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Mission San Juan Capistrano
When you visit SoCal, you can't help but follow in at least a few of the footsteps of
early Spanish conquistadors and Catholic priests. Mission San Juan Capistrano,
nicknamed the 'Jewel of the Missions,' was founded by peripatetic priest Junípero
Serra in 1776. Authentically restored, the mission today deserves its nickname,
with gorgeous gardens, stone arcades and fountains, and a chapel adorned with
spiritual frescoes. In mid-March the whole town celebrates the swallows' famous
return from South America to nest in the mission's walls.
STEPHEN SAKS / GETTY IMAGES ©
