Mission San Juan Capistrano

Mission San Juan Capistrano is one of my favorite places to visit because it holds a lot of fond memories for me. There have been many changes to the mission - especially after the pandemic. The East Gate is no longer open. You have to go through the tour to get into the original chapel. This was the side entrance we used to enter through when we went to Sunday morning Mass as a family. I love that the original Serra Chapel is still intact so visitors can marvel at the intricate details of the altar, handpainted walls, wooden pews, and the St. Peregrine Chapel. The grounds are also well-maintained and I especially love every bit of Mission San Juan Capistrano. Some of the newer things I liked was how they cleaned up the fountain and added koi fish. Overall, I love MSJC and how much of its history is preserved to this day. It’s a beautiful site to visit and to pray. I also always end my visits with a trip to their gift shop. The ladies who work there are wonderful.

I visited the mission on a sunday afternoon. It was busy, but there was no line to get in. Despite it feeling busy in parts, it is quiet, calm, and peaceful in most of the mission. I spent 1.5 hrs or so in there and learned some of the history of the mission. I would recommend getting the self guided tour device and following along. Mission San Juan Capistrano is a great place to go on the Sabbath to feel peaceful and a little closer to God!

Alright California!! This Place is Cali Gold. The Historic Value of this place is Second to None. There is so Much History in its relationship to the Development of California. The grounds are very very well kept and the Guided tour is a must to get the most out of this Mission. Visit the Chapel on sight and the Ruins of the Original Chapel. Wow it's incredible. Great for Photos, a Date Day, and exploring for the whole family. Don't miss it. It's incredible and a must see for everyone!

We had the opportunity to photograph S & K's first look at Mission San Juan Capistrano, and it was truly a dream setting for capturing timeless portraits. From the soft stone textures to the iconic arches and bell wall, every corner of the Mission offered a stunning visual backdrop. The light was beautiful throughout the day, filtered, warm, and natural, ideal for both candid and editorial shots. There’s a peaceful, historic charm to the space that elevated the emotional energy of the first look, creating a moment that felt private, sacred, and cinematic. We would highly recommend the Mission to couples looking for a location that combines California history, natural beauty, and elegant architecture. It’s a gem for storytelling. — Anastasia

Great place to walk around and learn a bit of history while you're at it.. Not sure if they do church services on the premises but the church was open. We were able to go in and explore.

Free on (or around your Birthday) my wife and I had a great time learning some of the history of this large beautiful mission. Christmas time is a bonus with singers and special decorations.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Mission at San Juan Capistrano The Mission at San Juan Capistrano is hands-down one of the most romantic venues in California. Its history and architecture bring so much character to every wedding. The aged stone walls, grand arches, and blooming gardens are a photographer’s dream. There’s a sense of timeless beauty here that makes every couple’s gallery feel both historic and personal. It’s the kind of place where love stories become art. ✨ If you’re drawn to the beauty of San Juan Capistrano, I’d be honored to capture your wedding in such an extraordinary setting.

What a beautiful, well maintained mission! Although there is now a fee to enter, it’s well worth the price. You can spend an hour or a day just walking the gardens and visiting the chapel. At the exit, there is a church store fulled with books, cards, collectibles, and other artifacts. It’s a fun outing! We are glad we took the time to visit!

Mission San Juan Capistrano is a historic landmark and museum that was originally founded in 1776 (yes the mission is just as old as America) and this is the birthplace of Orange County. I recently came here to check out Capistrano Lights: Mission in Lights (December 19, 2025 through December 30, 2025). [Parking]: There was a makeshift valet parking at 31872 El Camino Real for $10 flat rate, but later I learned there's a public parking lot near Rancho Capistrano Winery (26701 Verdugo St Garage) with $2 hourly parking. [Admission]: $20 for adults (12-59), $17 for seniors (60+), $14 for youth/student (5+), and free for children (4 and younger). Re-entry is allowed - just make sure to get a stamp on your hand and keep your receipt. [Experience]: The Christmas tree lighting and music program began at 5:05 PM. No dogs onsite. It was a very music-focus holiday festival as (1) visitors can go through The Capistrano Lights audio tour, (2) Dickens-era carolers went around various areas and sang holiday songs, (3) visitors can see various musical performances at Serra Chapel/Central Courtyard ranging from harpist, brass quartet, and singer/pianist. Serra Chapel is a must-visit as it is one of the California's most historically significant chapels & California's oldest church. I immediately felt the impact the moment I walked into Serra Chapel. Visitors can also pray using a LED candle at Ruins of the Great Stone Church. [Conclusion]: The light festival had the right amount of lights and music to go along with the holiday vibe. It was one of the best winter holiday festivals I had visited in Southern California. I actually don't mind revisit here again during non-holiday seasons and do an onsite guided tour.

