San Juan Capistrano, California

Mission San Juan Capistrano is a historic chapel, landmark, and museum that was founded over two hundred years ago. Considered ‘the birthplace of Orange County’ the chapel, which still stands today, was the place where Saint Serra once celebrated mass.

Visitors are invited to explore the historic multi-cultural attraction which embraces its rich European, Mexican, Spanish, and Native American heritage. You’ll be able to see one-of-a-kind paintings, precious artifacts, and rare treasures while also witnessing a traditional rich of the iconic bell to honor Saint Junipero Serra.

Visitors can spend their time relaxing in the peaceful gardens, getting hands-on and weaving their own basket with Native American techniques, or attend one of their many events or festivals.

26801 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

ZOOMARS Petting Zoo is a one-of-a-kind attraction that you won’t be able to experience anywhere else in San Juan Capistrano. Admission to the zoo ensure that you’ll be able access the Petting Pens and visit the Bunny Patch, the Guinea Pig Gully, the Corn Box, and the Playground. The zoo has been around for over thirty years and is a popular family friendly place to spend the day. You’ll get to see friendly animals such as sheep, cows, pigs, guinea pigs, emus, bunnies, goats, and some lovable llamas that love to be hugged. Other activities and features include a mini train, pony rides, and panning for treasures at Miner’s Gulch. Visitors of all ages always have a great time at ZOOMARS.

31791 Los Rios St, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, Phone: 949-831-6550

The Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano church was built in 1986 over the ruins of the Great Stone Church which towered there long before. A national shrine, the church is a stunning place to explore. You’ll see gorgeous motifs on the interior wall, which took artist Dr. Neuerberg 18 months to complete. Art lovers will be amazed at the historic and religious artifacts and paintings that are present at the basilica, many of which were collected by the padres who lived there in the 18th century. There’s a room dedicated to Native American art, several portraits, as well as a stunning series of religious artifacts like tabernacles, vestments, and chalices.

31520 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

The Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park comprises an 8,000-acre wilderness preserve that is nestled among sandstone canyons, river terraces, and the Santa Ana Mountains. The park is open to the public all year long and is perfect for exploring the area’s stunning flora and fauna such as California sycamore and coastal live oak trees. There are many programs and events held there including ranger-guided nature walks and “Critter Talks” with local naturalists. You can spend hours hiking the trails through meadows filled with wildflowers and running streams; if you’re able to spend the night camping in their designated grounds fitted with all the facilities you’d need for a great night under the stars.

33401 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, Phone: 949-923-2210

The O'Neill Museum, formerly known as the Garcia/ Pryor Residence, is one of the first frame houses to be built in San Juan Capistrano. It was constructed by saloon owner, Jose Garcia, for his wife between 1870 and 1880. The property has somewhat of a haunted reputation as Garcia was later murdered; future owner Albert Pryor also died years later from a stroke though many people have claimed to see his ‘ghost’ on the porch he was so fond of. Visitors will now be able to learn about the history, hear about other scary stories, and explore the museum which is also the headquarters of the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society. You’ll see a number of photographs, books, documents, records, and much more while you’re there.

31831 Los Rios St, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, Phone: 949-493-8444

Separated by the railroad tracks and situated across the Capistrano Depot, the Los Rios Historic District is the oldest neighborhood in the state of California. There are over forty homes there including three original adobe structures which housed mission ranch workers and the builders of the mission in the late 1700s. Many of the structures which you’ll come across are private residences, though there are some that have been converted to businesses and are open to the public. Just walking through Los Rios will let you experience the calmer, more tranquil, way of life that can only be felt there.

One of the main attractions in the Los Rios Historic District, Los Rios Park is a lovely play area for younger children. It is located in an area full of incredibly rich history and is surrounded by amazing homes and the area’s train station. Kids will have their imagination run wild as the park’s wood and iron accents make them feel like they’re in the Old West. There are huge boulders to climb, saddled ‘horses’ to ride, swings, and more fun aspects of the park. Other facilities and amenities include a designated picnic area, drinking fountains, a restroom, shaded benches, and a small parking lot.

One of San Juan Capistrano’s most iconic and outstanding features is the gorgeous Capistrano Train Depot. The depot was established in 1984 and the unique building which still stands today has gorgeous features such as wonderful arches, a 40-foot-high dome, a dainty old-time ticket office, a mission bell, and a quaint old-fashioned fireplace. The incredible art gallery is a wonderful place to take in local, historic pieces that you can’t experience anywhere else. You can ride the trains to tour the neighborhood, which kids love, or stop by Trevors at the Tracks, a restaurant located within the depot which serves excellent cuisine in a historic setting.

26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, Phone: 800-872-7245

The Esslinger Building is a flair of circa 1930s modern architecture surrounded by mid-century design. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building was the brainchild of Dr. Paul H. Esslinger who traveled to Buenos Aires and wanted to design his future medical office in unique styles which he came across there. Upon the building’s completion in 1939, what was supposed to be a simple private practice looked more like a 23-room emergency room. Architecture aficionados of all ages will love exploring the beautiful building and everything that it represents.

31866 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675