San Juan Capistrano

From Disneyland it’s only a 30-minute drive southwest to a coastal paradise and lots of California history. Starting in 1769, Franciscan priests, led by Fray Junipero Serra, made their way north from Mexico City. Their goal was to convert the native peoples to Christianity and settle Alta California as part of New Spain. Over time, the Franciscans built a string of 21 missions, starting in San Diego and ending in San Francisco. San Juan Capistrano, founded in 1776, was one of the more successful missions, and is one of the most popular today.

If you love flora and architecture, this old mission is worth a visit. The charming arches, luxuriant gardens, and inviting courtyards are all laid out on the same delightful patterns as Iberian courtyards designed by Arabic and Mudéjar architects in the home country.

The local Native Americans soon gathered around new settlement, and began to adopt the life style of the European settlers. They were involved in raising cattle, farming, and all of the artisanal work required to support those activities.

Depending on the time of year you visit, you might get an extra wildlife treat. Around March 19 each year, cliff swallows from Argentina stop here to spend the summer, making their mud nests around the walls of the mission. Flocks of humans also show up to see the flocks of birds, and there’s a parade in town as well. The birds fly out in late October to get back to Argentina.

If you’re looking for something relaxing and beautiful beyond the parks, San Juan Capistrano is a great choice. When you’re done there, you can head for one of the nearby beaches.