San Juan Capistrano is one of the oldest and most historic communities in Orange County. Built around the Mission, San Juan Capistrano features some of the most beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture in the area. It is one of the quieter and less crowded parts of Orange County, making it perfect for not only living but visiting as well. Check out this great site for everything you need to know about where to go and what to do. See a quick list of the must-sees while in San Juan Capistrano below.
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Photo by: Randy Heinitz
Mission San Juan Capistrano was established by Padre Junipero Serra, on November 1, 1776, as the seventh of the twenty-one missions built up along the California coast. This stunning historical mission includes about ten acres of adobe-style architecture, museum rooms, exhibits, gardens, fountains, and plenty of interesting Californian history. The Mission has events nearly every weekend from concerts under the stars, to garden shows, fashion shows, living history reenactments and more.
The Mission is located on Ortega Highway west of Interstate 5 and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Mission is closed Thanksgiving and at noon on Christmas Eve, Christmas and Good Friday. The Mission grounds are available for private functions and corporate events. General adult admission is $9 (includes free audio tour), seniors $6 (includes free audio tour), children 4 to 11 years old $6 (includes free audio tour), and children under 3 years old are free. Each Wednesday is Two For One Resident Discount Day for San Juan Capistrano residents showing their driver’s license. A resident may enter and bring a guest for free.
Zoomars
Zoomars Petting Zoo & Bird Park is a fabulous place to take your kids while in San Juan Capistrano. Zoomars has over 100 friendly animals to pet, feed, love and learn from! Attractions include a petting and feeding zoo, pony rides, train rides, Miner’s Gulch where kids can pan for gemstones, fossils, gold, and summer camps. Zoomars also offers birthday party packages.
They are open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (weather permitting), and closed for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Adult admission is $10, seniors $9, children $8, military $7, and infants are free. Be sure to bring extra cash as horse and pony rides are $5, train rides are $3, and animal feed is $4.
Ronald W.Caspers Wilderness Park
Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park is an outdoor lover’s dream! The 8,000 acre protected wilderness preserve is sits along the river terraces and sandstone canyons of the western coastal Santa Ana Mountains. The park boasts beautiful seasonal wildflowers, Coastal Live Oak and magnificent California Sycamore trees. There is also ample wildlife and the conditions are almost always perfect for stargazing at night.
Downtown Farmers Market
Each Wednesday, residents and visitors can enjoy purchasing fresh flowers, produce, and specialty foods at the San Juan Capistrano Farmers’ Market. The market features up to 30 vendors and is held at Yorba Street and Camino Capistrano right in the heart of downtown San Juan Capistrano.
The Farmers’ Market is held year round. The hours of operation are as follows:
November through March: 3 pm – 6 pm
April through October: 3 pm – 7 pm
For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 949-493-4700.
Because of the diversity of housing among San Juan Capistrano real estate, it is imperative to secure the guidance of a local real estate expert that can help you find, negotiate and close on the property of your dreams. To learn more about the community and to begin your search for the ideal home for you and your family, contact Cesi Pagano & Associates today! They look forward to hearing from you soon. Connect today to get started!
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