Famous the world over for its historic California mission, San Juan Capistrano offers something for everyone in a beautiful ocean-close location. Equestrian enthusiasts are drawn to numerous neighborhoods that feature bridal trails, riding facilities and sprawling estates, while tournaments welcome people from around the city and beyond. Downtown’s eclectic selection of restaurants, shops and gardens are a favorite stop for visitors and residents, and a full calendar of community events celebrate holidays, seasons and so much more.
Charming downtown cottages, mature hillside communities, and gated enclaves including Hunt Club provide countless choices for home buyers in San Juan Capistrano. Some neighborhoods offer a country-style ambiance that’s remarkably close to city conveniences.
Public and private schools, including the top-rated St. Margarets Episcopal School, offer award-winning curriculums for students of all ages. Parents and kids alike will appreciate the proximity of Doheny Beach and Dana Point Harbor, and the coastal towns of Laguna Beach and San Clemente are merely moments from home.
1. Home of the Swallows Day Parade
The Swallows Day Parade is one of the nation’s largest non-motorized parades, and is a spectacular event that you will want to attend. It is organized and presented by the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association. Take the convenient shuttle bus or arrive early, as most street closures are in effect by 10 a.m. This is a fun, family event celebrating the annual return of the swallows to Mission San Juan Capistrano. The Mercado, just off the main parade route where the whole family can eat, dance, play and shop, is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at San Juan’s Historic Town Center Park. The Parade takes place throughout downtown San Juan Capistrano.
When: Annually in Mid March
Location: Along Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
Website:
http://www.swallowsparade.com
2. J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center Annual County BBQ
Over 1500 attendees attend this traditional family barbecue in a casual setting featuring live country western entertainment, activities for children, live and silent auctions and riding demonstrations throughout the evening. All proceeds benefit the programs of the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center dedicated to improving the lives of persons with disabilities through horsemanship.
When: Once a year in September (roughly 6 hour long event)
LOCATION: The J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center 26284 Oso Road San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Website info:
https://sheacenter.org/event/annual-bbq-and-family-faire/
http://sanjuancapistrano.net/events/index.html#annual
3. San Juan Summer Nights Concert Series (June – September)
Held in San Juan Capistrano’s Historic Town Center Park, this popular event has grown since its inception six years ago and is fueled by local businesses and organizations.
San Juan Summer Nites offers the perfect night on the town for visitors of all ages. Each concert features live music, a local business expo, youth area with free activities, food booths and a beer/wine booth. Visitors are en-couraged to bring blankets and chairs to the events.
Where: 31872 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
When: June – September
Website info:
http://sanjuancapistrano.net/events/summer_nights.html
4. Horseback Riding
San Juan Capistrano is a city known for its horse-back riding community. With a large variety of equestrian riding facilities, there are multiple training and lesson options for all ages. The following are a list of the top centers in San Juan:
(1) Ortega Equestrian Center:
Location: 27252 Calle Arroyo, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Website:
https://www.ortegaequestriancenter.com
(2) Bridges Equestrian
Location: 26282 Oso Rd, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Website: http://bridgesequestrian.net
(3) Mission Trails Stables
Location: 28432 Calle Arroyo, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Website: Call to get info: (949) 496-2072
(4) Rancho Sierra Vista Equestrian
Location: 31441 Avenida De La Vista, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Website: https://rsvequestrian.com
Whether you are a beginner or an expert horseback rider, the equestrian centers do not disappoint in offering high quality service to their riding family.
Dining
1. Rancho Capistrano Winery Visit Orange County’s largest winery and enjoy the award-winning menu created by Chef Adrian de la Torre III. Rancho Capistrano Winery provides an outstanding wine experience and includes a tasting room upon reservation option. With over 3 San Juan Capistrano Awards including, best restaurant, best wine, best lunch, best dinner, best ambiance, best healthy options, and more, this has became a staple restaurant in San Juan Capistrano.
Address: 26755 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
https://www.ranchocapwinery.com
2. Trevor’s at the Tracks Trevor’s at the Tracks includes some of the finest, internationally-inspired cuisine in San Juan Capistrano located at the historic train depot built in 1894. Enjoy your favorite beverage, appetizer or creative selection from our varied menu as you sit near a soothing fountain. Menu features grass-fed beef, cage-free chicken and eggs, and ethically raised livestock. There is no question why Trevor’s at the Tracks remains a classic San Juan Capstrano dining experience.
Address: 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
https://www.trevorsatthetracks.com
3. Ramos House Cafe Ramos House Cafe serves decadent Southern-style lunches & brunches with drinks such as bloody marys served on a shaded patio. The restaurant specializes in contemporary American cuisine and season menu specialities.
Address: 31752 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
https://www.ramoshouse.com
4. Bloom Restaurant and Bar Bloom is an all-encompassing dining experience, featuring craft cocktails, an extensive wine list, and craft beer selections. Located directly across from the Mission of San Juan on the corner of Old Mission Road and Camino Capistrano.
Address: 31760 Old Mission Rd a, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
https://www.bloomsanjuancapistrano.com/
5. Mayfield Mayfield combines modern Californian cooking with flavors from the Levant region, an area spanning the Middle East, Mediterranean and North Africa. Made to be shared, Mayfield cuisine is designed to be experienced and enjoyed together.
31761 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
https://www.mayfieldoc.com/natural-wine-club
6. The Tea House on Los Rios Set in a beautifully restored 1911 cottage complete with a wrap-around veranda and lush gardens, The Tea House on Los Rios offers Orange County’s premier high tea experience. In addition to serving our famous scones, delicious tea sandwiches, and loose-leaf teas, we also feature a full luncheon menu and a weekend brunch menu, complete with mimosas and Bloody Marys.
31731 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
https://theteahouseonlosrios.com/
SHOPPING
1. Plaza Del Obispo Shopping Center Plaza Del Obispo is a local collection of specialty shops and eateries in downtown San Juan Capistrano. The shops and services are designed to cattery the community wants and needs of San Juan Capistrano.
31882 Del Obispo St, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
https://plaza-del-obispo-shopping-center.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_me dium=referral
2. Oretega’s Capistrano Trading Post Across the street from the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano is Oretga’s Capistrano Trading Post best known for its extensive Native American Jewelry and turquoise. With the largest selection of San Juan Capistrano souvenirs, artwork, crafts from local artists, and Mission collectibles, Oreteg’s Capistrano Trading Post remains a popular destination for all to enjoy.
31741 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
https://capistranotradingpost.com
3. Old Barn Antique Mall Inc As one of the largest and most diverse Antique Malls, this 10,000 square feet center holds historic antiques ranging from vintage to mid-century. The wide variety of collectibles and antiques draws both locals and visitors into the shop. With new antiques coming in every week, the possibilities are endless.
31792 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-old-barn-antique-mall-san-juan-capistrano-2
4. Riverstreet Marketplace River Street Marketplace is a 60,000-sqft community destination in the heart of San Juan Capistrano. Built in the Los Rios district, the oldest neighborhood in California, the marketplace features elevated agrarian architecture, broken up into smaller buildings designed around a central green. The space features modern dining concepts, curated retail, local art, a butcher, and a full bar and brewery. With shared communal tables for outdoor dining, River Street Marketplace features farm-inspired architecture and a California native landscape palette that pays homage to the history of the site and surrounding area.
31856 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
https://www.riverstreetsjc.com/
