Mission San Juan Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano, CA
Founded in 1776, the mission has adobe courtyards, gardens and the ruins of a stone church brought down by an earthquake in 1812. There is an admission fee; park in the public lots near the train station.
Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded on October 30, 1775, by Father Lasuén. After a revolt in San Diego interrupted the founding, Father Serra refounded the mission on November 1, 1776. Serra's Chapel, completed in 1782, is the oldest standing building in California, according to the California Missions Foundation. Construction of the Great Stone Church began in 1797; it collapsed in the 1812 earthquake, but four of its bells survived and now hang in the bell wall. The ruins are part of the self-guided walk.
The mission is open daily and also houses a museum. The train station is directly across the street, and the town is easy to explore on foot. It is known for the "Return of the Swallows," traditionally celebrated on March 19. Next door stands the later Mission Basilica.
- Nearest town
- San Juan Capistrano, CA
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 33.5020, -117.6627
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually September–June. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- San Clemente State ParkCampsite8 mi from Mission San Juan Capistrano · 88 pitchesTentsElectricityWaste disposal
- San Mateo CampgroundCampsite8 mi from Mission San Juan Capistrano
- Crystal Cove State Park Moro CampgroundMotorhome stopover10 mi from Mission San Juan CapistranoMotorhomesShowersToilets
- Arroyo CampgroundCampsite11 mi from Mission San Juan CapistranoTentsCaravans
- Oso Lake Scout CampCampsite11 mi from Mission San Juan Capistrano
- Playland RV ResortMotorhome stopover20 mi from Mission San Juan CapistranoMotorhomes
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Mission San Juan Capistrano?
Mission San Juan Capistrano is in San Juan Capistrano, CA, at GPS 33.5020, -117.6627. It is about 8 mi from Laguna Beach.
Can you camp near Mission San Juan Capistrano?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Doheny Beach Campground, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 36 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Mission San Juan Capistrano?
Mission San Juan Capistrano is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Pacific Coast Highway south: Malibu to San Diego.
What is there to see near Mission San Juan Capistrano?
Places worth a stop nearby: Crystal Cove State Park (11 mi), Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (46 mi), La Jolla Cove (50 mi) and Griffith Observatory (56 mi).
When is the best time to visit Mission San Juan Capistrano?
The most pleasant months are usually September–June. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)