Where is Mission San Juan Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, California?

Written by | Updated On: December 09, 2025, 14:28 ET

Mission San Juan Capistrano is located in San Juan Capistrano, California, USA. It lies between Los Angeles and San Diego and is situated in a city area with gardens and historic buildings. It is famous for its beautiful stone church ruins and the annual return of the swallows.

Mission San Juan Capistrano Location Map, San Juan Capistrano, California

Top Attractions Inside Mission San Juan Capistrano

  • Great Stone Church Ruins – Historic remnants of the 18th-century church destroyed by an earthquake.
  • Mission Church – Restored church with original altar and beautiful Spanish colonial architecture.
  • Los Rios Historic District – Nearby area featuring original adobe structures and early California history.
  • Mission Gardens – Lush gardens showcasing native and historic plants cultivated by the mission.
  • Bell Wall & Bells – Iconic set of historic mission bells still ringing today.
  • Native American Artifacts – Exhibits highlighting the lives and culture of the Acjachemen people.
  • Stone Courtyards & Walkways – Picturesque areas reflecting traditional mission design and architecture.

Mission San Juan Capistrano Facts

Official NameMission San Juan Capistrano
LocationSan Juan Capistrano, Orange County, California, USA
Latitude & Longitude33.5011° N, 117.6626° W
Total AreaMission Church, Museum, Gardens & Grounds (~10 acres)
Founded / EstablishedNovember 1, 1776
FounderFranciscan Order – Founded by Father Junípero Serra
Managed ByRoman Catholic Diocese of Orange
RegionSouthern California – Orange County
Address26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, USA
Zip Code92675
Area Code949
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZonePacific Time (PT) — UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptSpanish Mission Era, Franciscan Heritage, California Colonial History
Major FeaturesGreat Stone Church Ruins – Basilica Church – Serra Chapel – Museum Exhibits – Gardens & Historic Courtyards
Famous AttractionsSwallows Day Parade – Serra Chapel – Mission Museum – Great Stone Church Ruins – Historic Gardens
Annual VisitorsApprox. 300,000–350,000 per year
Entry Fee TypePaid Admission (Museum & Grounds)
Ticket Price Range~$7–$10 general admission, children/seniors discounted
Visitor OptionsSelf-Guided Tours – Guided Tours – Educational Programs – Special Events (Swallows Day, Seasonal)
Best Time to VisitMarch–May (Swallows migration & spring bloom), September–November (mild weather)
Nearby AirportJohn Wayne Airport (SNA) – ~25 miles (40 km)
TransportationCar – Amtrak/Metrolink train (San Juan Capistrano Station nearby) – Bus – Walking within historic site
Official Websitehttps://www.missionsjc.com

Distances from Mission San Juan Capistrano to Nearby Landmarks

  • San Juan Capistrano Downtown – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Los Rios Historic District – 0.8 km (0.5 mi)
  • Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano – 0.1 km (0.06 mi)
  • San Clemente Pier – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • San Clemente State Beach – 14 km (8.7 mi)
  • Ocean Institute (Dana Point) – 9 km (5.6 mi)
  • Dana Point Harbor – 9.5 km (5.9 mi)
  • Laguna Beach – 27 km (16.8 mi)
  • South Coast Plaza (Costa Mesa) – 38 km (23.6 mi)
  • Newport Beach – 31 km (19 mi)
  • Orange County Great Park (Irvine) – 35 km (21.7 mi)
  • RSM (Rancho Santa Margarita) – 16 km (9.9 mi)
  • Capistrano Beach – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • San Juan Hills Golf Club – 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • Mission Viejo – 11 km (6.8 mi)