DOWNTOWN HIGHLIGHTS
San Juan Capistrano is home to a mix of architecture spanning more than 230 years. From the centuries-old Mission to the postmodern, Michael Graves-designed library, the downtown area reflects the city’s historic significance and cultural-diversity.
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Blas Aguilar Adobe Te Blas Aguilar Adobe was once part of a larger, two-part adobe purchased by Don Blas Aguilar, the last “Alcalde,” or regional governor, during Mexican rule of the region. Although the south wing no longer exists, the Blas Aguilar Adobe, is all that remains of the north wing. Te adobe is now home to a museum.
3 Los Rios Historic
District Te Los Rios Historic District is the oldest continuously-inhabited neighborhood in California. Tere are around 40 homes in the district that vary in age from 50 to more than 200 years old. Los Rios Street is lined with 31 historic structures and the street itself is on the Na- tional Register of Historic Places. Today, although many of the homes are residential, there are many busi- nesses that are open to the public, including Hidden House Coffee, ZOOMARS Petting Zoo, Te Tea House on Los Rios, Te O’Neill Museum, Cottage Home and Garden, and more.
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Mission Basilica Located just northwest of the Mis- sion, the Mission Basilica was com- pleted in 1986. Te Basilica’s design was based on the Great Stone Church, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1812 and whose
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Capistrano Depot Built in 1894, this red brick train station was built by the Santa Fe Railroad and is one of the oldest Mission Revival-style railroad sta- tions in Southern California. Te depot is rich in history: Te roof tiles are said to have been taken from the Mission ruins, and during World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt arrived at the depot on his way to Camp Pendleton for a visit. Train service at the depot ceased during the 1950s. Amtrak and Metrolink service began in the 1990s, and the depot is now also home to Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot Restuarant.
24 | San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce Business Directory & Visitor Guide |
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ruins still remain in the Mission. In 2003, the U.S. National Confer- ence of Catholic Bishops designated Mission Basilica as a National Shrine and sanctioned it as a rec- ommended place of pilgrimage.
5 Mission San Juan
Capistrano As the birthplace of San Juan Capistrano and Orange County, the Mission is the definitive symbol of the city. Te Mission, founded in 1776, is the seventh of 21 California missions and is known as the “Jewel of the Missions.”
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O’Neill Museum Originally located across the railroad tracks behind El Adobe de Capistrano Restaurant, the home was named in honor of Marguerite O’Neill, whose family donated money to move the home to Los Rios Street. Today, the O’Neill Museum is home to the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society.
7 San Juan Capistrano
Library Designed by Michael Graves, the San Juan Capistrano Library re- ceived an award from the Ameri- can Institute of Architects and Newsweek magazine recognized it as “the first authentic postmodern masterpiece.” Te library currently houses more than 80,000 volumes, CDs and video, and there are sev- eral popular events throughout the year, including the First Friday and First Saturday film series.
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Yorba Adobes Currently the home of El Adobe de Capistrano Restaurant, the building was originally two separate adobes. Te northern part of the build- ing was home to Miguel Yorba while the southern part was used as a courthouse and jail and has also served as a post office, store and stage depot. Te Vander Leck family joined the two adobes in 1910 to serve as their home and a store. Clarence Brown purchased the property in 1946 and opened El Adobe two years later. President Richard Nixon was a frequent guest at the restaurant while he lived in San Clemente.
For location information, see page 26.
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