Visiting San Juan Capistrano

by Jason
(Arizona)

I live in Arizona. I have been to Anaheim many times for work conferences and for leisure.

There are many things to do in Anaheim, for example amusement parks and the beach to name a few, but the last time I was in Anaheim, I took the family down to San Juan Capistrano.

It is a small community approximately 30 miles south (via I-5) of Anaheim, rich in history. The main attraction of San Juan Capistrano of course is the mission, but the town offers dining and shopping within walking distance from the mission. Admission for the mission range from $5-9.

The mission itself offers tours of the mission history that are very informative and involving. Some of the intriguing portions of the tour was the mission garden, a history of metal-working on the mission grounds, and of course, the mission itself.

In addition, there are plenty of cool opportunities to take family pictures in a beautiful setting. We took several in front of the church and in front of the lovely fountains.

After the mission tour, we walked to a local cafe across the street from the mission that offered outdoor dining for lunch. The town also offers many art and curio shops for browsing local wares.

It was a nice and relaxing experience and well worth the drive if you have the time. The town is charming and offers another option to families visiting the Anaheim area. A very cool place to visit!


You're right. I love San Juan Capistrano, especially for the Mission. I have visited all 21 California Missions, and San Juan Capistrano is my favorite. Why? I think it's because I have a thing for courtyard buildings!

The rest of the town has a leisurely feel to it. I like stopping there whenever I drive between Los Angeles and San Diego.

San Juan Capistrano has a number of historic adobe buildings that are still in use today, right along Camino Capistrano.

Learn more about planning a Anaheim vacation, including renting a timeshare at WorldMark Anaheim or Dolphin's Cove.

Katy