SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

This charming historic city situated southeast of downtown Santa Ana in Orange County is considered one of the oldest residential areas in the state. A town of firsts, this is where the first-ever vineyard and winery in California was built. Real estate in this romantic community is heavily influenced by its past, with elements of Spanish revival architecture bringing a unique flair and warmth to its neighborhoods.

 

A vibrant urban town with an old soul, San Juan Capistrano will give you a feeling of nostalgia, with its historic buildings and churches that seem to have been here for centuries. If only these walls could talk.

 

The town got its name from the word “Juaneños,” a Spanish term used by the early Spanish settlers to describe the original Native American settlers in the area, the Acjachemen. The community was built around Mission San Juan Capistrano, one of the oldest landmarks in Orange County.

 

Home to less than 40,000 residents, the city has a land area of over 14 square miles, and its motto, appropriately enough, is: “Preserving the Past to Enhance the Future.” Looking for San Juan Capistrano real estate? Contact the Echelberger Group of San Juan Capistrano Real Estate Agents and REALTORS® to find condos, townhomes, houses, and homes for sale in San Juan Capistrano.

 

Blas Aguilar Adobe House. Built-in 1794 to serve as a home for the soldiers and local Native Americans who served in the mission, this historical site contains artifacts that tell the story of what happened during those early Mission years.

 

Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park. The largest park in all of Orange County, this highly accessible park just seven and a half miles from the city offers wide open spaces, extensive trails for biking and hiking, as well as a themed playground for the little ones to enjoy. It also has facilities for campers and joggers including showers and fountains with water suitable for drinking.

 

O’Neill Museum. One of the first wooden frame houses in the city, this historical architectural gem built in the Victorian style was constructed in the period between 1870 and 1880 and now serves as a museum. It was built by saloon owner Jose Dolores Garcia for his wife Refugio Yorba.

 

Historic Town Center Park. This community park is encircled by a jogging path and contains picnic facilities perfect for lounging and for barbecues with family and friends. It also serves as an outdoor event venue for concerts, town gatherings, and outdoor theatrical productions.

 

Mission San Juan Capistrano. This town complex built-in 1776 is one of California’s most treasured historic sites. It is a registered monument with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The complex spans over 10 acres and contains numerous adobe structures and gardens that visitors can still see today as they have been carefully preserved by the city government over the years.

 

There’s quite a lot to do in and around the city. Just 13 miles away from San Juan Capistrano, you can take a romantic sunset cruise by the beautiful Newport Beach coastline while sipping on refreshing drinks. You can also go whale watching!

 

If you’re an animal lover, visit Zoomars Petting Zoo at Los Rios Street, a family-friendly attraction that the kids will surely love. This petting zoo is a great day trip destination and party venue. Take the kids on a pony ride, have them interact with and feed the animals, and let them explore the fun structures all over the zoo.

 

Go out to the tee and head on over to the San Juan Hills Golf Club, an 18-hole public golf course open to all skill levels right in Southern Orange County. The range features dynamic elevations and challenging slopes not to mention gorgeous views of the green that never seems to end. After a fun day of golfing, hang out at the newly renovated 19 Sports Bar and Grill for a hearty lunch and refreshing beverages.

 

If you’re a history buff, go on a walking tour of historic San Juan Capistrano and stroll around what is considered to be the oldest preserved residential street in California. Know more about the city’s interesting past as you visit key landmarks such as the O’Neill Museum, the Egan House “Harmony Hall” and the well-preserved structures at Mission San Juan Capistrano, among many others. These tours happen every Sunday and they last for one and a half hours. If you happen to be in the area during the first Saturday before Halloween, try going on a ghost tour and hear the many eerie tales about this old town.

 

In keeping with the Spanish Colonial style of Mission San Juan Capistrano, which serves as the foundation of the city, a lot of the homes and commercial buildings here resonate with the same architectural themes. Some of the common architectural elements that you’ll see in the homes here include the use of warm homey tones, stucco walls, and decorative wrought iron for everything from handrails to lamps to curtain rods.

 

There are a number of quiet, rural neighborhoods located in Ortega, all steeped in a laid-back countryside vibe and all blessed with cool breezes that blow in from the Pacific Ocean. These small communities are warm and welcoming and are perfect for those looking to live in a peaceful environment surrounded by lush scenery.

