Things to do in San Juan Capistrano

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A historic building with red domes and arches, surrounded by a garden with purple flowers and a dirt path.
A historic building with arched walkways, a red-tiled roof, and a bell tower.
Ancient ruins with arched doorways and columns, surrounded by palm trees and rocks.
An ancient stone structure with arched doorways and columns, surrounded by rocky terrain and flowering plants.
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Things to do

Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

￥14,400
per adult
Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise
High Speed Zodiac Whale Watching Safari from Dana Point

High Speed Zodiac Whale Watching Safari from Dana Point

￥17,078
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
High Speed Zodiac Whale Watching Safari from Dana Point
Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching With Underwater Viewing

Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching With Underwater Viewing

￥15,961
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching With Underwater Viewing
Dolphin & Whale Watching Eco-Safari with Underwater Viewing

Dolphin & Whale Watching Eco-Safari with Underwater Viewing

￥17,078
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Dolphin & Whale Watching Eco-Safari with Underwater Viewing
Small-Group Best Beaches in Orange County Day Tour

Small-Group Best Beaches in Orange County Day Tour

￥14,205
per adult
Small-Group Best Beaches in Orange County Day Tour
Whale-Watching and Orange County Beaches Tour from Anaheim

Whale-Watching and Orange County Beaches Tour from Anaheim

￥15,801
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Whale-Watching and Orange County Beaches Tour from Anaheim
The Escape Game: 60-Minute Adventures at Irvine Spectrum

The Escape Game: 60-Minute Adventures at Irvine Spectrum

￥7,500
per adult
The Escape Game: 60-Minute Adventures at Irvine Spectrum
Orange County Evening Harbor Wine Cruise Scenic Wine Tasting

Orange County Evening Harbor Wine Cruise Scenic Wine Tasting

￥9,982
per adult
Orange County Evening Harbor Wine Cruise Scenic Wine Tasting
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What to do in San Juan Capistrano

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An ancient stone structure with arched doorways and columns, surrounded by rocky terrain and flowering plants.

Mission San Juan Capistrano

9.0/10 (514 reviews)
Founded in 1776, Mission San Juan Capistrano houses California's oldest chapel still in use and the iconic Great Stone Church ruins. Stroll through serene gardens while exploring adobe buildings rich with Spanish colonial heritage.
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Where to stay in San Juan Capistrano

Find the best San Juan Capistrano areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about San Juan Capistrano
Learn more about San Juan Capistrano
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Del Obispo

While visiting Del Obispo, you might make a stop by sights like The Coach House and The Sea Caves.

Sunset over Irvine, California

Rancho Mission Viejo

While Rancho Mission Viejo might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park and Mission San Juan Capistrano.

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Downtown

While visiting Downtown, you might make a stop by sights like Mission San Juan Capistrano and Blas Aguilar Adobe.

Popular day trips from San Juan Capistrano

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San Clemente

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Dana Point

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Laguna Niguel

A coastal town with houses, boats, and snow-capped mountains in the background.

Mission Viejo

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Coto de Caza

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Trabuco Canyon

Frequently asked questions

Is San Juan Capistrano worth visiting?
Whether you're planning to enjoy the cultural highlights and local charm or try unique foods and venture into nature, there are many things to do in San Juan Capistrano.
How do I spend a day in San Juan Capistrano?
Mission San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente Pier are two great places to kick-start your getaway adventures. Remember to explore the dining and shopping options in San Juan Capistrano while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in San Juan Capistrano?
Mission San Juan Capistrano is one of the top tourist attractions in San Juan Capistrano and should be high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in San Juan Capistrano?
You can easily tick off leading attractions like Mission San Juan Capistrano, Thousand Steps Beach and Victoria Beach with a three-day trip to San Juan Capistrano. On average, most travelers book three days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a little longer and check out Anaheim.
Is San Juan Capistrano a walkable city?
With popular neighborhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city center, San Juan Capistrano is a great destination to explore on foot. Enjoy wandering between Mission San Juan Capistrano and The Coach House. Then take a stroll through Capistrano Beach, located 5 kilometers from downtown, and Del Obispo, which is about 3 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in San Juan Capistrano with kids?
If you're looking for tours and attractions for all of your group, have a look at these awesome ideas for what to do in San Juan Capistrano with kids.

What to do in San Juan Capistrano for adults?
There are lots of things to do in San Juan Capistrano, with entertainment for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to San Clemente Wine Company or Avenida del Mar.
Are there free things to do in San Juan Capistrano?
From checking out parks to wandering around hip neighborhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in San Juan Capistrano. If you're stuck for ideas, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Thousand Steps Beach is a must for anyone planning to save on their sightseeing adventures.