San Juan Capistrano Travel Guide

 8 Reviews  Mission Baslica San Juan Capistrano was established by Junipero Serra, on November 1, 1776 as one of the Twenty-One Missions built up along the California coast. This is still an active parish and if you are inerested in attending mass while here take a look at the Mission Basiica SJC Parish... 

 2 Reviews  Sadly, I did not go inside because mass was going on among other religious events going on outside. The plaque near the front entrance reads: New Mission Church "Spirit and likeness" of the Great Stone Church on the Mission grounds which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1812. Built in 1984, this... 

 3 Reviews  The O'Neil Museum is also know as, Garcia/Pryor residence and The San Juan Capistano Historical Society Headquarters. Besides seeing a small but notorious Victorian home, it is one of the first frame houses in San Juan built between 1870 and 80. Stories of land grabbing, conspiracy, murder and... 

 2 Reviews  Los Rios District is considered the oldest neighborhood in California. It was larger in the earlier days than now, but we get the idea of what it was like two hundred or so years ago. Many of the oldest buildings are still private homes and not open to public visits. There are quite a few that have... 

 1 Review  The Serra Chapel was built in 1782 and its the only original California Mission church that is still standing. It is named after Father Serra. Father St John OSullivan restored the mission church in the 1920's. He served as pastor her from 1910- 1933. The alter is said to be at least 400 years old.... 

 1 Review  This is a great place to take your kids to while in San Juan Capistrano. The price of admission has gone up since I was last there, but also more attractions have been added. The petting zoo is a great way for children to learn to be gentle with animals such as chickens, pigs, rabbits and guinea... 

 1 Review  This Catholic church sits directly behind San Juan Capistrano Mission. I haven't found any historical data on the church, but it appears to be nearly as old as the Mission. The interior is domed, with such graceful arches. The gray walls are painted with flowers similiar to mission churches. The... 

 1 Review  The bells were important to early Mission life, taking the place of clocks. They called the community to meals, religious services, work, funerals, and the sighting of a supply ship. These bells originally hung in the tower of the Great Church. until the earthquake of 1812. The large bells are... 

 1 Review  The vegetable garden was nearly as pretty as the flower gardens and I didn't see any bugs. Volunteers called the "Mission's Gardening Angels" gather weekly to maintain and beautify the Mission gardens. 

 1 Review  Swallows Day is a magical day. If Christmas and St. Paddy's Day had a child, they would name it Swallows Day. This day, which is really an entire weekend commitment, is all about tradition. Our tradition is to start the day off the right way, with a bright and early champagne breakfast a nearby... 

 2 Reviews  Within the San Juan Capistrano Mission you will find a little museum which show how the people of the time lived in the southern California area. You will also find out about how each of the missions had their place in the Spanish control of the area. The cost is included in your entrance to the... 

 1 Review  One of the Spanish Missions in California founded by the first Spanish settlers. It is an important historic monument as well as an extremely peaceful place to spend a few hours. More details at the attached web site link. 

 1 Review  Construction on this new church was begun in the 1980s. The design incorporates the same general feel of the Great Stone Church on the mission grounds. The Great Stone Church was nearly demolished by a devastating earthquake on December 8, 1812. 

 4 Reviews  Sarducci's was the first restaurant I saw getting off the train. Now this is the place I'd choose for the evening meal. It was lovely and the fountain in the patio gave it the feel of a desert oasis that would be a wonderful bonus on a hot summer evening. They offer a Mystery Dinner Theater, "Murder... 

 3 Reviews  This restaurant was closed by the time I found it. They close at 3:00 pm and all day on Mondays. They open early and the menu seems to be brunch rather than breakfast and lunch, which I've heard great things about. I'm just not a breakfast person so would choose a wine from the "secret room" cellar,... 

 1 Review  Cafe Mozart is nestled in the Mercado Village Plaza. The menu is an eccletic offering of American, continental, German and Austrian cuisine. We were looking for a light lunch after the gastronomical feast we had the night before, Cafe Mozart fit the bill. We chose the outdoor seating over the indoor...