Theres no place like it, there is just something special about our San Juan Capistrano community. Were a little hilly valley nestled next to the ocean.  Along with ocean breezes, I love to smell the brush-covered hillsides that bloom in the spring with wildflowers, and take in the changing colors of trees in the fall. Walking the streets of San Juan Capistrano can take you back in time. I am always reminded of a slower pace, especially in the Historic Los Rios District, its a pace I enjoy making a part of my everyday. Walking through the Mission and the downtown area as part of your daily life, you begin to feel a part of the history here.

 To live in San Juan Capistrano is to share a rich historical legacy, a community whose  foundation was laid by the earliest people to inhabit the land, and a community still evolving after more than 220 years. We believe in community here, in supporting our children, our neighbors and our local businesses. We are definitely a place of friendly hellos. San Juan Capistrano is most famous for the Mission, or the "The Jewel of the Missions" as it is commonly referred to. Founded by Padre Junipero Serra in 1776, the mission is an important part of our community, as well as being one of California's most important historical, cultural, and educational centers. I love hearing the tolling of the century old bells and walking down its time worn paths. The serenity and peace amid the 10 acres of lush gardens and cool fountains, cloistered by old adobe walls, offers seclusion from the sights and sounds of a busy world. My favorite event is The Swallows Festival or "Fiesta de las Golondrinas" a two-month long celebration of the return of the swallows to the Mission San Juan Capistrano from their winter home in Goya, Argentina.  The swallows have made San Juan Capistrano their home for centuries and every year the community welcomes them home.  The festivities begin with the "Taste of San Juan," which is the perfect opportunity to be tempted by the fare of our local restaurants. Swallows Week is kicked off with the President's Ball, dont forget to come dressed in your favorite Western, Spanish, Mexican or early California costume for this western style dinner and dance. 

The week continues with events such as the Hairiest Man Contest, Pets on Parade, Hat Contest, Hoosegow Day, pancake breakfast, a rodeo, and the annual Swallows Day Parade.  The Hoos'gow Day is definitely the funniest event and a San Juan Capistrano tradition.  The "Sheriff" and his "deputies" roam the city with their portable jails visiting businesses throughout San Juan Capistrano. They arrest anyone not dressed in western attire, or any man who is clean-shaven, but the rules often change to suit the sheriff or his over-zealous deputies out to fill the jail.

If youre looking for sophisticated entertainment I highly recommend the Camino Real playhouse, with its fantastic Shakespeare Under the Stars and The Orange Curtain Theater with its great selection of avant garde, whimsical, gripping and compelling performances.  You can also, visit the art exhibitions at the Mission.  Music Under the Stars is the perfect opportunity to cut a rug in the beautiful Mission courtyard, with Big Band and Top 40 music, definitely one of the highlights of the summer. 

In San Juan Capistrano we love the outdoors. Nearly 40% of the city is wide-open space and park land.  San Juan Capistrano is home to the Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park, an 8,000 acre protected wilderness preserve nestled among the river terraces and sandstone canyons of the western coastal Santa Ana Mountains. The park has campgrounds, picnic areas, an equestrian campground, hiking and equestrian trails.  We are very excited about the future visitor center, which will offer the insights into the park's history, wildlife and plant life, making it a great place for weekend learning for the whole family.  In addition, if you like horses as much as we do, you will love the Oaks Blenheim Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, situated on 40 acres, it is the premier equestrian facility on the West Coast.  Theres no better place to watch the top show jumpers compete.  There are plenty of places in San Juan for riders and spectators at any level.

San Juan Capistrano is a great place to raise a family.  In addition to the supportive and dynamic community, the school system is amazing. San Juan Capistrano is the proud home to thirty three California Distinguished Schools, an award granted for high standards, graduation requirements, and scholastic achievements.  It is the visionary and collaborative leadership, research-based curriculum and instructional practices that make me feel good about educating my children in San Juan Capistrano.  The learning support services for all students including those with special needs, means that students receive more individualized attention.  The schools also employ modern technology to support student learning and encourage extensive family participation.  Partnerships with business and community as well as a safe, clean and healthy learning environment contribute to the ongoing success of the education system. Capistrano Unified School District is also proud to highlight its 11 National Blue Ribbon Schools.  Education in San Juan Capistrano truly is a partnership between the student, the home and our richly diverse community which serves not only to educate but also to assist them in realizing their full potential by providing an educational environment in which students are challenged, excellence is expected and differences are valued.

In San Juan Capistrano its still possible to go to the local "five and dime."  I love the fact that San Juan Capistrano has a small town feel with a deep sense of history and community.  Our downtown and general shopping areas, designed before the era of planned communities and giant super centers, provide a warm, pleasant shopping experience. Youll always see someone you know or exchange friendly hellos.  In San Juan Capistrano we help our economy thrive by supporting our local small businesses. Many of our businesses and restaurants are family owned and operated and have been around for years.  I know that many folks make a real effort to shop locally. In addition to everything local, there are always great opportunities throughout Orange County.  Orange Countys economy ranks 4th nationally in percentage of households with Incomes of 50,000 or more.

It is no surprise that the city streets of San Juan Capistrano bear the names of families still living in the town. And those families, along with those new to the city, remain active here, fostering a sense of community.  San Juan Capistrano is a warm, unique place, and once you get here, youll want to call it home too.