The Atlas Obscura Guide To San Juan Capistrano

2 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in San Juan Capistrano, California

Updated July 13, 2020

Unusual Attractions in San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Capistrano, California

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Oldest building in California still in use.

San Juan Capistrano, California

Arroyo Bird Park

This park is home to well over 100 handmade birdhouses.

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Dana Point, California

Waterman's Plaza

Statues pay tribute to the icons of "Killer Dana," one of California's most famous surfing towns.

2 miles from San Juan Capistrano

Laguna Beach, California

Victoria Beach's Pirate Tower

This strange seaside tower got its name from a wealthy eccentric who would hide coins among its stones.

6 miles from San Juan Capistrano

Mission Viejo, California

Oso Creek Fairy Trail

This beautiful ridge-top trail is dotted by tiny homes apparently built by a group of itinerant fairies.

6 miles from San Juan Capistrano

Laguna Beach, California

'The Greeter'

This wooden statue commemorates a man who spent nearly 40 years waving hello to the people of Laguna Beach.

7 miles from San Juan Capistrano

Irvine, California

The Original Taco Bell Building

Someone really, really wanted to save this fast-food icon from demolition.

11 miles from San Juan Capistrano

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Animals 2

Birds 2

Architecture 1

Art 1

Parks 1

Rites And Rituals 1

Architectural Oddities 1

Sacred Spaces 1

Outsider Art 1

Repositories Of Knowledge 1

Ruins 1

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The Atlas Obscura Guide To San Juan Capistrano

2 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in San Juan Capistrano, California

Unusual Attractions in San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Capistrano, California

Mission San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Capistrano, California

Arroyo Bird Park

Dana Point, California

Waterman's Plaza

Laguna Beach, California

Victoria Beach's Pirate Tower

Mission Viejo, California

Oso Creek Fairy Trail

Laguna Beach, California

'The Greeter'

Irvine, California

The Original Taco Bell Building

Plan Your Trip

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore San Juan Capistrano, California

San Juan Capistrano Leaderboard

Places Added

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Places Visited

Recent San Juan Capistrano Activity

Popular Destinations

The Atlas Obscura Guide To San Juan Capistrano

2 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in San Juan Capistrano, California

Unusual Attractions in San Juan Capistrano

Plan Your Trip

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore San Juan Capistrano, California

San Juan Capistrano Leaderboard

Places Added

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent San Juan Capistrano Activity

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