San Juan Capistrano Travel Guide: Things to Do, Hotels & Annual Festivals
San Juan Capistrano is where Orange County began. Long before beach towns, master-planned communities, or theme parks, this city shaped the cultural and historical foundation of the region. That legacy still defines it today. What sets San Juan Capistrano apart is how much history remains visible and intact. San Juan Capistrano isn’t designed for rushing. It’s a place to walk, linger, and connect — where history isn’t confined to museums but embedded in the streets themselves.
🏛️ Places to Visit
Mission San Juan Capistrano
📍 26801 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
🕒 Open daily, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
One of California’s most significant historic landmarks, known for its gardens, ruins, museum exhibits, and cultural programming. Founded more than two hundred years ago as the 7th of 21 missions, Mission San Juan Capistrano is the “Jewel of the California Missions” ✨ Explore -Mission San Juan Capistrano Experiences
Los Rios Historic District
📍 31831 Los Rios St, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
🕒 Tue–Fri: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM | Sat–Sun: 12:00–3:00 PM | Mon: Closed
One of the oldest continuously inhabited neighborhoods in California, featuring 31 historic structures, cafés, and artisan shops.
San Juan Capistrano Train Depot
📍 26701 Verdugo St, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
A restored historic rail station that remains an active Amtrak and Metrolink stop and houses a popular restaurant.
Montañez Adobe
📍 31745 Los Rios St, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
The oldest standing home in San Juan Capistrano, offering insight into early Californio life.
O’Neill Museum – Pryor House
📍 31831 Los Rios St, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
🕒 Tue–Fri: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM | Sun: 12:00–3:00 PM
A small museum highlighting ranching, pioneer history, and the city’s early development.
Blas Aguilar Adobe Museum
📍 31806 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
A preserved adobe structure showcasing early settlement and traditional construction methods.
Mission Basilica Church
📍 31520 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
An active parish church and architectural landmark connected to the Mission complex.
Historic Town Center Park
📍 31852 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
A central gathering space linking the Mission, downtown shops, and cultural sites.
Camino Real Playhouse
📍 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
A local performing arts venue offering live theater and community productions.
Zoomars Petting Zoo
📍 31791 Los Rios St, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
🕒 Mon–Fri: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM | Sat–Sun: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
A longtime favorite for families with young children.
San Juan Capistrano Regional Library
📍 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
🕒 Mon–Thu: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM | Sat–Sun: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
🏨 Where to Stay
Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Autograph Collection
📍 26907 Old Mission Rd, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
A luxury boutique hotel adjacent to the Mission, blending Spanish colonial architecture with modern design. Ideal for walkability and an immersive historic setting. 🛏️ Book a Stay at Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano ⭐Discover Best Hotels in South Orange County
Best Western Capistrano Inn
📍 27174 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
A convenient, value-focused option close to downtown and major attractions. 🛏️ Book a Stay at Best Western Capistrano Inn ⭐Discover Best Hotels in South Orange County
🎉 Annual Events & Festivals
Fiesta de las Golondrinas (March)
A multi-day cultural celebration tied to the legendary return of the swallows. Events traditionally include the El Presidente Ball and community festivities honoring the city’s Spanish and Californio heritage. ✨ Discover -San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association
Swallows Day Parade & Mercado Street Fair (March)
One of the largest non-motorized parades in the country, featuring equestrian units, marching groups, live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities throughout downtown. ✨ Discover -San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association
Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo (Late Summer)
A long-running regional tradition celebrating ranching heritage with professional rodeo competitions and Western events.✨ Explore- Rancho Mission Viejo
Mission San Juan Capistrano Christmas Celebrations (December)
Seasonal programming includes Las Posadas reenactments, candlelit evenings, holiday concerts, and traditional décor at the Mission. ✨ Explore -Mission San Juan Capistrano Experiences
✨ Planning Tips
Most visitors combine the Mission, Los Rios Street, and lunch near the Train Depot for a relaxed visit. For a livelier experience, plan around March’s Fiesta and Swallows Day celebrations. San Juan Capistrano also pairs well with nearby Dana Point or Laguna Beach for a full Southern California itinerary.