Stores, Malls or Markets in San Juan Capistrano

Like many of the mission gifts shops. You will find lots of wonderful religious or simple souvenirs gifts of your visit to the mission. There are two entrances to the gift shop. One from the front courtyard and one from the central courtyard. Its just neat to browse what they have.

Open Daily: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Closed at noon Good Friday and Christmas Eve.

A sprawling barn filled with treasures of days gone past. The Old Barn Antiques Mall is a fabulous place to walk around and browse. There are kiosks maintained by the individual sellers and as you look around you will see the vast collections people have amassed over the years which are now for sale.

Row upon row of glassware, china, sterling silver tea services, vintage clothing, jewelry (some costume but also real for sale as well) You will also find furniture such as dining sets, sofas and chairs. The men will be happy to see a dection devoted to old tools and historical paraphernalia.

What to buy: I, in particular collect vintage jewelry boxes. Not just any box but the work of "Matson" who was popular in the 1950's with his vanity trays, dressing table supplies and these exquiste jewlery boxes which have ovals of beveled glass and a velvet bed inside the box. One of the kiosks carried a goodly number of these types of boxes, I could not find the "Matson" mark on these boxes so I sort of balked at paying her asking price when I had purchased mine for much less than her asking price, and my cases have the "Matson mark."

What to pay: I felt the prices for most things were a bit inflated and on the two separate days we visited we saw a lot of looking but very little buying going on. I also thought for some of these items one could get it on EBay for a lesser price including the shipping.

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Bohemian: "An artistic person living an unconvential life" Rhapsody: An impassioned, miscellaeous collection" This describes this shop located in the Los Rios District. The shop is located in one the old houses that are sprinkled throughout this historical street. The "car port" has been turned into an outside showroom. The entire porch is devoted to works of art in varying color, size and material used.

What to buy: The shop offers a wide array of different styles of women's clothing. They also offer handmade jewelery as well as incense, fragrant oil and note cards. The shop was also showing works of art by local artisans as well.

What to pay: Make sure you check out the sale rack there are bargins to be had. Kris bought 2 gauze sequined tops for $38 total and I purchased a white with pink sequin embellishments for $9.

This antique store covers nearly a city block, there's rooms and rooms of antiques and not so old bric-a-brac.

What to buy: They have some nostagic 50's stuff along with fun items from different periods.

What to pay: The prices vary on many of the same items.

The store is a delight. It's located in one of the old houses in the Rios District and tilts somewhat, but still sturdy. Outside is a garden filled with, of course, items for your garden displayed helter-skelter. Be prepared to spend some time here browsing.

What to buy: Besides the garden items there are local arts and crafts from candles to ceramics. A great place for buy gifts.

I don't know that I've ever put up a shopping tip on VT. However, this frog and rooster caught my eye as I walked down the street in downtown San Juan Capistrano. I don't know if these articles are meant to serve wine, snacks, beer. But I'm sure that their function is essential whatever it might be.

What to buy: frogs and roosters

What to pay: the sky is the limit

Seasons is a nice seasonal decor and fine gifts shop located in the historical Egan House. Each room is filled with items like the bathroom has fine soaps & toiletries, the dining room has china tea sets and hand painted ceramic pieces, the kitchen has jams, jellies, candies, cookie & scone mixes, etc. They also have a small selection of cute gift cards in the entry way. This boutique gift shop has nice items which are priced well for the quality. They also have a small selection of cute gift cards