From the rustic ruins of the Great Stone Church,
to the soft serenity of the breathtaking gardens, there is no place
in Orange County that combines the grace and charm of nature with
the richness of California history more beautifully than Mission
San Juan Capistrano - the timeless "Jewel of the California Missions."
Founded the year that our country was founded in 1776, the Mission
is Orange County's number one historic site, hosting over 300,000
visitors each year.
To help you better plan your visit to the Mission
and the charming community that bears the same name, we've provided
the following "travel tips":
If Arriving by Automobile:
Mission San Juan Capistrano is located 1200 feet
west of the 5 freeway on Ortega Highway. Public parking is available
at the intersection El Camino Real and Ortega Highway, on the streets
surrounding the Mission, and in the public parking facility next
to the train depot.
San Juan Capistrano's historic train depot (built
in 1894) is a stop on both the Amtrak and Orange County Transit
Authority (OCTA) Metrolink lines. The depot is located a short block
from the Mission's front door.
Because train schedules change seasonally, please
visit the Amtrak website at www.amtrak.com.
Your admission is good all day long and you can
return as many times as you wish with a ticket and a hand stamp.
Ask the Visitor Relations staff for a hand stamp to guarantee free
same day re-entry.
Mission San Juan Capistrano is Orange County's
#1 historic site and offers something special to see or do for every
one of all ages. Experience the new "Voices of the Mission" audio
tour (available in English, French, German and Spanish) which is
free with adult and senior admissions, and provides a comprehensive
and informative historical experience. September 2008 will mark
the debut of "Saved by the Mission Bell: A Child's Journey through
California History," an exciting new audio tour for children (rental
fee is $2).
Visit during select Wednesdays and take a free
garden tour from one of the Mission's gardening angels, or meet
Miss Marion for a loom weaving and spinning demonstration, or watch
Native American basket weaving by members of the local Tribe. Come
on a Tuesday and receive hands on learning with our "Touch the Past,
curiosity carts".
Visitors should plan to break up the visit by
dining locally at any one of the great downtown family friendly
restaurants within walking distance of the Mission. Visit www.sanjuanchamber.com
for more details on dining choices.
Visitors should also plan to tour the Los Rios
Historic District, visiting the new retablo in the Mission Basilica
(just north of the historic Mission), shop the nearby antiques stores,
or take their children to ZOOMARS petting zoo where they can rid
a pony of feed a bunny.