I had a really great time wandering through the Mission San Juan Capistrano during my Thanksgiving visit to SJC. The mission ended up being one of the most peaceful and educational parts of my day! The ticket price felt fair though I do wish there was an educator discount available... A girl can dream! What I appreciated most was how the mission focused on the history of the area from the land to the people to the development of the region while still acknowledging the religious roots without making it the sole emphasis. The mission and its grounds are so stunning with the gorgeous gardens, fountains, and architecture. It was really easy to spend a long time just wandering and taking everything in. The buildings appeared to be really well preserved, too. My only critique at this time is that the audio tour didn't allow for headphones. It was challenging to hear the speaker/hold it up to my ear. Even so, I was very grateful for the same-day re-entry stamp! All in all, it's worth the visit to the mission if you're in San Juan Capistrano. In fact, I'd say it's pretty much a must visit if you're in San Juan Capistrano!!

Visiting Mission San Juan Capistrano was truly a beautiful and peaceful experience. From the moment I walked through the gates, I felt like I stepped into a preserved piece of California history. The grounds are stunning--lush gardens, vibrant flowers, koi ponds, and carefully restored architecture that makes you slow down and really take it all in. I appreciated how well-maintained everything is, and the audio tour added so much context without feeling overwhelming. You can feel the reverence and cultural significance throughout the entire mission. The Great Stone Church ruins were breathtaking, and the Serra Chapel had such a calming, spiritual energy. It's the kind of place where you can stroll for hours, enjoy the scenery, take gorgeous photos, and learn at your own pace. Staff was friendly, the atmosphere was peaceful, and it definitely felt like a perfect mini-escape from everyday life. Whether you love history, architecture, or just want a beautiful place to reflect and explore, Mission San Juan Capistrano is absolutely worth the visit. I'll definitely return--next time with more time to walk the gardens and enjoy the serenity all over again.

Beautiful mission! It's lush and full of life with flowers and greens. There's small rooms you can enter in the courtyard like museums and exhibits where you can learn more about life in the mission. It's good to spend about a couple hours here.

Mission San Juan Capistrano is one of my favorite places to visit because it holds a lot of fond memories for me. There have been many changes to the mission - especially after the pandemic. The East Gate is no longer open. You have to go through the tour to get into the original chapel. This was the side entrance we used to enter through when we went to Sunday morning Mass as a family. I love that the original Serra Chapel is still intact so visitors can marvel at the intricate details of the altar, handpainted walls, wooden pews, and the St. Peregrine Chapel. The grounds are also well-maintained and I especially love every bit of Mission San Juan Capistrano. Some of the newer things I liked was how they cleaned up the fountain and added koi fish. Overall, I love MSJC and how much of its history is preserved to this day. It's a beautiful site to visit and to pray. I also always end my visits with a trip to their gift shop. The ladies who work there are wonderful.

I had not been to this mission in a very very long time (since the standard 4th grade field trip), and it was great to see again. The grounds themselves are beautiful and were lovely to see in the overcast morning creating a lovely softbox for the space. I can see why photos are done here, however, you do have to schedule that with the mission, so if you are planning on doing a photo shoot, make sure you plan accordingly. I did not bring a car, as we took the train, so i cannot speak to that, although it does seem like it may be an issue. Overall, it was good to see again and experience the mission and its curated history.

What a gorgeous Mission! I love the fact that it is still a working Mission, not just for tourism. We were there mid afternoon and getting close to golden hour, and there were so many beautiful brides and grooms to-be taking beautiful pictures together. The grounds are green, with well-cared for gardens, fountains and a bounty of monarch butterflies and hummingbirds buzzing about. The audio guide is handy for POIs around the Mission if it's your thing to learn history; if not, it's still worth a visit just to soak in the history visually. The staff were all lovely, nice clean bathrooms, and they also offer a military discount for entry tickets.

