Architectural/Historical Tours
San Juan Capistrano has been the historic center of Orange County for over two hundred years, and its architecture and history stand as a monument to its rich, multicultural heritage. Take time and explore our beautiful town. Perhaps, like the swallows, you will return repeatedly to nest in the loveliness and serenity of San Juan Capistrano.
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Adjacent to the Mission Inn is the beautiful Mission San Juan Capistrano, the Jewel of the California Missions. Founded on November 1, 1776, by the Spanish Franciscan Missionary, Padre Junipero Serra, the seventh Mission in California's Mission chain is a monument to California's multicultural history, embracing its Spanish, Mexican, Native American and European heritage. Beautiful gardens, cool fountains and adobe cloisters provide a sense of serenity and peace. Originally built as a self-sufficient community by Spanish Padres and Indians, the Mission was a center for agriculture, industry, education and religion. Open Daily 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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The Los Rios District
Located just four blocks from the Mission Inn is California's oldest neighborhood, The Los Rios Historic District. Approximately forty homes comprise the neighborhood and vary in age from 50 to 204 years old. Three adobe homes, The Montanez, the Rios, and the Silvas, housed the builders of the mission and the mission ranch workers in the late 1700's and early 1800's. European immigrants built many of the other homes here in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Although all of the homes are private residences, many are also businesses open to the public during business hours.
The O'Neill Museum
The Garcia/Pryor residence, now known as the O'Neill Museum, was built between 1870 and 1880 by José Dolores Garcia, a saloon owner, for his wife, Refugia Yorba. The museum, sponsored by the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society, is located in the Los Rios District at 31831 Los Rios Street. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-noon and 1:00-4:00 p.m.; and on Sunday from 9:00 a.m. - noon.
The San Juan Capistrano Depot
When completed on October 8, 1894, the San Juan Capistrano Depot was considered one of the finest on the Santa Fe line. Architecturally complimenting the Mission, century-old brick archways drape with bougainvillea and the 40-foot high mission-style bell dome is as charming and romantic as San Juan itself. Now home to Sarducci's and Rendezvous restaurants, most of the original architectural features of the 1894 depot are intact.
San Juan Capistrano Architectural Walking Tour
The Architectural Walking Tour Guides are sponsored by the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society to preserve and maintain the historical sites of San Juan, educate the public about our rich history and to create an interest in our lovely town. The tour includes Mission San Juan Capistrano, the Los Rios District, Egan House, El Adobe de Capistrano Restaurant and the Rios Adobe. Tours depart Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and donations support the library. Group tours can be booked in advance by contacting the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society at (949) 493-8444, or by e-mail at info@sjchistoricalsociety.com.
Dining
San Juan Capistrano has a number of fine restaurants, all within walking distance of the Mission Inn. Whether you are in the mood for French, Italian, German, Mexican or California cuisine, we are happy to reserve the perfect table for you. We have a large selection of menus available for your viewing in the Mission Inn Parlor and, for your convenience, we have listed a few of our favorite restaurants below.
Café Mozart - 496-0212
Located in Mercado Village Plaza, just three blocks from the Mission Inn, this wonderful restaurant specializes in German and Austrian cuisine. Café Mozart is available for private parties, rehearsal dinners and wedding receptions for up to 350 people. Open daily for lunch and dinner; closed Mondays.
Cedar Creek Inn - 240-2229
Across the street from the Mission Inn, the Cedar Creek Inn offers our guests a warm romantic dining experience, serving delightful fare of old family recipes. The garden patio is an especially lovely place to dine as it overlooks Mission San Juan Capistrano. Open daily for lunch and dinner; Brunch served Sundays.
Ciao Pasta Trattoria - 496-5002
For an authentic experience of Southern Italian cooking, you must experience the dining delights of Ciao Pasta Trattoria. Located three short blocks from the Mission Inn, Ciao Pasta's extensive menu offers wonderful selections of Antipasti, incredible pasta creations, meat and fish dishes, Foccaccia Sandwiches and delectable desserts. The wine list features Italian and domestic wines by the glass or by the bottle. Dine indoors or have full view of Mission San Juan Capistrano while dining on the patio. Ciao Pasta is available for private functions, rehearsal dinners and wedding receptions. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
El Adobe de Capistrano - 493-1163
The Romance of Old San Juan lives on at Historic El Adobe. Located three blocks from the Mission Inn, El Adobe de Capistrano, built in 1778 as one of the Yorba Adobes, is now a designated Historical Landmark. The restaurant serves authentic Mexican cuisine was one of President Nixon's favorite dining spots whenever he visited the "Western Whitehouse" in nearby San Clemente. El Adobe is available for weddings, banquets and private parties, and is open daily for lunch and dinner.
