San Juan Capistrano, CA

Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded in 1776 by Junipero Sera as the seventh of the 21 missions to be instituted by the Spanish in California. They established the place to spread Christianity to the natives of California. It is now a place full of history, religious significance, a place of education, inspiration, and culture.
Attractions include beautiful landscapes, ruins of the Great Stone Church, an adjacent bell wall, and a continuous celebration of its colorful history. However, in 2002, the ruins were placed on the list of 100 Most Endangered Sites. They had to be retrofitted to withstand seismic activities, and the improvements were completed in 2004. Some events are still held at the mission today, such as fundraising events, plus the Battle of the Mariachis is still being honored up to this date.