California missions spotlight: Why San Juan Capistrano is ‘the Disneyland of California missions’

San Juan Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano

Seventh mission

1777

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Most of this mission, including its beloved Great Stone Church, was reduced to rubble by an 1812 earthquake that killed 40 people. But the ambitious restoration, its iconic garden, its train-station-adjacent location and the story of Capistrano’s swallows have made it immensely popular. There are concerts and headset tours. Andrew Galvan, curator at the Mission Dolores in San Francisco, calls Capistrano “the Disneyland of the California missions.” Its Serra Chapel, which survived the earthquake, may be the last building in which Father Junípero Serra administered sacraments. The mission hasn’t had many swallows in recent years; speakers (behind a Serra statue) play bird song in hopes of luring more birds.

Nearby: The train station stays busy with frequent Amtrak stops and diners passing to neighboring restaurants. Don’t miss Los Rios Street Historic District just across the railroad tracks from the mission and depot. It’s often called “the oldest neighborhood in California” because some of its adobes date to the late 18th century. It’s now a mix of homes, retailers and restaurants. Consider brunch at the Ramos House Café (www.ramoshouse.com) or a less-pricey foray through the Zoomars Petting Zoo (www.zoomars.com).

Info: 26801 Ortega Highway at Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano; (949) 234-1300, www.missionsjc.com. Driving distance from Los Angeles City Hall: 54 miles southeast.

From the archives:

In 1924, The Times wrote about Father St. John O’Sullivan of Mission San Juan Capistrano and his efforts to restore the mission.

In 2000, The Times covered the designation of the modern church at San Juan Capistrano as a basilica.

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