Mission San Juan Capistrano family field trip.

California is rich with history. All you have to do to find it is walk outside your door and explore Mission San Juan Capistrano. It is a 239 year old monument that offers 10 acres of gardens, fountains, and structures. Take a Saturday morning to explore the past.

If the walls could talk? What would they tell us about what happened to the Native Americans, Mexicans and Father Junipero Serra. Saint Serra established 9 missions and converted about 5,000 Native Americans before his death in 1784. He died and was buried at his headquarters Mission Carmel, just outside of Monterey.

These photos are of the ruins of the great stone Church at Mission San Juan Capistrano. It took nine years to construct the great stone church. In 1806, the church opened it's doors to San Juan Capistrano Catholics who had been in a smaller building that could barely hold them. It was a great accomplishment for the people of San Juan Capistrano.  Unfortunately, six years later an earthquake would claim it and (40) of it's church members attending mass on December 8th, 1812. The church was never rebuilt. Today, we can see the hard work that went into the construction. 

As you walk through the great ruins at Mission San Juan Capistrano, take a close look at the materials they used to build the walls of the church. You can still see the seashells, rocks and other hard materials that were used to create the walls of the Mission. It is very inspiring to see how a seashell can survive 239 years.

Walking around the Mission you get a feeling of peace and serenity. It feels like you are seeing the beginning of our history in the State of California. We suggest you visit the Mission this Spring when the flowers and fruit trees are in full bloom. You won't be sorry that you made the trip.

Happy travels... The Bosek Family.