Mission San Juan Capistrano Tours

Mission San Juan Capistrano showing landscape views, flowers and religious aspects
Choose one or more items to build your trip:
Once a religious and agricultural community of a thousand, this mission is now an Orange County historic cultural hub.

More than 200 years ago, Mission San Juan Capistrano was built as a self-sufficient community focusing on agriculture, industry, education and religion. The historic landmark is one of 21 missions established across California. Many consider it the birthplace of Orange County.

The mission was founded in the late 1700s to expand the boundaries of Spain and spread Christianity to Native Americans in the area. Today, it’s a popular tourist destination that educates visitors about California’s multicultural history.

The mission was at its peak at the turn of the century, and by 1806 it had a population of more than 1,000 people and their farm animals. The centerpiece was — and still is — the architectural triumph, the Great Stone Church.

Explore museum exhibits, 10 acres (4 hectares) of beautiful gardens, and fountains and preserved architecture, including the original chapel. Children will enjoy the Koi Fish Feeding, panning for gold and adobe brick making, while everyone can try the Native American Basket Weaving, which is held twice a month.

If you’re visiting in March, don’t miss the remarkable Return of the Swallows on St. Joseph’s Day. The birds flock to the mission in large numbers every year and begin building their mud nests directly in the ruins of the church. To celebrate their return, festivities take place at the mission, including live mariachi music, performances and presentations.

Mission San Juan Capistrano is open daily, excluding some public holidays. Try to allow for a full day here to get a good look around and take part in some of the daily activities. If you’re stretched for time, a one-hour tour is available on weekends. You can also take a self-guided audio tour any day of the week. (Free with admission.)

It takes about 25 minutes to drive to Mission San Juan Capistrano from downtown Santa Ana or the South Coast Plaza, and there’s plenty of free public parking. Public transport also services the area.

Plan a trip to see Mission San Juan Capistrano

Crescent Bay Inn
Hotel Fera Anaheim, a DoubleTree by Hilton
Chester Inn Motel
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Mission San Juan Capistrano

Reviews of Mission San Juan Capistrano

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
190
" "5 - Excellent 55.23255813953488%
4 - Good
116
" "4 - Good 33.72093023255814%
3 - Okay
29
" "3 - Okay 8.430232558139535%
2 - Disappointing
5
" "2 - Disappointing 1.4534883720930232%
1 - Terrible
4
" "1 - Terrible 1.1627906976744187%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Feb 11, 2020

This is where we are working.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 31, 2020

On weekends take the docent tour.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 26, 2019

Beautiful, well organized, historic, and inexpensive. Lovely afternoon

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Apr 24, 2019

Adobe Restaurant excellent.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Mission San Juan Capistrano

Best Western Capistrano Inn
Best Western Capistrano Inn
2.5 out of 5
27174 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, CA
Best Western Capistrano Inn
Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Autograph Collection by Marriott
Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Autograph Collection by Marriott
4 out of 5
31692 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, CA
Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Autograph Collection by Marriott
Casa Romanitca 2 guests Pet Friendly only 3 mil from the Beach
Casa Romanitca 2 guests Pet Friendly only 3 mil from the Beach
San Juan Capistrano
Casa Romanitca 2 guests Pet Friendly only 3 mil from the Beach
Bohemia Casa! Family&Pet friendly.3mi to the beach
Bohemia Casa! Family&Pet friendly.3mi to the beach
San Juan Capistrano
Bohemia Casa! Family&Pet friendly.3mi to the beach
Family-friendly 2bd Condo in Historic San Juan + Patio!
Family-friendly 2bd Condo in Historic San Juan + Patio!
San Juan Capistrano
Family-friendly 2bd Condo in Historic San Juan + Patio!
Beachfront Inn and Suites at Dana Point
Beachfront Inn and Suites at Dana Point
2.5 out of 5
34734 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA
Beachfront Inn and Suites at Dana Point
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club
5 out of 5
1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, CA
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club
Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel
Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel
2.5 out of 5
34280 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA
Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel
Dana Point Marina Inn
Dana Point Marina Inn
2 out of 5
24800 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA
Dana Point Marina Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.