Top 3 Things to Do in San Juan Capistrano, CA (2024)

Jun 14

San Juan Capistrano At-A-Glance

    Population
    34,955
  
    Area
    14.43 mi²
  
    Best known for
    Mission San Juan Capistrano
  
    Character
    Sleepy CA historic town

Population	34,955
Area	14.43 mi²
Best known for	Mission San Juan Capistrano
Character	Sleepy CA historic town

San Juan Capistrano is a quaint town in South Orange County. Best know for the Mission San Juan Capistrano—one of California’s 21 missions—the surrounding area is a charming tourist area with independent restaurants, wineries, and shops.

San Juan Capistrano is famous for the migration of the cliff swallows. A cliff swallow is a small songbird that migrates to SJC from Goya, Argentina in March each year. For several years, swallows re-routed due to urbanization, but thanks to the Mission’s efforts, they’ve made a return. This event is commemorated with the annual Swallows Day Parade in March.

If you like places like Santa Barbara or Carmel, you’ll definitely enjoy San Juan Capistrano. Read on for some of the top things to do.

Top 3 Things to Do in San Juan Capistrano

1. Visit the Mission San Juan Capistrano

2. Walk around the Los Rios Street Historic District

3. Enjoy a meal at Heritage Barbecue

1. Visit the Mission San Juan Capistrano

2. Walk around the Los Rios Street Historic District

Besides the Mission, the Los Rios Street Historic District is the highlight of SJC. It’s very small, and you can see everything in under an hour. It’s easy to feel like you’re in a small central California town, despite being surrounded by cities with over 100,000 residents.

The Amtrak Surfliner at the San Juan Capistrano train station

Some popular places to dine in the District are The Ramos House Cafe and The Tea House on Los Rios.

3. Enjoy a meal at Heritage Barbecue

Heritage Barbecue is Michelin-recognized and won the OC Register’s best restaurant of the year in 2022. Enjoy Texas-style barbecue on their outdoor patio, right next to Capistrano Brewing Co.