Where is San Juan Capistrano, California, U.S.

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: March 05, 2026, 14:55 ET

Where is San Juan Capistrano, California Located in the United States? - San Juan Capistrano is a city located in the Orange County in California, United States. San Juan Capistrano lies between 33.5017 Degrees North latitudes and -117.6626 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of San Juan Capistrano, Orange, California

Where is San Juan Capistrano Located in Orange, California

About Map: The map shows the location of San Juan Capistrano in Orange County, in the U.S. state of California.

San Juan Capistrano Map, California, USA

About San Juan Capistrano Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.

About San Juan Capistrano, Orange County, California

San Juan Capistrano is located in Orange County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the southern part of the state in the state of the United States along the coastal region of southern Orange County. The city was incorporated in 1961 and was named after the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano founded by Spanish missionaries in 1776, and it developed from a mission settlement and ranching community into a historic city known for its preserved architecture and cultural heritage.

Population

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of San Juan Capistrano is 35,196 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 2,400 people per square mile.

Area and Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, San Juan Capistrano covers a total area of approximately 14.2 square miles (about 36.8 square kilometers), including about 14.1 square miles (36.5 square kilometers) of land and 0.1 square miles (0.3 square kilometers) of water.

Location and Surroundings

San Juan Capistrano is situated south of Laguna Niguel and north of San Clemente, positioned near the Pacific coast within the San Juan Creek valley. The city features historic districts, rolling hills, and nearby coastal landscapes typical of southern Orange County. Interstate 5 and State Route 74 provide major transportation routes connecting San Juan Capistrano to surrounding communities across Southern California.

Attractions and Recreation

San Juan Capistrano offers historic landmarks, parks, and cultural attractions that support tourism and community events. Popular destinations include Mission San Juan Capistrano, Los Rios Historic District, and the Ecology Center farm and education facility. The city hosts cultural festivals and the well-known annual celebration of the return of the swallows.

Transportation

San Juan Capistrano is served by Interstate 5 and State Route 74, offering convenient highway access throughout Orange County and Southern California. Public transportation includes Amtrak and Metrolink rail services as well as regional bus connections linking the city to surrounding communities. The nearest major airport is John Wayne Airport, located approximately 20 miles to the northwest.

Explore more cities in California or visit the United States Map section to learn more about the country’s geography.

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official San Juan Capistrano City Website.

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  • San Juan Capistrano City Facts

    CitySan Juan Capistrano
    StateCalifornia
    CountyOrange County
    CountryUnited States
    RegionSouth Orange County
    IncorporatedApril 19, 1961
    Founded1776
    Total AreaApproximately 14.2 sq mi (36.8 km2)
    Land AreaApproximately 14.2 sq mi (36.8 km2)
    ElevationApproximately 121 ft (37 m)
    Population (2023 estimate)Approximately 35,000+
    Population (2020 Census)35,196
    Population DensityApproximately 2,500 people per sq mi
    Time ZonePacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST)
    ZIP Codes92675, 92693
    Area Code949
    Major HighwaysInterstate 5, State Route 74
    Public TransitMetrolink, Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, OCTA Bus
    Major AttractionsMission San Juan Capistrano, Los Rios Historic District, Capistrano Depot
    Official Websitehttps://www.sanjuancapistrano.org/

    Distance from San Juan Capistrano City, CA to Nearby Cities

    • Dana Point, CA – 4 miles (6 km)
    • San Clemente, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
    • Laguna Niguel, CA – 5 miles (8 km)
    • Mission Viejo, CA – 6 miles (10 km)
    • Laguna Hills, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
    • Aliso Viejo, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
    • Lake Forest, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
    • Rancho Santa Margarita, CA – 14 miles (23 km)
    • Irvine, CA – 18 miles (29 km)
    • Newport Beach, CA – 22 miles (35 km)
    • Santa Ana, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
    • Costa Mesa, CA – 22 miles (35 km)
    • Huntington Beach, CA – 28 miles (45 km)
    • Anaheim, CA – 32 miles (51 km)
    • Orange, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
    • Fullerton, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
    • Corona, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
    • Riverside, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
    • Los Angeles, CA – 60 miles (97 km)
    • San Diego, CA – 60 miles (97 km)

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