L'Hirondelle - 661-0425
This is the place to celebrate those special events in your life....a birthday, anniversary....or just the perfect romantic place any night you want to have a delectable dinner...L'Hirondelle Restaurant has been serving "a little bit of Belgium tradition" in San Juan Capistrano for over twenty-one years. Located in Mission Hacienda Plaza, just three blocks from the Mission Inn, this charming, romantic restaurant is also available for private functions. Open daily for lunch and dinner; Brunch served Sundays. Closed Mondays.
LaFondue - 240-0300
The delightful fondue craze of the past is now a pastime of the present. Come enjoy a memorable evening of luscious wines and mouthwatering entres in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. They offer 50 fondues from classic Swiss cheese to tofu for vegetarians; and wild game, flavorful chicken, seafood and vegetables with a variety of tasty sauces. Top the event off with a scrumptious chocolate fondue dessert with strawberries, bananas, and much more. Open seven days a week for dinner only.
Ricardo's Place - 493-4941
The place the locals all go to for the best Mexican food around! Located at 32082 Camino Capistrano, one lock south of Del Obispo. Great authentic Mexican food and terrific Margaritas. All food is prepared fresh daily. Opening their first restaurant in the middle 1980's, Ricardo's Place maintains a tradition of thoughtfully prepared recipes passed down through five generations of family members. Offering the best, healthiest and most affordable Mexican food around. Casual dining. No reservations. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Rendezvous - 496-1006
The finest up-scale dinner house in the city. Located next to the San Juan train station, patrons can dine in the 1920's-inspired jazz piano lounge and dining room, the historic 1827 freight house bar, or in an original 1927 Pullman dining car. Live jazz and piano is performed in the lounge on Friday and Saturday evenings from 7 pm to 10 pm. The full bar offers seasonal specialty drinks and spirits like pomegranate mojitos and the Godiva-sweetened chocolate martini. The wine cellar holds over 800 bottles, ranging from domestics to Chile, Argentina, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Reservations recommended.
Concerts • Events • Festivals • Theatre
 San Juan Capistrano is home to many exciting events held throughout the year. For a list of activities, please visit any of the links listed below, or inquire with our Innkeeper.
The Coach House
One of southern California's best concert halls, features music and entertainment greats such as David Allan Coe, the Cowboy Junkies, Aimee Mann, John Waite, Johnny Rivers, Sophie B. Hawkins, Leon Russell and many others. The Mission Inn is located approximately one mile from The Coach House.
Old Capistrano Downtown Farmers' Market (PDF Download)
Held just two blocks from the Mission Inn every Wednesday, from 3-7 p.m.
Camino Real Playhouse
South Orange County Community Theatre, located across the street from the Mission Inn
Fiesta de las Golondrinas
Every year, the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association presents Fiesta de las Golondrinas to celebrate the return of the swallows to Mission San Juan Capistrano on the Feast of St. Joseph. The 2007 Swallows Day parade is March 24 and is the nation's largest non-motorized parade. Best of all, the parade travels right in front of the Mission Inn! This is a weekend celebration, with great food, music and fun. Please make your reservations early for Fiesta de las Golondrinas, as weekend accommodations go quickly.
Mission San Juan Capistrano Calendar of Events
Ongoing events held at Mission San Juan Capistrano.
Excursions
San Juan Capistrano's central location makes it the ideal hub for daily excursions in and around southern California. With easy access to a number of major highways, Amtrak and Metroliner, Los Angeles and San Diego are within easy reach of the Mission Inn. Disneyland Resort, Legoland, Hollywood, Universal Studios, Pechanga Resort and Casino, Temecula Wineries, San Diego Wild Animal Park, Sea World San Diego, San Diego Zoo, and the beautiful cities of San Diego and Coronado Island are within a 65-mile radius of the Mission Inn. Our Innkeepers are quite knowledgeable of the area and will be delighted to assist you in planning any number of exciting day trips from the Mission Inn.
Anaheim
Disneyland Resort - Anaheim, CA (28 miles)
Carlsbad
Legoland - Carlsbad, CA (35 miles)
Los Angeles Area
Hollywood - Hollywood, CA (60 miles)
Universal Studios Theme Park - Universal City, CA (63 miles)
Temecula
Pechanga Resort and Casino - Temecula, CA (64 miles)
Temecula Wineries - Temecula, CA (64 miles)
San Diego
San Diego Wild Animal Park - San Diego (55 miles)
Sea World San Diego - San Diego (62 miles)
San Diego Zoo - San Diego (65 miles)
San Diego - (65 miles)
Coronado Island (across the bay from San Diego)
Outdoor Activities
San Juan Capistrano is the perfect location for anyone who loves the outdoors. Located in the coastal Capistrano Valley, between the Pacific Ocean and the Cleveland National Forest, the natural beauty and pleasant climate of this quaint community provides the perfect setting for a host of year-round activities.
