Make Your Day Trip a Mission

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Make Your Day Trip a Mission

By Françoise Rhodes of Traveling With Françoise and Artifacts and Arts Across America 

California has 21 missions, and on my list of things to do is visit each and every one of them. A family tradition for me while growing up was the Sunday drive. We all piled into the car and headed out with no destination in mind.  However at least once a year our Sunday drive would take us to Mission San Juan Capistrano in Orange County where we would spend the day.

Recently during an event someone mentioned the annual return of the swallows to the Capistrano Mission.  It then dawned on me I haven’t been to the mission in years, so it was time for a visit.

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A historic landmark with 240 years of history, San Juan Capistrano Mission receives over 300,000 visitors a year and is still a functioning chapel.  Once inside the Mission compound there is a spiritual tranquility that seems to embrace you. The gardens are stunning, and the authenticity of the Mission is pleasing to the eyes.  The Serra Chapel is a must, and a guided or self-guided tour will help you understand how important this Mission was and is to California.

Facts:

The newly conserved Serra Chapel is the only standing church where Father Serra is known to have said Mass.  Revel in the 400 year old golden retablo, historic paintings and wall decor. This is the oldest in use building in California!

The iconic bell wall rings daily, honoring the legacy of Saint Junipero Serra who founded the Mission in 1776.

Explore permanent exhibits such as “Mission Treasures: Historical Collection Revealed” featuring historical artifacts, precious and rare paintings, religious artifacts and more related to the Mission’s history.

After your Mission experience you’ll find surrounding the old Mission walls is the city of San Juan Capistrano, a fun place to spend the day.  This charming city has a multitude of shops, restaurants and the historic train depot. It’s lively and as in the Mission, you’ll hear different languages from around the world.

There is plenty of free parking around and next to Mission San Juan Capistrano and the admission is only $10 for adults.  The monies collected go to preserving this landmark and keeping its doors open to the public.

Regardless of your beliefs or the depth of worship, I promise Mission San Juan Capistrano will embrace you equally and give you a fascinating look back in time.

For more info about the Mission San Juan Capistrano visit www.missionsjc.com and Traveling With Françoise at TravelingwithFrancoise.com.