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Church in San Juan Capistrano, California
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San Juan Capistrano

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…a jewel of a town


If history’s your thing, you’ll love it here. This city of over 33,000 is the site of Mission San Juan Capistrano, known as the “Jewel of the Missions,” and Orange County’s first settlement.

San Juan Capistrano is one of those postcard-perfect communities, with homes that reflect the beautiful Spanish architecture of the Mission. Native American Indians, Spanish and Europeans settlers have all been here. There’s a variety of housing, including ultra- chic gated communities overlooking the city, the central district’s more affordable 18th century adobe houses and working ranches sprinkled through the foothills.

All the Old World charm extends to the downtown Los Rios, California’s oldest residential neighborhood. Antique shops, galleries and restaurants help make this historic area pretty hip by today’s standards. Every Wednesday, the Farmers’ Market, located in the heart of downtown at Yorba St. and Camino Capistrano, sells a variety of fresh flowers, produce and specialty foods.

Birdwatchers flock here annually to see the Cliff Swallows return. And fans of “The Mark of Zorro,” take note: the city was the setting for the first Zorro novella, “The Curse of Capistrano.”

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Known for:

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Main drag:

Ortega Highway

San Juan Capistrano blogs and events

Bad To The Bone BBQ in San Juan Capistrano...Your Cardiologist Warned You About Places Like This

Bad To The Bone is an answer to BBQ lovers’ prayers in south Orange County. It’s finger-lickin’ good, reasonably cheap, and right off the freeway.

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Apartments in San Juan Capistrano

Capistrano Pointe Apartments - 26451 Camino de Vista