Took the fam here for a day trip on a nice sunny day. Mission San Juan Capistrano is such a beautiful and peaceful place to spend a few hours -- full of history, amazing architecture, and that calm, old-California vibe you can't really find anywhere else. The gardens are gorgeous and super well-kept, with tons of flowers, fountains, and little shaded spots to relax. The chapel and ruins are especially stunning -- you can really feel the history there. The museum exhibits are interesting and give a good overview of the mission's background, though some of the displays could use a refresh. It's also pretty sunny and warm, so maybe plan to go earlier in the day if you're visiting in summer. The staff and volunteers were friendly and knowledgeable, and the gift shop had some cool locally made items -- not your typical touristy stuff.

The oldest continuously building in all of California, it dates to 1776 and even though it has gone through natural disasters it's been restored since 1910. I came as a kid to see the swallows so it's always been nostalgic, I remember the train broke down on the tracks going back to LA and my parents had to pick me up. Luckily this time the Amtrak was good both ways. The architecture is neoclassical and early California, it's great to see so many different styles mixed together since it started as an Adobe structure and then sandstone, finally brick and mortar. A quake destroyed a lot of the original building but the 4 bells survived and you can see them hanging near the fountain. It's impressively large inside and you can easily spend an hour wandering around, there is a lot to see besides just the courtyard. To the sides are early kitchens and kilns and several building are open with displays and artifacts. The only bad thing is admission is pretty pricey, my family didn't want to come so I went solo and did a bit of a speed run because I didn't want them waiting too long.

I remember visiting here for my 4th grade field trip. It was great to revisit again as an adult to fully understand the history and see the beauty of the mission's grounds. The cost to enter doesn't break the bank and it's a fun educational experience. I purchased my husband's and my tickets online but side tip, if you're staying at the Marriott Inn nearby, two tickets are included with your stay. We received audio devices to interact with a self-guided tour. We spent about a little over an hour before we called it good since it was a very hot day.

Took my BF to Mission San Juan Capistrano: Cons: 1: $18 per person for museum admission. 2 There a movie, that explains the history of the mission, wish they had guided to that first. 3 wish there had been more Art. Pros: 1 Museum is in the heart of beautiful San Juan capristrano 2 The mission has beautiful gardens 3 If you into history and religion, it will be interesting. 4 Nice restrooms

The past brought back to life, you feel like you stepped back in time here. The mission is beautifully preserved with really informative displays and artifacts. They have a gorgeous koi pond, lots of trees, flowers and native plants. It was very hot but they had a lot of shaded areas. The lady at the front wasn't very happy to scan our Groupon tickets. Overall I learned a lot of valuable information here at the mission and was stunned at how hard religion was pushed onto the natives here in California. They converted hundreds of natives here as well as lots of baptizing. Worth a visit at least once.

Always fun to visit the Mission. Well up kept and clean. Beautiful as usual and serene. Easy to get to esp a day trip by the Metrolink. I like how there's also a good little community around to go eat and shop. I def recommend to visit!

I really had a good time exploring this mission. The mission grounds are beautiful. Great landscape and plenty of artifacts and display items to view. You can go at your own pace. I will say it's a little tricky to find parking for the first time but you can park in the street depending on the time of day. The gift shop has a better selection of items compared to others. It's amazing to see so much history , so close to home. Entrance is $18, but totally worth the price

I have driven by the exit and have driven by it when I needed to stop, but have never gone in. Perfect day to check it out! And the best thing is that they will allow well behaved dogs into the mission. Though they cannot go into any of the museum areas. They also have a small pet relief area. We slowly walked around. Sat in a shaded area near the old kitchen and garden area. Butterflies everywhere! We didn't do the guided tour, we just wanted to walk around and explore. Interesting architecture, and you will stop and realize that it's all very old and people, back in the day, walked the same pathways and stairs. Cako really loved looking around, and made friends with people who stopped to say hello. When we sat under this large shaded area near the front, she just greeted people who walked by. Then she laid down which she only does when she really likes a place. Either that or she was hot and tired...LOL! Great place to come to! Cako Approves!

