Things to do in San Juan Capistrano

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

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

San Juan Capistrano Attractions

They say good things come in small packages, and this charming city is no exception to the rule. From top tourist attractions to thrilling excursions, there are tons of fun things to do in San Juan Capistrano.

Discover what makes San Juan Capistrano tick with the most popular tours & day trips. Check out our top {38 fun activities in San Juan Capistrano fun activities in San Juan Capistrano}, and book with ease knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.

Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.

One Key members save 10% or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.

Most popular activities in San Juan Capistrano

Tours & day trips

See all 27 activities
Laguna Beach Paradise Trolley - App Guided Tour

Laguna Beach Paradise Trolley - App Guided Tour

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $25 per adult
Laguna Beach Paradise Trolley - App Guided TourOpens in new tab

Water activities

See all 10 activities
Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $55 per adult
Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran CruiseOpens in new tab

History & culture

See all 4 activities
Laguna Beach Paradise Trolley - App Guided Tour

Laguna Beach Paradise Trolley - App Guided Tour

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $25 per adult
Laguna Beach Paradise Trolley - App Guided TourOpens in new tab

Cruises & boat tours

See all 3 activities
Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $55 per adult
Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran CruiseOpens in new tab

What to do in San Juan Capistrano

Free Things to Do in San Juan Capistrano

Leave your purse in the hotel. It's easy to entertain yourself in San Juan Capistrano without handing over a cent.

The Ecology Center - Arrange a picnic date and enjoy a relaxing walk around the trees and shrubs.

Things to Do in San Juan Capistrano with Kids

San Juan Capistrano is a fantastic place for a family vacation. Take the kids along and try these popular family friendly experiences together:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in San Juan Capistrano? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in San Juan Capistrano

Mission San Juan Capistrano featuring heritage architecture and building ruins

Mission San Juan Capistrano

4.5/5(344 reviews)

Once a religious and agricultural community of a thousand, this mission is now an Orange County historic cultural hub.

Mission San Juan Capistrano

The Coach House

4.5/5(2 reviews)

Get tickets for a show at The Coach House, a theater with a story to tell in San Juan Capistrano. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or discover the beautiful sunsets in this family-friendly area.

The Coach House

Los Rios Historic District

5/5(2 reviews)

You can find out about the history of San Juan Capistrano with a trip to Los Rios Historic District. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches or experience its great live music.

Los Rios Historic District

San Juan Hills Golf Club

Play a round of golf in San Juan Capistrano at San Juan Hills Golf Club, and enjoy other activities such as surfing. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its charming coffeehouses.

San Juan Hills Golf Club

The Ecology Center

Enjoy the collegiate vibe at The Ecology Center as part of your travels around San Juan Capistrano. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.

The Ecology Center

The Sea Caves

Explore the great outdoors at The Sea Caves and enjoy the beautiful sunsets during your trip to San Juan Capistrano. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.

The Sea Caves

Historic Town Center Park

Historic Town Center Park is just one of the places to see in San Juan Capistrano, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the beaches or visit the shops in this family-friendly area.

Historic Town Center Park

Rancho Capistrano Winery

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Rancho Capistrano Winery during your travels to San Juan Capistrano. Stroll along the beaches or visit the shops in this family-friendly area.

Rancho Capistrano Winery

Blas Aguilar Adobe

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Blas Aguilar Adobe during your trip to San Juan Capistrano. Visit the shops in this family-friendly area, or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Blas Aguilar Adobe

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in San Juan Capistrano

Default Image

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
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from San Juan Capistrano

San Clemente

San Clemente

Dana Point

Dana Point

Laguna Niguel

Laguna Niguel

Mission Viejo

Mission Viejo

Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base

Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base

Photo by Ale Artigas

Coto de Caza

Photo by Betsy Wood

Ladera Ranch

Photo by Ale Artigas

Trabuco Canyon

Frequently asked questions

Is San Juan Capistrano worth visiting?
From retail therapy to history and outdoor activities, there are many great things to do in San Juan Capistrano. Be sure to experience the area's mix of cool attractions, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in San Juan Capistrano?
When you've checked off major attractions like Mission San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente Pier, spend some time enjoying San Juan Capistrano's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in San Juan Capistrano?
Mission San Juan Capistrano is one of the top tourist attractions in San Juan Capistrano and deserves a spot on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in San Juan Capistrano?
You can easily tick off popular sights like Mission San Juan Capistrano, Thousand Steps Beach and Victoria Beach with a three-day stay in San Juan Capistrano. On average, most travelers book three days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a bit longer and head to Anaheim.
Is San Juan Capistrano a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to do and see in San Juan Capistrano. Several attractions, such as Mission San Juan Capistrano and Capistrano Beach Park, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of San Juan Capistrano's best neighborhoods, Capistrano Beach is 3 miles away from downtown, while Del Obispo is 2 miles away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in San Juan Capistrano with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, a schedule filled with fun activities sets the tone for a great escape. Browse our ideas for what to do in San Juan Capistrano with kids.

What to do in San Juan Capistrano for adults?
There are lots of things to do in San Juan Capistrano, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to San Clemente Wine Company or Avenida del Mar.
Are there free things to do in San Juan Capistrano?
From checking out parks to wandering around vibrant neighborhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in San Juan Capistrano. If you need inspiration, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Thousand Steps Beach is a top spot for anyone planning to save on their traveling adventures.