What to do in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic building with red domes and arches, surrounded by a garden with purple flowers and a dirt path.
A historic building with arched walkways, a red-tiled roof, and a bell tower.
Ancient ruins with arched doorways and columns, surrounded by palm trees and rocks.
An ancient stone structure with arched doorways and columns, surrounded by rocky terrain and flowering plants.
A dense field of purple flowers, likely lavender, with green foliage.

Things to do

High Speed Zodiac Whale Watching Safari from Dana Point

High Speed Zodiac Whale Watching Safari from Dana Point

Rp1.932.955
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
High Speed Zodiac Whale Watching Safari from Dana Point
Whale-Watching and Orange County Beaches Tour from Anaheim

Whale-Watching and Orange County Beaches Tour from Anaheim

Rp1.788.435
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Whale-Watching and Orange County Beaches Tour from Anaheim
Orange County Evening Harbor Wine Cruise Scenic Wine Tasting

Orange County Evening Harbor Wine Cruise Scenic Wine Tasting

Rp1.129.785
per adult
Orange County Evening Harbor Wine Cruise Scenic Wine Tasting
Laguna Beach Stand Up Paddle Activity

Laguna Beach Stand Up Paddle Activity

Rp1.716.175
per adult
Laguna Beach Stand Up Paddle Activity
Wine Tasting Around the World

Wine Tasting Around the World

Rp1.083.900
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Wine Tasting Around the World
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Most fun & popular experiences in San Juan Capistrano

Tours & day trips

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Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching With Underwater Viewing

Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching With Underwater Viewing

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 8 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp1.807.300 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 17 activities
Orange County Coastal Private Tour - optional biking experience

Orange County Coastal Private Tour - optional biking experience

Activity duration is 6 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp2.710.950 per adult
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Water activities

See all 10 activities
Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Activity duration is 2 hours
7.8 out of 10 with 10 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp1.348.607 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 8 activities
Wine Tasting and Craft Experience in Laguna Beach

Wine Tasting and Craft Experience in Laguna Beach

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp994.015 per adult
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What to do in San Juan Capistrano

Stay near popular San Juan Capistrano attractions

An ancient stone structure with arched doorways and columns, surrounded by rocky terrain and flowering plants.

Mission San Juan Capistrano

9.0/10 (514 reviews)
Founded in 1776, Mission San Juan Capistrano houses California's oldest chapel still in use and the iconic Great Stone Church ruins. Stroll through serene gardens while exploring adobe buildings rich with Spanish colonial heritage.
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Where to stay in San Juan Capistrano

Find the best San Juan Capistrano areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about San Juan Capistrano
Learn more about San Juan Capistrano
An old church with a cross on top, a brick wall, and a pathway leading to it.

Del Obispo

If you're spending some time in Del Obispo, The Coach House and The Sea Caves are top sights worth seeing.

Rancho Mission Viejo

While there might not be top attractions in Rancho Mission Viejo, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park and Mission San Juan Capistrano.

An ancient stone building with arches and a dome, surrounded by lush greenery and a pond with lily pads.

Downtown

If you're spending some time in Downtown, Mission San Juan Capistrano and Blas Aguilar Adobe are top sights worth seeing.

Day trip destinations from San Juan Capistrano

A coastal landscape with a beach, ocean waves, and a hill with buildings.

Dana Point

A sign with 'COTO DE CZA' and a triangular warning sign.

Coto de Caza

A river, a dam, a highway, and a park with trees and grass.

Ladera Ranch

Frequently asked questions

Is San Juan Capistrano worth visiting?
Whether you're planning to enjoy the cultural highlights and local charm or try unique foods and venture into nature, there are many things to do in San Juan Capistrano.
How do I spend a day in San Juan Capistrano?
Mission San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente Pier are two great places to kick-start your getaway adventures. Remember to explore the dining and shopping options in San Juan Capistrano while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in San Juan Capistrano?
Mission San Juan Capistrano is one of the top tourist attractions in San Juan Capistrano and should be high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in San Juan Capistrano?
You can easily tick off leading attractions like Mission San Juan Capistrano, Thousand Steps Beach and Victoria Beach with a three-day trip to San Juan Capistrano. On average, most travellers book three days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a little longer and check out Anaheim.
Is San Juan Capistrano a walkable city?
With popular neighbourhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city centre, San Juan Capistrano is a great destination to explore on foot. Enjoy wandering between Mission San Juan Capistrano and The Coach House. Then take a stroll through Capistrano Beach, located 5 kilometers from downtown, and Del Obispo, which is about 3 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in San Juan Capistrano with kids?
If you're looking for tours and attractions for all of your group, have a look at these awesome ideas for what to do in San Juan Capistrano with kids.
What to do in San Juan Capistrano for adults?
There are lots of things to do in San Juan Capistrano, with entertainment for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to San Clemente Wine Company or Avenida del Mar.
Are there free things to do in San Juan Capistrano?
From checking out parks to wandering around hip neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in San Juan Capistrano. If you're stuck for ideas, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Thousand Steps Beach is a must for anyone planning to save on their sightseeing adventures.