Angelino AF (Asian Flavor)

I’ve visited 7 California missions so far, and out of all of them, Mission San Juan Capistrano is easily my favorite.

I actually visited two other missions—San Diego de Alcalá and San Luis Rey—before coming here. But this place left such an impression on me that I couldn’t wait to write about it and share the photos I took.

One of the things I love most about Mission San Juan Capistrano is its location. It’s right in the heart of the historic downtown, surrounded by museums, old buildings, restaurants, and charming streets. The entire area feels like an open-air history museum.

The moment I stepped inside the mission grounds, I immediately felt a sense of peace and calm. The gardens are absolutely stunning, with flowers, fountains, and beautiful courtyards everywhere you look. It’s one of those places where every corner feels picture-perfect and every path leads to another Instagram-worthy view.

The quadrangle is lined with rooms that have been turned into museums and exhibits. Everything is thoughtfully organized, making it easy to learn about California’s history while also providing quiet spaces for prayer and reflection. Whether you’re a history lover, a photographer, or someone simply looking for a peaceful place to visit, this mission has something for everyone.

Two places stood out to me the most.

The first is Serra Church, the oldest church in California that is still in use. Built shortly after the mission was founded in 1776, it was here that Fr. Junípero Serra (Founder of California missions) himself celebrated Mass. Standing inside such a historic place was a special experience.

The second is the Great Stone Church Ruins, which completely took my breath away. It’s hard not to imagine how magnificent the church must have looked when it was still standing. Built between 1797 and 1806, it took nine years to complete. The massive stones were carved by local Native Americans and assembled using an ancient limestone-based mortar. Tragically, on December 8, 1812, a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake caused the church to collapse during the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, killing 40 people. After taking nearly a decade to build, it was only used for six years.

As I walked through the ruins, I couldn’t help but imagine the beauty and grandeur of the church in its prime. It also reminded me of the countless Native people whose labor, craftsmanship, and lives became part of this history. Their contributions deserve to be remembered alongside the beauty of the mission itself.

Out of the seven missions I’ve visited so far, Mission San Juan Capistrano has been the most memorable. It’s a place where history, faith, architecture, and nature come together beautifully. I already know I’ll be coming back.