Mission San Juan Capistrano is also known as the "Jewel of the Missions," this historic site is full of natural beauty and cultural significance. This is the seventh of the 21 California Missions. One of the most fascinating traditions associated with the Mission is the annual return of the swallows. Each year, around St. Joseph's Day (March 19th), these tiny birds migrate back from Argentina. While the numbers have dwindled over recent decades due to urban development, etc., the Mission still celebrates their symbolic return with festivals and educational events that honor both nature and tradition. They offer different tours. We recently enjoyed the VIP guided tour. We explored the wine vat, visited the private Sacristy of the Ruins, and touched the historic Mission bells! This is the up-close experience and definitely worth it. Parking here isn't the greatest because it's downtown, which is great to check out. If you have time, take the train to San Juan Capistrano to avoid traffic and parking. The Metrolink and Amtrak both stop in downtown San Juan Capistrano, so it's convenient. Stop by the Mission Store (it's quite large) and support the store, since the Mission is self-sustaining, it helps. My only "complaint," this Mission is very popular, and a lot of people take impromptu photoshoots and aren't entirely considerate. It's frustrating. The Mission is gorgeous, but also, be mindful of the guests enjoying the grounds.

Beautiful and serene space with rich history. If you're a student, you'll pay $10 if you have your ID. Visited on a Saturday and it wasn't overly crowded.

We decided to go here as a family recently and it's beautiful Admission is $18 and you get a hand held device so that you can hear the audio It's a beautiful mission lots of amazing architecture and artifacts to explore. The grounds are beautiful with lots of flowers my grandson loved the scavenger hunt he did. He's was entertained and loved seeing all the butterflies The church is very pretty and peaceful Being Native American it's tough to see the history of the mission it's a heavy feeling It's a beautiful mission

As Californians we are so lucky to have places like missions to explore and learn about a significant part of our state history. This was my first time visiting this mission and was impressed by this particular mission. The architecture is gorgeous. We were told over the years, that much of the instructors had been damaged due to natural disasters and age but you would never know as refurbishments have been done super well. Although I'm not Catholic, I definitely appreciate the space as a place to pray and worship. When visiting the mission, I would definitely explore the surrounding area. There's plenty of places to eat a decent meal or a nice cold drink. Having purchased admission to the mission does provide discounts at some of the surrounding eateries. So glad I went and I'm now inspired to check out other missions in California.

Mission San Juan Capistrano is a beautiful mission full of rich history. My husband and I got the Groupon deal for two and visited the mission on a Friday. The mission is easy to find as it's nestled in a quaint downtown area. The parking, on a Friday, was challenging but we did end up finding street parking for free. The mission itself is so gorgeous and rustic. The gardens and multiple koi fountains paint a tranquil experience. There are so many butterflies around as well- it all feels holy in a way. There are a ton of historical exhibits and you can listen to an audio as well as you walk around the mission. I found the whole experience very informative and interesting. The old church that was destroyed in the earthquake is a must see site; it's such an old piece of history. I highly recommend visiting the mission if you enjoy history and picturesque gardens. It's such a special treat.

I hadn't been to the San Juan Capistrano Mission in decades. So I jumped on the train and went one Friday morning. It was very easy to access from the train station; maybe a 8 minute walk. Everyone is given a handheld device and at every exhibit there's a scan code. You scan the code and the device tells you all about the exhibit. It was a beautiful day and I saw lots of people eating on the grass or at the picnic tables; yes, you're allowed to bring food inside. It was a wonderful experience and I'm looking forward to going back

It felt like The Emperor's New Clothes. Everyone neglected to inform me that there is no mission here. There are beautiful grounds, a cloistered garden, and some mission bells, but people let's get real - there is no mission! Especially as the missions I am used to are walk right in kind of missions, redolent of the historic past, complete with candles, art, and flowers! To me, this historic site is also very over-produced. There is a fee to get in (most of the other California missions are free), and you have to exit through the gift shop, reminiscent of the theme of the Banksy film of the same name. We went courtesy of our stay at the nearby Inn at the Mission, so I didn't feel stung. The other mission I might compare it to is Soledad, which consists of a reproduction building of the chapel, similar to the chapel of Fr. Junipero Serra at San Juan Capistrano. The little chapel is like a mini-mission, and it does have all the elements of other, smaller missions throughout the state, We did visit the day after Swallow Day, the day that the birds return to the mission each year, and the gardens were in bloom as it was early spring. Lots of people were enjoying the grounds and taking photos. We liked our recorded tour, and horned in on a tour being conducted by a young docent that pointed out the location of the original basilica and a bronze model of the original church. We also saw reproductions of the original bells, and visited the cloistered garden. We did, literally, exit through the gift store, which was a well stocked store with lots of cute books and items for every age. The missions are the living history of the way that California was settled and of how people lived. They are also the repository of the earliest art and artifacts in the state, so this visit just fired me up to see what the rest of the missions have to offer!

