Mission San Juan Capistrano Day Trip Itinerary: Things To Do

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Mission San Juan Capistrano is the most renowned of all the California missions, famously known as the “Jewel of the Missions.” The Mission is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over California and beyond who come to explore the historical buildings and picturesque gardens. Mission San Juan Capistrano is an exciting day trip destination with numerous nearby points of interest to explore.

Mission San Juan Capistrano Tour

Mission San Juan Capistrano is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm. Admission is under $20, with discounts for seniors and children. Your visit starts in the central courtyard, where a Koa pond with lilies highlights a beautiful garden. To your right are the ruins of the Great Stone Church and the bell wall that features four original bells from the Church. Visitors can walk through several buildings, including the Padres Quarters, that portray living and working at the Mission during the early days.

The Mission features a Native American exhibit showcasing crafts, tools, and the way of life of the indigenous people who worked there. The Serra Chapel in the Mission boasts a magnificent interior worth exploring. Nonetheless, it is crucial to remember that the chapel is still actively used as a place of worship. Lastly, the Mission complex grounds house various historical artifacts from the early mission period.

Mission Capistrano History

In 1778, two years after the Mission was relocated to its current site, a small adobe chapel was constructed and later replaced by the Serra Chapel in 1782. The Great Stone Church, which resembled a grand cathedral and was 180 feet long and 40 feet wide, was built between 1797 and 1806 to house the growing population. It boasted a high-vaulted ceiling with seven domes and a 120-foot-tall bell tower. However, in December 1812, a massive earthquake struck and destroyed most of the Great Stone Church. Today, the remains of the original Church can be found on the Mission’s grounds.

Downtown San Juan Capistrano

After your tour of the Mission San Juan Capistrano, take a stroll around the historic downtown area. You’ll find numerous options for lunch or dinner, antique shops, art galleries, historic buildings, and the Los Rios Historic District, all within a few blocks of the Mission. Exploring the downtown area is a great way to round out your day trip to the Mission.

Ortega’s Capistrano Trading Post

The Capistrano Trading Post is situated across the street from the Mission. The trading post has been in business since 1947. Before this, the location of the trading post was home to the San Juan Café, which also served as a movie house during the 1920s. You will find a vast collection of souvenirs, religious goods, artwork, and crafts in the trading post. At the rear of the store, there is an extensive collection of Native American jewelry and turquoise. Even if you do not buy a souvenir, look inside this tourist shop like thousands of others have done since the 1950s.

Heritage BBQ San Juan Capistrano

Capo’s famous Heritage BBQ considered the best barbecue spot in Orange County, is adjacent to the Trading Post. The restaurant cooks food on large BBQs outside, making delicious and tender meals. Although prices are higher, eager customers still line up to order. On some days, Heritage BBQ runs out of the most popular meats. The restaurant is at 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, California. Website.

The Old Barn Antiques Mall

Old Barn Antiques, located at 31792 Camino Capistrano, is a vast space accommodating multiple stores featuring various antique dealers’ merchandise. You can find different items, including costume jewelry, vintage clothing, furniture, Native American jewelry, and more. This lovely old place houses almost everything one could imagine. The Old Barn is a fun place to visit in downtown San Juan Capistrano.

The Egan House

The Egan House was built in 1883 and is across from the El Adobe de Capistrano Restaurant. Over the years, it has undergone several changes in ownership and has served as an office, gallery, restaurant, and boutique. It is currently operating as a restaurant once again.

El Adobe De Capistrano Restaurant

One of the more famous places to dine is El Adobe, a favorite dining place of Richard Nixon and recognized as a California State Historical Landmark. The restaurant building is part of the historic Miguel Yorba Adobe built in 1797. The cocktail lounge walls of El Adobe are original to the Miguel Yorba Adobe. The El Adobe restaurant, which serves traditional Mexican cuisine, opened its doors in 1948 and continues to provide delicious food. 31891 Camino Capistrano San Juan Capistrano, California

1939 Esslinger Building

The Esslinger Building, located in downtown San Juan Capistrano, is a remarkable piece of architecture. Designed by architect Alexander Law, it was built as a medical clinic for Dr. Esslinger and is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The building boasts an Art Deco style and is in excellent condition, currently serving as office space. Its unique look makes it stand out from the rest of the historic buildings in the area.

Trevor’s At The Tracks

Trevor’s is a popular dining establishment in San Juan Capistrano in the 1894 Mission Style Santa Fe railroad depot. If you’re a rail fan, you’ll love this restaurant. You can watch trains come and go from your table. Trevor’s is across the tracks from the Los Rios Historic District and steps away from the current Amtrak station. If you arrive in San Juan Capistrano by train, Trevor’s At The Tracks will be the first building you see. 26701 Verdugo St San Juan Capistrano, California. Website.

Los Rios Historic District

The Los Rios Historic District in Capistrano, California, is a must-visit place for tourists. Located just a short distance from the Mission, San Juan Capistrano’s Los Rios Historic District features 100-year-old homes along the oldest residential street in California. Here are some of the highlights of a walk through this district:

Original San Juan Capistrano Jail Cell

A unique point of interest in the historic district is the original jail cell of San Juan Capistrano. The iron cell was built in 1896 and was initially located near the Capistrano Trading Post. For many years, it sat on a corner of Los Rios Street. Today, the jail cell can be found in a side yard of the Silvas Adobe. The Jail Cell is on private property but can be viewed from Los Rios Street.

O’Neill Museum

The O’Neill Museum, operated by the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society, is fascinating. The house was built in 1875 and offers a glimpse into the area’s history. You can explore the district and look at the O’Neill Museum at 31831 Los Rios Street. Please note that the museum is closed on Wednesdays, and open hours are subject to the availability of a docent to staff the museum.

Hidden House Coffee

Hidden House is a charming coffee shop located in a historic house in Old Town San Juan Capistrano. The interior is adorned with vintage photographs, and seating is available inside and outside on the front porch. Specialty coffees and pastries are served.

Las Catrinas Clothing Store

The Cottage Gallery and Gifts

Getting To Mission San Juan Capistrano

The San Juan Capistrano train station is just a few blocks from the Mission. The Amtrak Pacific Coastliner provides daily stops at this station, making it convenient for travelers from San Diego or Los Angeles to visit this location by train. Mission San Juan Capistrano is located in Southern Orange County, three blocks west of I-5 on Ortega Highway. Exit the freeway and turn west onto Ortega Highway.

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