.m.