Such a beautiful landmark with tons of history. You pay admission fee that included 3 audio tours. The entire property has colorful spring flowers and the history of the Acjachenen Native Americans along with the ruins of the great stone church. We enjoyed the exhibits, bell tower and chapel. I was not aware of the legends of the Swallows. We came a few days before the 19th. Plenty of grass and picnic tables on site. I assume people come and have picnics or even rent the venue. The entire place just gave positive vibes and felt very calming and spiritual. Parking may be difficult because it's along the street.

Mission San Juan Capistrano is my favorite mission to visit. Everytime I go, I am in awe of the architecture of the buildings, how simple the life was back then and how every year the cliff swallows show up. It's a great place to to learn about the history and enjoy a nice stroll in and around the mission.

Well worth a visit, both for the history and beauty (constructed and natural). The website says it's $9-18 for adults, but don't be fooled, it always seems to be $18. Same price in person as online. With admission you are given an audio device to learn more specifics. Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends (the lots are small and street parking is hard to come by). It was chilly when we visited, but the grassy courtyard (+ benches) would be a very nice place to relax on a warm, lazy day. There is a variety of absolutely beautiful plant-life, which all seemed to be in-season during our visit. The remnants of the Great Stone Church were quite intriguing. I originally thought the outdoor church had been excavated, but in reality it was the remains of the collapsed church that killed 40 parishioners from the 1812 earthquake. It's now retro-fitted so you can walk up to the walls.

This is a beautiful mission in the middle of SJC Its the oldest building in CA. You can either do the audio tour, or just the self guided tour. There are plenty of friendly workers that will answer your questions. Look for deals on admission before coming. Ask for food to feed the fish. This place has a lot of history and everyone should see it.

It has been years since I have been there. 1 of numerous missions across southern California. Neat to see the history and see them up close. The price is like $27 or so to get in. There are a few assorted discounts for groups, etc. Definitely a good one to visit, along with some of the others that are within 50-60 miles.

This is such a beautiful mission. My kids had a fun time walking/running around and exploring. We were on vacation for my son's Birthday and they gave us a discounted price because of that Some of the areas were not easily accessible with our stroller - so my husband and I had to lift the stroller and carry it up the stairs to get around to the area on the path (the walkway was blocked due to set up for an event). Thankfully we could do that. We probably spent about 2 hours here. I do want to revisit with my kids and see the things we didn't spend much time looking at. There is plenty of parking around - outside you just have to drive around to find it.

The oldest standing building in California is known as the Jewel of the Missions, I because a jagged piece of Serra Chapel looks like singer Jewel's tooth. This mission, a mainstay for fourth grade field trips, is also considered the birthplace of Orange County, though I would have guessed by the name that it was Placenta.

This mission is incredibly beautiful with friendly staff. I loved strolling through all the areas and smelling the flowers! This is a must see if you're in the area. Make sure to check out the lily ponds and old mission buildings on the far right when you walk in.

A step back into the history of Califorina surrounded by natural beauty of citrus trees, monarch butterflies, and the occasional sparrow what's not to like. The mission in San Juan Capistrano is beautiful Adobe architecture that is a must visit when spending the day there.

Lovely grounds with beautiful architecture dating back 250 years! Rarely do we find much older history than that here in southern California. There's a lot of great information shared. Super informative and interesting!

We took a ride over the mountains from Riverside to the west on Hwy 74 which is just 2 blocks off the 74 when you arrive in San Juan Capistrano! This Mission dates back 250 years. We didn't do much walking as my wife's knee is sore! Just a little road trip!

