San Juan Capistrano



San Juan Capistrano is a city in Orange County in Southern California.

Get in
San Juan Capistrano sits between Los Angeles and San Diego along the California coast. It is easy to reach by car by taking the I-5 to the Ortega Highway (State Route 74) interchange. Better yet, is in the center of the historic downtown area, across the street from Mission San Juan Capistrano. The station is served by Amtrak via its Pacific Surfliner line, and Metrolink's Orange County and Inland Empire lines.

Get around
Everything is within walking distance.

During the summer, two trolleys on 20-minute frequencies run in a continuous loop from downtown San Juan Capistrano (La Zanja Street) to a Dana Point trolley service stop at Stonehill Drive and Del Obispo Street. The Dana Point Trolley also connects to a Laguna Beach Trolley. Trolley rides are free.

Buy
The historical downtown area along Camino Capistrano adjacent to the mission is lined with small shops.

Eat
San Juan Capistrano is known for its wide variety of fine dining. Skip the fast food joints by the highway. There are half a dozen fine restaurants within 200 yards of the rail station.

Drink
There are a few bars south of the Mission

Go next
Head southwest 5 miles to Dana Point or San Clemente to relax by the beach.

Head inland on Ortega Highway to go hiking in natural California wildernesses.

The Pacific Surfliner Amtrak train heads up and down the coast from San Diego to Santa Barbara