SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
FEATURED COMMUNITY
ABOUT SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
​San Juan Capistrano is a small community located in south Orange County, roughly halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego. It is known by some as the “birthplace of Orange County,” and is a town of historical significance in California.
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San Juan Capistrano was originally home to the Acjachemen (later Juanenos) and Gabrielinos Native Americans. Abundant evidence of prehistoric Native American life and several local families trace their ancestry to these tribes.
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It is best known to be the home of Mission San Juan Capistrano, the seventh of the 21 California missions. This was the religious, cultural, and economic center of the region. Because many of the builders and ranchers of the missions lived nearby, this also created the oldest continually occupied neighborhood in California.
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There are many fascinating remnants of California’s history here, from the mission to the Los Rios Historic District. Today, San Juan Capistrano is a community that celebrates its unique heritage and is also home to many one-of-a-kind local businesses and restaurants. Over 500,000 people visit the city and mission every year.
EXPLORE SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
When thinking of things to do in San Juan Capistrano, most people immediately think of the famous mission. Obviously, the mission is a fascinating place to explore, but the city has so much more to offer.
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Nestled roughly halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, San Juan Capistrano is a small community that is easily overlooked when thinking of places to visit in Orange County. After all, the region does have much to offer, whether it’s the beaches of Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, the artsy city of Costa Mesa, or Disneyland in Anaheim.
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The Mission San Juan Capistrano is the jewel of the city, and one of the most fascinating historical sites in Orange County. Paying it a visit is one of the top things to do in San Juan Capistrano and an absolute must! Walking through the grounds, you’ll see lots of signs of 18th and 19th colonial life here, from the stone wheels used to extract olive oil, to the vats used to make tallows used for candles, soap, and more. There are also signs of textile production here, from the vats used for fabric dying, to the looms used for weaving. You’ll also find tools and furnaces used for blacksmithing as well.
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San Juan Capistrano is surrounded by rolling hills and plenty of natural beauty, and there are plenty of hiking options. One of the best places to experience the area’s natural beauty is Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park, an 8000-acre wilderness preserve nestled in the Santa Ana Mountains.
FEAST IN SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
What also makes San Juan Capistrano a standout is its amazing foodie scene, with so many choices, flavors, and outstanding eateries. Most are family-owned and operated, making them incredibly unique and special.
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This may be a small town, but you will not suffer from a lack of San Juan Capistrano restaurants. But we’re going to share our top favorite restaurants in San Juan Capistrano, and tell you why we love them so!
Cedar Creek Inn - Located in the heart of San Juan Capistrano with unparalleled views of the historic Mission ruins, this is one of our favorite eateries among all San Juan Capistrano restaurants. We love dining on the picturesque patio under a trellised roof with flowing fountains and an outdoor fireplace. Known for their American classics and creative cocktails, both lunch and dinner share the same menu. Sunday brunch is also served.
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L’Hirondelle Restaurant - Ambience. Romantic. Alluring. These are only a few words that describe outdoor dining on a beautifully lit patio of San Juan Capistrano’s magnificent French and Belgian-inspired restaurant. Providing unparalleled food and stellar service, L’Hirondelle is our top recommendation for dining with that special someone.
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The Ramos House Café - There’s always a line waiting to get into this charming eatery. Situated in the heart of the Los Rios Historical District, the restaurant dates back to 1794 when adobe structures were built to house soldiers and workers overseeing the construction of the Mission. Weekday menus are breakfast la carte, while weekends feature a two-course brunch.