I've been to the Mission before, but I came back this time for the Capistrano Lights Christmas event. Capistrano Lights at the Mission is a beautiful blend of history, religion, holiday cheer, and family fun! The historic setting adds so much charm to the experience, and walking through the grounds adorned with twinkling lights truly feels like stepping into a winter wonderland. The event is well-organized, with Selfies with Santa, a craft station to make one of a kind wooden ornaments and a tree lighting with live music. I personally loved the prayer candles. It felt really peaceful and brought back to life the real meaning of Christmas. A couple reasons I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5 is that there wasn't a ton of things for kids other than some selfie areas and $7 wooden ornaments. It would be nice to add maybe a cookie decorating section, beaded necklaces, or something else that is interactive. Also, the parking can be a bit difficult in this area. Be prepared to circle around and potential walk a little. That said, it's still a must-visit event for families and anyone who loves holiday lights! The Mission's rich history combined with the seasonal decorations makes it a unique and memorable outing. We'll definitely be back next year!

Stunning, beautiful, peaceful place!!! Amazing!!!! We had a great day. I took so many pictures, beautiful weather. If you have not been here it's a must see. I would suggest going before it gets hot in California. Lovely gift shop. San Juan Capistrano is a beautiful area, great town, lots of Restaurants. The Mission is very special.

I love going to Missions. I think in general I enjoy learning about history. I have been to several already. I have a missions passport and this one is the closest. The mission has guides you can listen to. I have come here several times and it's great to use that. This time around I came here for a field trip with a class. Overall, our guide was helpful and the kids had fun. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone.

Swallow season is here! Visit for the swallow migration, tour just to see the lovely landscaping, and check out the chapel inside. The grounds are kept well and there are blooming flowers all over the place. The paths are dotted with golden poppies and various indigenous plantlife. You'll find calla lilies in the fountains, trumpet flowers beside pathways, orange trees near the entrance, and lots of other delightful wildlife. A must see in San Juan Capistrano!

We had a spontaneous weekend trip to Mission San Juan. We luckily arrived around 3pm to go on a walk at this historical monument. It was $18/person for a self guided tour. It was absolutely beautiful!

What a beautiful place to take photos, there was like 3 different weddings happening today so it was quite busy. But so worth it when you first walk in there is a beautiful garden and you see this amazing fountain with so many lily pads with koi fish so beautiful. There's so much history here it's definitely a beautiful place to visit even just once! It was such a gorgeous day out today so it made it even more lovely to go see beautiful flowers and see some history. I saw some of my yelp friends have made reviews about coming here. I'm so happy we were able to experience it today! Definitely recommend coming just once cute little area, finding parking was a little difficult they have street parking but it was all taken so we parked across the way. Either way recommend coming here we did pay to get in but they apparently have free days lol! Thank you for being friendly too when we paid to get in. It was a really wonderful experience! Have a beautiful day :) Aloha

This was such a beautiful place to visit, the picture don't do justice. The views everywhere are stunning! The mission was founded in the 1700s and they have done an amazing job preserving the statues, the art, the architecture. The aesthetic is a beautiful Spanish colonial style and mission has several little chapels. When you walk around you will see koi ponds, flowers, and roses planted throughout. Butterflies everywhere as well as cute spots for photos. It's such a big mission filled with art and so many rooms to explore and learn about the history and the culture. When you are inside the mission you will feel as if you were transported to a different time. There is such a peaceful, warm and serene energy all around. The mission also has the cutest little gift shop and it's not just religious gifts. You will find a little of everything. This mission would be a great spot for date night, engagement photos, or even a proposal. I can't wait to visit again.

Wonderful to see some California history here. Lovely touring grounds and you can either do an audio tour or stroll on your own. Beautiful grounds and very helpful signage guide you through the exhibits. Give yourself about 90 minutes and you'll be fine.

A national treasure. The mission at San Juan de Capistrano is a must see for anyone traveling to California and interested in culture and history. This uniquely preserved mission has many points of national significance. It can be said the US wine industry began here when the Spanish priests brought the first vines to California. And the rest is history. It is worth mentioning that this is still under the auspices of the Catholic Church and the active chapel is still a consecrated church, hats off for gentlemen... The self guided tours are instructive and made easy by audiophones available at no cost at the entrance. Truly, one amazing experience.

