San Juan Capistrano, CA

Travel Guide

Mission San Juan Capistrano showing landscape views, flowers and religious aspects
Mission San Juan Capistrano featuring heritage architecture, a garden and landscape views
San Juan Capistrano showing building ruins and heritage architecture
Mission San Juan Capistrano showing religious aspects
Mission San Juan Capistrano featuring heritage architecture and building ruins

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

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Del Obispo

4/5(7 area reviews)

While visiting Del Obispo, you might make a stop by sights like The Coach House and The Sea Caves.

Del Obispo
Hyatt Regency Newport Beach West
Hyatt Regency Newport Beach West
4 out of 5
4545 Macarthur Blvd, Newport Beach, CA
$209 nightly
The price is $230 total per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
$230 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Newport Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,023 reviews)
"My hubby and I had such a great stay at this hotel! The room was clean, spacious, and very comfortable. The staff were all so friendly and welcoming, which made the whole experience even better. It was the perfect little getaway for us to relax and enjoy some quality time together. Would definitely ..."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Hyatt Regency Newport Beach West
Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa/Newport Beach
Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa/Newport Beach
4 out of 5
325 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA
$139 nightly
The price is $155 total per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
$155 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Costa Mesa. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,537 reviews)
Fun family trip
"Clean, spacious, friendly staff, great restaurant. Wish there was free water in the room."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa/Newport Beach
Sonesta Select Laguna Hills Irvine Spectrum
Sonesta Select Laguna Hills Irvine Spectrum
3 out of 5
23175 Avenida De La Carlota, Laguna Hills, CA
Fully refundable
$140 nightly
The price is $154 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$154 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Laguna Hills. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,390 reviews)
Lover meet and great it was amazingI
"My lover Ani the goddess show me what tender and loving means and she really show me the way and the pool adventure was a nice to be with"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Sonesta Select Laguna Hills Irvine Spectrum
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.
San Clemente Inn
San Clemente Inn
3 out of 5
2600 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente, CA
Book a stay at this beach condo in San Clemente. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,243 reviews)
"Really appreciated how simple they made things and everyone was super friendly, wanted to make sure everything was excellent. Great team and a great place to stay and enjoy OC!"

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

San Clemente Inn
Entire Boardwalk Home on the Beach in Newport Beach with Beautiful Views
Entire Boardwalk Home on the Beach in Newport Beach with Beautiful Views
Newport Beach
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Newport Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a water park. Popular attractions Huntington Beach Pier and Newport ...
10/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
Amazing House and location
"The house was beautiful and had all the amenities we needed and more. We had the best time just sitting in the family room with all the doors opened up and enjoyed the ocean view. The location couldn’t have been better. We will definitely be back at this house for another beach vacation!"

Reviewed on May 28, 2025

Entire Boardwalk Home on the Beach in Newport Beach with Beautiful Views
A Gem in Laguna Beach! Stroll to the main beach! #68
A Gem in Laguna Beach! Stroll to the main beach! #68
Laguna Beach
Stay at this vacation home in Laguna Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness center, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Crystal Cove State Park ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"This is a charming and affordable option in Laguna. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. The staff is friendly and accommodating. Great food is close by with a grocery store just across the street. Bring your walking shoes! Beach access is close by but a little steep. We loved our stay and would ..."

Reviewed on Jun 12, 2025

A Gem in Laguna Beach! Stroll to the main beach! #68
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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Reviews of San Juan Capistrano

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
46
5 - Excellent 51%
4 - Good
35
4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
7
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I like the mission. Old Town Los Rios is great. All was closed for COVID 19 but usually lots of great food, antiques, the catholic church there is european looking, beautiful inside, great town to walk around

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I went from Los Angeles with my group from the church to take donations to the border and we decided to sleep in this hotel and stay on Sunday, but it rained, we will be back soon on a sunny weekend

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Area is nice but service at hotel was very bad

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We were here for a funeral at the Basilica, but the reception was in town at El Adobe, which was very nice in the special event room. The town is attractive, small town feel.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I hope to spend more than just one night in SJC in the future to better enjoy the community!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Always loved this area of Orange County.

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