What to do in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

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.
A dense field of purple flowers, likely lavender, with green foliage.

Things to do

Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

฿2,959
per adult
Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise
Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching With Underwater Viewing

Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching With Underwater Viewing

฿3,280
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching With Underwater Viewing
Whale-Watching and Orange County Beaches Tour from Anaheim

Whale-Watching and Orange County Beaches Tour from Anaheim

฿3,247
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Whale-Watching and Orange County Beaches Tour from Anaheim
Dana Wharf Whale Watching

Whale Watching Excursion in Dana Point

฿2,176
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Whale Watching Excursion in Dana Point
Small-Group Best Beaches in Orange County Day Tour

Small-Group Best Beaches in Orange County Day Tour

฿2,919
per adult
Small-Group Best Beaches in Orange County Day Tour
High Speed Zodiac Whale Watching Safari from Dana Point

High Speed Zodiac Whale Watching Safari from Dana Point

฿3,509
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
High Speed Zodiac Whale Watching Safari from Dana Point
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What to do in San Juan Capistrano

Stay near popular San Juan Capistrano attractions

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 for the activities you enjoy most.
An old church with a cross on top, a brick wall, and a pathway leading to it.

Del Obispo

If you're spending some time in Del Obispo, The Coach House and The Coach House Concert Hall are top sights worth seeing.

A sunset over a hilly landscape with a road in the foreground.

Rancho Mission Viejo

While there might not be top attractions in Rancho Mission Viejo, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park and Mission San Juan Capistrano.

An ancient stone building with arches and a dome, surrounded by lush greenery and a pond with lily pads.

Downtown

If you're spending some time in Downtown, Mission San Juan Capistrano and Blas Aguilar Adobe are top sights worth seeing.

Day trip destinations from San Juan Capistrano

A coastal landscape with a beach, ocean waves, and a hill with buildings.

Dana Point

A hilly landscape with dense vegetation and a partly cloudy sky.

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 travellers 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 neighbourhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city centre, 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 kilometres from downtown, and Del Obispo, which is about 3 kilometres 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 neighbourhoods, 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.