Check Off These 5 Things to Do in San Juan Capistrano During Your First Year

San Juan Capistrano is a city in California’s Orange County. The city offers many attractions both residents and visitors can enjoy and is known for its vibrant art, abundance of native wildlife, and historic architecture. Located between Los Angeles and San Diego and just 80 miles from the Mexican border, the city’s central location makes San Juan Capistrano real estate all the more valuable. There are plenty of things to do in San Juan Capistrano for those new to the area.

Mission San Juan Capistrano is a historic landmark that is considered to be where Orange County was born. Today, the Mission has been transformed into a museum showcasing the multicultural history of California. The Mission was founded as a self-sufficient community in 1776 by Spanish Padres. The Mission’s church, known as the Great Stone Church, was leveled by an earthquake in 1812 and later unearthed by archeologists. More than 300,000 guests visit the Mission San Juan Capistrano every year. The majestic gates welcome you onto the grounds, where you can spend hours exploring the beautiful architecture and learn more about the city’s history.

The Mission Basilica was modeled after the Mission San Juan Capistrano’s church that was destroyed in an earthquake. While the Mission Basilica church is not an exact replica of the Great Stone Church, it is interesting to see what the structure might have looked like while it was still standing. The Mission Basilica is located northwest of the Mission San Juan Capistrano, just a short walk away.

The Mission San Juan Capistrano hosts a celebration of the Return of the Swallows every year on St. Joseph’s Day on March 19th. It is said that the swallows migrate to Goya, Argentina, in October and return to San Juan Capistrano every March. Community members gather to celebrate the Return of the Swallows and the start of spring. The festival includes local food vendors, live music, and dance. It is a great event for families with components tailored for kids, like educational activities, crafts, and colorful sparrow costumes. The festivities are centered around the rich history and culture of San Juan Capistrano.

The Los Rios Historic District offers a glimpse into the past as California’s oldest continually occupied neighborhood. The neighborhood comprises 40 buildings on Los Rios Street, only a few blocks from the Mission San Juan Capistrano. Many of these buildings were built in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Three adobes remain in the neighborhood where Mission families once lived. Many of the neighborhood’s structures are considered historic places. Today there are many private residences in the neighborhood, but several businesses and activities are also open to the public. The historic street transports visitors back in time, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and a train station. Visiting the Los Rios Historic District is a great way to experience the history of the city.

Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park is a protected preserve where people can get outside and explore the natural beauty of San Juan Capistrano. The park is 8,000 acres of river terraces, canyons, and streams. The wilderness preserve is situated in the western region of the Santa Ana Mountains. Flora and fauna native to the area thrive in the park, allowing visitors to learn more about the region’s plants and wildlife. Plants such as Coastal Live Oaks and California Sycamores thrive in the park. Park staff organize events and guide nature walks so that visitors can learn more about the wildlife. There are many activities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy, including bird watching, camping sites, and picnic areas, among other things. There are trails for biking, hiking, and horse riding. Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park is a great place to spend the day and appreciate the beautiful wilderness of the area.

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