Mission San Juan Capistrano Tours and Activities

Mission San Juan Capistrano featuring building ruins and heritage architecture
Mission San Juan Capistrano which includes flowers, landscape views and wild flowers
Mission San Juan Capistrano which includes landscape views and heritage architecture
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Mission San Juan Capistrano showing flowers and a garden


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

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@ Marbella Lane - Cozy Modern Home w/ Relaxing Design & Pool
Montage Laguna Beach
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Mission San Juan Capistrano

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
Best Western Capistrano Inn

Best Western Capistrano Inn

2.5 out of 5
27174 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, CA
Best Western Capistrano Inn
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
Hilton Garden Inn Dana Point Doheny Beach

Hilton Garden Inn Dana Point Doheny Beach

3 out of 5
34402 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA
Hilton Garden Inn Dana Point Doheny Beach
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

3 out of 5
24800 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA
Dana Point Marina Inn
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa

Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa

4 out of 5
25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, CA
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa
Residence Inn by Marriott Dana Point San Juan Capistrano

Residence Inn by Marriott Dana Point San Juan Capistrano

3 out of 5
33711 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA
Residence Inn by Marriott Dana Point San Juan Capistrano
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
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.

Things to do near Mission San Juan Capistrano

Mission San Juan Capistrano offers a variety of activities for visitors, including stunning sunset views that enhance the experience. Nearby, you can explore the equestrian hub for horseback riding or enjoy a round of golf at a local course. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures or simply wish to relax and take in the scenery, this charming area has something for everyone to enjoy.

Shopping

In Mission San Juan Capistrano, you can enjoy shopping at the San Clemente Farmers Market, located 9.7km away, offering local produce and crafts. For a broader experience, if you're up for a drive, visit the Irvine Spectrum Center, situated 17.7km away, featuring a variety of shops and entertainment.

Recreation

The Coach House offers an intimate music experience just 1.6km from Mission San Juan Capistrano, perfect for unwinding with live tunes. Aliso Beach Park, located 8.0km away, invites you to relax by the ocean. Meanwhile, San Juan Hills Golf Club, only 1.1km away, is ideal for outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Laguna Beach Paddle Boarding, located 11.3km from Mission San Juan Capistrano, where you can enjoy exhilarating watersports amidst vibrant outdoor vibes. For hiking enthusiasts, Holy Jim Trailhead and Tenaja Trailhead, both offering breathtaking scenery, are located 15 and 111.3km away, respectively.

Nightlife

In Mission San Juan Capistrano, enjoy a romantic evening at Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas, just 3.2km away, or immerse yourself in culture at Soka Performing Arts Center, located 9.7km away. For a classic cinema experience, visit Edwards Kaleidoscope Theatre, only 6.4km from the mission.

Find the best attractions near Mission San Juan Capistrano

Mission San Juan Capistrano offers a rich blend of attractions, including beautiful beaches, urban parks, and golf courses. Visitors can enjoy outdoor experiences while exploring the historic mission and its surroundings. For great accommodations, consider staying near Mission San Juan Capistrano, where you can immerse yourself in the area's charm and culture. Don't miss the chance to visit the iconic mission itself, a highlight of San Juan Capistrano.

  • Dana Point Harbor: Located 4.8km from Mission San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point Harbor offers stunning coastal views and a vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy beach vibes while exploring the marina, dining at waterfront restaurants, or taking a leisurely stroll along the picturesque pathways.
  • Doheny State Beach: Also situated 4.8km away, Doheny State Beach invites you to bask in the sun and surf. This beautiful beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking, creating a laid-back, relaxing experience amidst the sounds of the ocean.
  • San Clemente Pier: Just 9.7km from the mission, San Clemente Pier is a family-friendly destination where you can enjoy friendly locals, fishing, or simply taking a stroll while soaking in the stunning ocean views and enjoying various excursions.

Best time to go to Mission San Juan Capistrano

Visitor numbers around Mission San Juan Capistrano is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Mission San Juan Capistrano can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Mission San Juan Capistrano falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Mission San Juan Capistrano falls in February, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
February56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
March57.4°F (14.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April59.9°F (15.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
May61.9°F (16.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
June65.7°F (18.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
July70.0°F (21.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
August71.6°F (22.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
September71.4°F (21.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October67.3°F (19.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
November61.7°F (16.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Mission San Juan Capistrano

For a budget-friendly visit to Mission San Juan Capistrano, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Irvine Spectrum Center, San Clemente Pier, and Thousand Steps Beach. Travel during the cheaper months of January to February or November, and aim for a Monday stay to save on accommodation costs. Utilize Expedia's search tool to compare hotel prices and find eco-friendly options. Lastly, look for package deals that bundle hotels, flights, and activities for additional savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Mission San Juan Capistrano are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Mission San Juan Capistrano is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Mission San Juan Capistrano is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget and choose your desired location, among other preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the “Eco-certified” filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save on your trip by combining your hotel stay at Mission San Juan Capistrano with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.