How to Visit San Juan Capistrano, California

Located about an hour south of Los Angeles where Interstate 5 meets the ocean, San Juan Capistrano is known as a sleepy little coastal town where any street is a stone’s throw from the Pacific. Located near the Orange and San Diego county line, Capistrano’s claim to fame is it’s brilliantly preserved California mission where migrating swallows return each spring to nest. Though the legend sprouted early in the twentieth century, the priests have sheltered and protected the birds much longer, considering their return from South America a blessing from God. A pre-World War II song about the swallow’s return hit national charts and created an annual pilgrimage to the mission.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Map of California
• Sunscreen
• Camera

1. Check the mission website about the Swallows Day schedule. Though the birds return generally coincides with the first day of spring, the mission plans festivities around the closest weekend. Obviously, the swallows won’t arrive just for the festivities and leave the next day, so an option may be to visit a week later and see the swallows when the mission is less crowded.

2. Make reservations early if planning to attend the Swallows Day festivities. There are a multitude of hotel choices in the Orange County area. Note again, that hotels closer to the mission will be more readily available after Swallows Day.

3. Fly into San Diego or Los Angeles. Access Interstate 5 and travel north or south respectively to the San Juan Capistrano exit.

4. Arrive early to the mission on the day of the festival. Attend the Swallows Day Parade prior to the mission festivities. The traditional bell ringing at the mission summons the festival to begin.

5. Note that the mission has been able to successfully recreate its historical significance during this festival. The entertainment reflects the early California Native American culture, the Aztec culture and the overall European influence, specifically the role of the church.

6. Visit the merchant displays and authentic food vendors. There are craft areas for the kids.

7. Prepare to be in position when the guest vocalist sings “When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano.” The song is performed more than once. It takes on an added significance when thousands of the swallows are flying overhead.

8. Tour the well manicured garden. Missions throughout California are known for beautiful flower gardens. San Juan Capistrano is no exception.

9. Take the docent tour of the mission, but note that these tours require reservations, especially on Swallows Day. There is a self guided tour available as well.

Resources

• Official San Juan Capistrano website
• San Juan Capistrano Mission website