The San Juan Capistrano was founded on July 10, 1716 by Franciscan missionary Fray Isidro Felix de Espinosa. It did not make as much progress as did the other San Antonio missions because of its exposure to frequent Indian attacks and the fact that lands
allotted to the mission were not sufficient for its horses and cattle and the raising of the required crops. The mission was briefly abandoned in 1719 due to the threat of a French invasion.

Today the complex includes the ruins of the second church (constructed between 1756 and 1763), the standing third church (constructed post 1762), the walls surrounding the compound,
foundations of some of the original Indian quarters, the foundations of the former granary building, the convent, a well, and a residence.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site