San Juan Capistrano, CA

Travel Guide
Explore an 18th-century Spanish mission, set foot inside one of California’s oldest buildings and learn about its extraordinary relationship with nature.

San Juan Capistrano is a charming city built around an 18th-century Spanish mission. The Mission San Juan Capistrano is home to one of the oldest buildings in California. It is famous for its Fiesta de las Golondrinas, Festival of the Swallows, which celebrates the historic annual return of the swallows to the church on the same day each year. The birds have not consistently visited the site in recent years, but the festival continues.

Take a free audio tour around the mission. A special children’s version is also available. If you have a large enough group, try a guided tour. Stroll through the mission’s 10 acres (4 hectares) of gardens, full of plants, flowers and a charming pond. Browse museums of ancient religious artifacts. Many temporary exhibits are held throughout the year showcasing art and history, often centered on a theme relating to the church.

Stand in the mission’s chapel. Built in 1782, it is one of California’s oldest buildings still in use. See the statue of the Right Reverend St. John O’Sullivan, who appreciated the historical significance of the mission and instigated restoration efforts. The remains of more than 2,000 of the mission’s former inhabitants, including several priests, are buried beneath the chapel floor.

Listen to ghost stories and legends surrounding the mission. Appreciate the miraculous story of migrating birds on the Swallows Walk & Talk Tour. Attend the annual Festival of the Swallows in March and join others hoping for the birds to find their way back to the church.

Visit the city of San Juan Capistrano in south central Orange County. It is an hour’s drive from Los Angeles and a 30-minute drive from Santa Ana and Anaheim. You can also get there by train or bus. Nearby attractions include Crystal Cove State Park, Lake Forest and Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.

Where to stay in San Juan Capistrano

Sonesta Select Laguna Hills Irvine Spectrum
Sonesta Select Laguna Hills Irvine Spectrum
3 out of 5
23175 Avenida De La Carlota, Laguna Hills, CA, 92653
The price is $101 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
$101
per night
Apr 2 - Apr 3
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Laguna Hills. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
On of the best
"Awesome experience. Very clean. Only have free coffee in the room and not the lobby. Overall great hotel."

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2023

Sonesta Select Laguna Hills Irvine Spectrum
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Orange County Airport
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Orange County Airport
2.5 out of 5
2721 Hotel Ter, Santa Ana, CA, 92705
The price is $116 per night from Mar 30 to Mar 31
$116
per night
Mar 30 - Mar 31
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Ana. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
6.8/10 (1,000 reviews)
"I loved everything about the property and my stay. From the staff in the front desk to the staff on site everybody was wonderful and I enjoyed my stay very muchFrom the staff in the front desk to the staff on site everybody was wonderful and I enjoyed my stay very much. I definitely will be ..."

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2023

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Orange County Airport
Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa/Newport Beach
Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa/Newport Beach
4 out of 5
325 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626
The price is $149 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
$149
per night
Apr 2 - Apr 3
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Costa Mesa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the restaurant and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,005 reviews)
"The staff were friendly and helpful! The food was awesome! The decor was nautical and perfect! The room was clean and well equipped! All in all it was the best hotel experience ever, all time! Thank You All!!!"

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2023

Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa/Newport Beach
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.
Riviera Beach & Shores Resorts
Riviera Beach & Shores Resorts
3 out of 5
34630 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, CA, 92624
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Dana Point. Enjoy a 24-hour fitness center, an arcade/game room, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (995 reviews)
"This hotel has an amazing view. I'm so happy we booked the ocean view room. They have an awesome kids center where you can rent bikes, sand toys and more for free. The pool is heated and the game room has free fooseball and shuffleboard. We enjoyed take-out sushi while watching the sunset right from ..."

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2023

Riviera Beach & Shores Resorts
Marriott's Newport Coast Villas
Marriott's Newport Coast Villas
4 out of 5
23000 Newport Coast Drive, Newport Coast, Newport Beach, CA, 92657
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Newport Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 5 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the family amenities in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (751 reviews)
"Nice location! Beautiful place to stay if you’re visiting the area."

Reviewed on Feb 27, 2023

Marriott's Newport Coast Villas
San Clemente Cove
San Clemente Cove
3 out of 5
104 S. Alameda Lane, San Clemente, CA, 92672
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in San Clemente. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (281 reviews)
"Amazing location, view of the beach, and the staff was superb! It was a great weekend get-away."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2023

San Clemente Cove
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.

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