I use to come here for school field trips and now I'm taking my kid here. We came on a Saturday morning and there were plenty of paid parking nearby. We spent about an hour here and my 5 year old didn't complain it was boring. It did help the staff gave them a scavenger hunt list to do. The grounds are beautiful, lots of history and the staff are excellent! I look forward to coming back here again.

300 year old Mission in the heart of downtown San Juan Capistrano. Adult admission is $18. There are discounts for military and first responders. The tour is self guided and there are a telephone looking contraption including in your admission that you can listen yo the audio tour on. Highlights: -the beautiful chapel -koi fish in the fountain -the ruins -farm/grape area -bells I spent about 90 minutes here and saw everything.

We visited the San Juan Capistrano Mission during the Swallows Day Parade, and it was such a beautiful experience! The Mission itself is stunning -- full of history, gorgeous gardens, and peaceful courtyards. It made the perfect backdrop for a fun family day. The Swallows Day Parade was lively and festive, and exploring the Mission afterward was the perfect way to soak in the spirit of San Juan. Such a memorable day for the whole family!

When my kids were little, we came here for a field trip, but I never reviewed it. This is the oldest building in California and it is so beautiful! It's like an ancient ruin. There are a lot of people here today and it's in cute little San Juan Capistrano. I did some meditating in the beautiful sacred garden. It's very peaceful when you get away from the crowds You should come and check it out!

Mission San Juan Capistrano is one of those rare places where time doesn't just stand still. It whispers. Built in 1776, it has seen empires rise, earthquakes rumble, and the slow sprawl of suburbia press in. And yet, it endures. Stoic. Sun-drenched. Spellbinding. I've been to more events here than I can count. Concerts. Wine festivals. Candlelit dinners beneath the bougainvillea. Every single one felt like a secret shared. But even without the crowds and clinking glasses, just walking the grounds is a quiet kind of wonder. Fountains murmur beside manicured gardens that look like they were painted by Monet's ghost. Patios stretch wide and warm, each corner begging you to sit and stay awhile. I've traveled throughout Europe and stepped into countless chapels. Some grand. Some gaudy. Few match the beauty and quiet magic of this place. The chapel here, where Junípero Serra once preached, feels like something sacred still lingers in the air. It's not just old. It's alive. Parking is easy. The admission is a bargain. Spend a day inside these adobe walls and you'll leave changed. In a state obsessed with what's next, Mission San Juan Capistrano might just be California's greatest historical monument. Because it remembers.

I'm into religious things and artifacts and I absolutely love this place. Lots of things to walk around and see also make sure you do the audio tour option that is included. The gift shop has lots of cool religious gift items that you won't find other places. Amazing place with hundreds of years of history and really tells the story of how much of the United States was built. Also good place to stop and see some prayers if you're in the area.

**UPDATE** I spoke to Mechelle the director who was WONDERFUL and made things right for us. Changing my one-star review to four because of her amazing customer service. We will be back! We took a train to San Juan Capistrano on 9/1 to celebrate Harry Potter's Back to Hogwarts Day dressed in Hogwarts robes for fun. We passed this beautiful place and decided to pay the $40 admission price for one adult and two teens. After about 10 minutes of exploring I took a picture of the teens walking down a brick hallway. Imagine my surprise to turn around to a worker named Sonia rudely asking me to put their wands away and stop "jumping and waving the wands around" because they are a religious organization and cannot condone the appearance of witchcraft. I thought she was kidding but it turns out she was VERY serious. I told her they weren't waving wands around or jumping, I had just taken pictures of them calmly walking down the corridor and she snapped "I just saw it with my own eyes." I even showed her the few pictures I had just taken (see attached pic). No jumping, no wand-waving, no spell-casting... just walking. After how she scolded me and questioned my integrity, I told her I wasn't interested in staying and would like a refund. She said they do not offer refunds. The woman that sold me our admission tickets kindly listened to my story and agreed to a refund but then went into the back for a minute, presumably called Sonia to approve a refund, and surprise! Sorry, there's nothing she can do for me. I can fully respect rules, but LET YOUR CUSTOMERS KNOW AT THE ENTRANCE that there might be an issue with their costumes BEFORE they drop $40. Or, just say it in a kind way. It goes a long way.