Mission San Juan Capistrano is the seventh mission founded November 1, 1776, by Fr. Junipero Serra. Previously established by Fr. Fermin Lasuen October 30, 1775, but abandoned because of Indian unrest at Mission San Diego. Named for St. John of Capistrano, Italy, a theologian of the 14th century.

Nine years in the building but only used for six year - The Great Stone Church begun 1796; competed 1806; destroyed by earthquake 1812. Mission secularized 1833, sold 1845, and returned to Church 1865. Renovation work began in the early 1900's.

Today it is a monument to California’s multicultural history, embracing its Native American, Spanish, Mexican and European heritage. Originally built as a self sufficient community by Spanish padres and Indians, the Mission was a center for agriculture, industry, education and religion.

Mission San Juan Capistrano
"Jewel of the Missions"
31522 Camino Capistrano San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675;
949-234-1360; Mission Website;
Location: Camino Capistrano and Ortega Highway; Guided Tours Available;

O'Neill Museum
San Juan Capistrano Historical Society
31831 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675; 949-493-8444; Musuem Website;
Located in the historic Garcia / Pryor house - one of the first frame homes built in 1880. Today the Museum also is the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society headquarters and the center of all its archives of photos, books, documents, maps, genealogical records, oral histories and much more.

Juaneno Band of Mission Indians
Acjachemen Nation
Indian Band Website

Mission Basilica School
Catholic Parochial School covering pre-school age to 8th Grade located on the grounds of this historic mission next to the Basilica.
31641 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675;
949-234-1385; School Website;

Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano
A minor basilica church operated by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange.
31522 Camino Capistrano San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949-234-1360; Parish Website;

This parish church was completed in 1986 after the pattern of the original mission stone church that was destroyed in 1812. In 2003 it was designated a national shrine by the Conference of Bishops. It is located adjacent to the historic mission.

Return of the Swallows [3rd Weekend in March]
In a event that dates back centuries, the mission will greet the return of the swallows back to their spring and summer home at the mission. Other highlights during the day on Saturday include Living History Members, scheduled Docent tours, artisans demonstrating crafts, mariachi performers, school choirs and dancers, Native American performance groups, ethnic foods and much more. The swallows migrate in October to their winter home in Goya, Argentina. Mission padres observed that the birds return roughly coincided with St. Joseph's Day on the church calendar, March 19.
Mission Festival;
Swallows Parade;

Mission Flower & Garden Festival [2nd Weekend in June]
Mission San Juan Capistrano; Festival Link;
This popular event, held on the lush ten-acre grounds of historic Mission San Juan Capistrano features over seventy vendors/exhibitors of flowers, plants, and garden items, as well as a variety of crafts and fine art. Music, seminars, and food round out the day.

Annual Events at the Mission

• Return of the Swallows - March 17th (traditional) - Festivities include Pageantry, the traditional bell ringing at the sight of the first swallows, colorful entertainment, and tasty ethnic foods and live music.
• Living History Day - 2nd Sat Monthly - Take a step back in time and experience the romance of the Mission! Individuals portrayed, include Native Americans, founding padres, Soldiers or Leather jackets, Weavers and Gold Miners.
• Lincoln Celebration - Feb - The day recalls the signing of documents by President Abraham Lincoln in 1865 deeding the Mission back to the Catholic Church.
• Annual Flower & Garden Festival - This popular event, held on the lush ten-acre grounds of historic Mission San Juan Capistrano features over seventy vendors/exhibitors of flowers, plants, and garden items, as well as a variety of crafts and fine art. Music, seminars, and food round out the day, so even non-gardeners will enjoy this event!
• Summer Camps - Ceramic arts workshops
• Concert Schedule - check schedule for music by Capo Valley Symphony and other performers
• Music Under the Stars - dine and dance in the mission courtyard
• Art Exhibitions - ongoing

Historic Los Rios District
Location: Ortega Highway (SR-74) just west of I-5 Freeway.
It is the oldest remaining residential street in California, Los Rios dates back to 1794 when about 40 adobe structures were constructed to house soldiers and workers overseeing construction of the Mission. The district's quaint cottages and 200-year-old adobes are nestled in willows, bougainvillea and cactus.
NPS Historic Site
Los Rios Park Opening - Capistrano Dispatch
Cafe Mozard - 31952 Camino Capistrano - a full service restaurant specializing in weddings and banquets. A tradition of fine Continental Cuisine served in a Old World atmosphere.
Carlos Mexican Restaurant & Cantina - 31878 Del Obispo St - Authentic Mexican Cuisine
Cedar Creek Inn - 26860 Ortega Hwy, - wonderful lunch spot right by the famous mission.
Ciao Pasta - 31661 Camino Capistrano - fine Italian food.
Dennys Restaurant - 27142 Ortega Hwy - American Family Restaurant
El Adobe de Capistrano - 31891 Camino Capistrano - serving Mexican cuisine at its finest inside a historic 1797 adobe.
El Campeon Taqueria Y Tortilleria - 31921 Camino Capistrano - Authentic Mexican Food.
Key West Fish Market and Grill - 27221 Ortega Hwy - delicious seafood served in a casual atmosphere inspired by the Florida Keys.
La Fondue - 31761 Camino Capistrano -
L'Hirondelle - 31631 Camino Capistrano - fine dining European restaurant located directly across from the Historic Mission.
Las Golondrinas - 27124 Paseo Espada - Mexican Food
Marie Callender's - 31791 Del Obispo St - American Family Restaurant and Bakery famous for pies.
Ramos House Cafe - 31752 Los Rios St, - built in 1881, this restaurant is representative of the board and batten homes built during this time.
Rendezvous - 26701 Verdugo St - New American Cuisine. Old American Elegance. An upscale American Bistro, features creative and unique dishes with America’s finest ingredients, meticulously prepared by our award-winning chef.
Ricardo's Place - 32082 Camino Capistrano - La Cocina de Ricardo - serving authentic Mexican Food.
Round Table Pizza - 31878 Del Obispo St - Pizza house
Ruby's Diner - 31781 Camino Capistrano - 1950's style family diner.
Sarducci's Capistrano Depot - 26701 Verdugo St - experience the finest in Italian and American Cuisine while dining in San Juan Capistrano's historic train depot built in 1894.
Sizzler Restaurant - 31863 Del Obispo St - American family restaurant
Sundried Tomato Cafe - 31781 Camino Capistrano - a simple but delicious place to eat.
Tannin's Restaurant - 27211 Ortega Hwy - fine dining experience and nightclub VIP Lounge.
Tea House on Los Rios - 31731 Los Rios St - a popular place for ladies luncheons.