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Welcome To My San Juan Capistrano Information Page

San Juan Capistrano is Orange County’s oldest city. It is located just south of Laguna Niguel and east of Dana Point. Incorporated in 1961, San Juan Capistrano evolved from a small community of approximately 10,000 people in 1974 into a city that now has more than 36,000 residents.

The City was created around Mission San Juan Capistrano which is often referred to as the “Jewel” of the 21 missions along the El Camino Real. Many of the homes, buildings, and local shopping areas resemble the Spanish architecture that was used in the construction of this historic building. San Juan Capistrano’s heritage can be traced all the way back to the 1700’s when Father Junipero Serra established the Mission San Juan, which has become the third largest visitor attraction in Orange County following Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm. Today the Mission is considered one of California’s most important historical, cultural and educational centers.

The City is the site of California’s oldest residential neighborhood, Los Rios. It is also the home of the oldest in use building in California, The Serra Chapel in the Mission. This historic area was the site of both the first vineyard and first winery in the State.

Development flourished in the early 1970’s so concerned citizens created a new General Plan which was designed to preserve historic resources and open space, as well as limit development density and provide significant ridgeline preservation. These measures, adopted in 1974, have proved to be years ahead of many California communities, and have helped to assure the perpetuation of San Juan Capistrano’s unique heritage.

The City prides itself on effectively maintaining its open space character by acquiring land to preserve its defining ridgelines, hillsides and trails. Nearly 40% of the City is designated for open space and park land which offers residents an abundance of recreation opportunities.

San Juan Capistrano is also known for its Cliff Swallows, these protected birds are reputed to return from migration on St. Joseph’s Day (March 19th) each year, a day celebrated by the city’s annual Swallows Day Parade and many festive events.

When it comes to real estate you will find that the residential areas are typically less crowded and quieter than other parts of Orange County. There is also a much wider variety of homes avaiable in San Juan Capistrano than anywhere else in OC, you have everything from custom multi-million dollar gated estates in the hills to homes built prior to 1900 in the central district (some historic adobes from the 18th century), there are newer single family homes, modestly priced condominiums, golf course properties, and numerous working ranches in the foothills.

The City is also known as the “Equestrian Capital of the West Coast” with many residences located in areas zoned for horses. There are numerous equestrian facilities offering everything from pony rides for the kids to professional training. The Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo is the richest 2-day Rodeo event in country and it is held at the Oaks Blenheim Equestrian Center & Riding Park located at the intersection of Ortega Highway and Antonio Parkway in San Juan Capistrano.

The City is served by the Capistrano Unified School District. In the 2007-2008 academic year, San Juan Hills High School opened with about 600 freshman students. Click on San Juan Capistrano School Info on the blue sidebar above for direct school links and more school information.