Caspers Wilderness Park is the largest and most beautiful park in Orange County with 8,000 acres of wilderness. Sandstone canyons, coast live oak trees, river valleys and wildflowers on the edge of the Santa Ana Mountains come together to create a stunning landscape. Juaneño Native Americans lived in Villages here for thousands of years and lived off the land.
#102 Los Rios Historic District
The Los Rios Historic District in Orange County is the oldest neighborhood in California dating back to the late 1700's. Located across the railroad tracks of Mission San Juan Capistrano, several of the structures provided homes for the residents of the mission. The 31 structures that make up this district are located on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, a walk along the streets provide a glimpse of Southern California at the turn of the twentieth century.
#74 Mission San Juan Capistrano
Mission San Juan Capistrano in Orange County is known as the 'Jewel of the Missions'. Founded in 1775, it was the 7th of the 21 California Missions. Its main purpose was to teach and convert the Native Americans to the new Spanish way of life. At its peak in the early 19th century, the mission was home to 1,000 people.
The earthquake of 1812, lack of funding, Mexican Independence along with disease that the Spanish had brought with them proved too much and the mission system ended in 1834. Today, the beautiful grounds are a great way to enjoy a relaxing afternoon and learn the history of the missions. The famous swallows return to the Mission every March which is commemorated on St. Joseph's Day.
