Mission San Juan Capistrano

A nature trail is an unusual modern feature of this mission. The paved, handicapped-accessible paths form a small loop--a little over a mile in length--that winds from the back of the Convento (now the museum and office) to the river and through the lush greenery along the banks. The serene walk was designed to feature the native plants and flowers of the San Antonio River's plains region.

Don't miss the oldest mission, Mission Concepción.

The National Park Service has plans to restore the San Juan Acequia, an irrigation ditch in front of the mission, and replant the surrounding farm lands to create a Spanish Colonial Demonstration Farm.

Get Grounded
Just across the river from Mission Espada, Mission San Juan Capistrano is at the heart of a tranquil, historic community--most residents are direct descendents of the...