 

There’s a huge variety of enjoyable outdoor activities in and around Ortega. Scattered around the area are plenty of equestrian centers and horseback riding trails. Visit the Ortega Equestrian Center and go on a guided trail ride, where you get to ride through beautiful valleys with rolling hills and tranquil creeks.

 

Hikers can take a short journey through some beautiful rock formations before reaching Ortega Falls, the biggest waterfall in the area. It’s a short and easy hike that’s excellent for beginners, but one that will nonetheless reward visitors with spectacular views of beautiful Southern California scenery.

 

There are a number of quiet, rural neighborhoods located in Ortega, all steeped in a laid-back countryside vibe and all blessed with cool breezes that blow in from the Pacific Ocean. These small communities are warm and welcoming and are perfect for those looking to live in a peaceful environment surrounded by lush scenery.

 

There’s a huge variety of enjoyable outdoor activities in and around Ortega. Scattered around the area are plenty of equestrian centers and horseback riding trails. Visit the Ortega Equestrian Center and go on a guided trail ride, where you get to ride through beautiful valleys with rolling hills and tranquil creeks.

 

Hikers can take a short journey through some beautiful rock formations before reaching Ortega Falls, the biggest waterfall in the area. It’s a short and easy hike that’s excellent for beginners, but one that will nonetheless reward visitors with spectacular views of beautiful Southern California scenery.

 

San Juan South is located right on the border that divides Orange County and San Diego County. Neighborhoods in this community are surrounded by many open spaces as well as scenic, panoramic views of golf courses, lush rolling hills, and the magnificent Pacific Ocean.

 

Outdoor lovers will be right at home in San Juan South, where there are plenty of parks and trails where one can reconnect with Mother Nature. Among these is the Las Ramblas Trail, a trail for hikers and bikers that’s approximately 3.4 miles long and boasts spectacular sweeping views of Dana Point, San Clemente, Saddleback Mountain, and Santiago Peak. Many visitors say the perfect time to go to Las Ramblas is at dawn when it’s very peaceful and quiet.

 

San Juan South has an excellent variety of homes available, perfect for those who’d love to live in a peaceful neighborhood surrounded by breathtaking views. Options range from villas with private pools and an ocean view, gorgeous Tuscan-style homes in a tranquil neighborhood, and all kinds of single-family homes located in verdant surroundings.

 

Located right in the heart of San Juan Capistrano, Del Obispo is just a few minutes away from the Pacific Ocean and is home to many spectacular attractions and gorgeous homes. This peaceful, laid-back community is inhabited by generally friendly residents who all bask in the great year-round climate and enjoy wonderful recreational activities.

 

Nearby attractions include Mission San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point Marina, Farm to Market, the Armstrong Nursery flower fields, the historic Cook Barn, and scenic Laguna Beach. For those looking to grab a bite, there’s an amazing assortment of culinary delights at the restaurants lining Del Obispo St. During weekends, go on a trip to nearby San Clemente, known for its world-class surfing, excellent restaurants, and its monthly street fairs. If you’re interested in learning more about history, take a short trip to the historic Los Rios District, California’s oldest neighborhood, and home to the O’Neill Museum, where you can get to learn more about California’s early history.

 

Find a place to call home in one of the oldest neighborhoods in San Juan Capistrano. Located on Ortega Highway, you’ll find the Mission, one of the oldest and most treasured landmarks in Orange County. Founded in 1776, it is marked by more than two centuries of history. Referred to as the “Jewel of the Missions,” this landmark is one of the most popular attractions in San Juan Capistrano.

 

Around this area, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, boutiques, and antique shops to discover. This historic landmark has over 10 acres of grounds to explore and enjoy, with gardens, well-preserved stucco buildings, and a museum where visitors can learn more about California’s rich history through fun educational exhibits, tours, and events that can be enjoyed all year round.

 

Single-family homes available here in the Mission Area are a mix of the old and new; with a lot of the architectural style of the newer developments built along the same lines as the traditional Spanish Colonial and Revival architectural styles. Many new homes come with stucco walls and brick roofs and blend in well with the area’s existing architecture.