Beaches
The Mission Inn is located near some of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California. We are four miles from Doheny State Beach in Dana Point and Capistrano Beach. For guests who love surfing, we are just ten miles from Calafia State Beach in San Clemente and 15 miles from San Onofre State Beach (Old Man's and Trestles). Local beach information and surf report.
Biking
The wonderful climate of the Capistrano Valley is ideal for biking. Well-marked bike lines make their way in and out of San Juan Capistrano. Whether you might be interested in a short ride to the beach, or a day of cycling, please let us know if we can assist you with bike rentals.
Equestrian Sports
Oaks Blenheim Exhibitions is a forty-acre state of the art equestrian facility located 2.5 miles from the Mission Inn. One of the finest equestrian venues in the country, Oaks Blenheim hosts the annual Oaks Blenheim International CSI. It has also been home to the 2000 and 2004 U.S. Olympic Trials. One of this country's largest equestrian management and promotion company, Blenheim Equisports, sponsors most events at Oaks Blenheim, and has helped put the art of show jumping on the map in Southern California.
Golf
Many beautifully designed courses are available to the golf enthusiast in the San Juan Capistrano area. For your convenience, we have noted some of the finer area golf courses below and we are happy to assist you in reserving tee-times.
San Juan Hills Country Club
Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club
Talega Golf Club
Aliso Viejo Golf Club
Guided Horseback Tours
The Ortega Equestrian Center is a horseback riding facility, serving riders who live in and visit Orange County. Country Trails provides guided horseback tours along some of Southern California's most beautiful country. Our innkeeper will be happy to reserve a one or two-hour ride for you. Guided horseback tours are available by appointment.
Ocean Excursions
 Whether a day trip to Catalina Island, a few hours of sport fishing, whale watching or kayaking, or a romantic sunset cruise, we would be happy to book accommodations for you. Located just four miles from the Mission Inn, Dana Point Harbor is home to a wide array of ocean adventures.
Would you like to spend a glorious day on beautiful Catalina Island? Getting there is half the fun! Catalina Express offers jet-boat service from Dana Point to Catalina Island several times daily.
Dana Wharf Sportfishing offers a variety of ocean activities, including sport fishing, weekend sunset cruises and whale watching (Gray and Blue whales migrate the waters off Dana Point December through March). Dana Wharf Sportfishing is home to Capt. Dave’s Dolphin Safari, also available for whale watching charters. For something special, Dana Island Yachts in Dana Point offers private custom charters, perfect for dinner cruises, parties, weddings, etc.
Whether you may be interested in the challenge of ocean kayaking or might enjoy the leisurely pace of harbor kayaking, we would be delighted to arrange kayak rentals for you from Southwind Kayak Center in Dana Point, with rentals available by the hour or by the day.
Physical Fitness
For guests who enjoy weight training, aerobic exercise, yoga or pilates, it is our pleasure to arrange day-memberships to local health clubs or exercise studios. Three health clubs that we are happy to recommend are Crunch Fitness, 24-hour Fitness Center and Curves for Women.
Relaxation
Go ahead. Spoil yourself! You deserve it! We are happy to arrange an in-room massage for you during your stay. We have several male and female massage therapists available for massage in the privacy of your room. With advanced notice, we can easily arrange Swedish, Shiatsu or Sports massage services for you.
If you prefer a Day Spa experience, several wonderful day-spas, such as Orga Spa, inBalance , and Burke Williams Day Spa offer an array of spa services and are located near the Mission Inn. Please let us know if we can arrange spa services for you.
Shopping
Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
Many wonderful and eclectic shops within walking distance of the Mission Inn.
Del Mar Blvd., San Clemente
Fun beach town shopping, with many specialty and antique shops located just ten miles from the Mission Inn.
Fashion Island Mall - More than 200 stores, 40 restaurants and two cinema complexes in beautiful Newport Beach.
South Coast Plaza - A shopper’s dream come true! Tiffany’s, Saks, Giorgio Armani, Judith Leiber, Hermes, Roberto Cavalli and many more. South Coast Plaza is located in Costa Mesa, approximately 22 miles from the Mission Inn.
Carlsbad Premium Outlet Stores - Over 90 outlet stores, including Banana Republic, Barney’s New York, Polo Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Coach, Donna Karen, Kenneth Cole, Tommy Hilfiger and many more. Carlsbad is located 35 miles from San Juan Capistrano.
Please visit us again as we update our activities.
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