Visitor FAQs

Although online ticketing isn’t required, it is encouraged. Online tickets may be printed on paper or saved on a mobile device to be scanned for entry at the Main Entrance on the designated visiting date. ALL SALES ARE FINAL AND NO REFUNDS WILL BE HONORED.

The museum and gardens are open 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We recommend allowing 2 hours to fully tour the site. Re-entry is permitted. Visit our website for the most up to date visiting hours.

There is plenty of public parking located in the downtown area of San Juan Capistrano surrounding the Mission. The most visible parking lot is on the south side of Old Mission Road and El Camino Real. More information.

Photography and video for personal enjoyment is encouraged. Portrait photography of any kind, whether income is obtained or not, requires an advance reservation with the Bookings Department. Liability Insurance and Waivers are required. To ensure a positive and safe experience, the Mission prohibits the use of drones over its private property.
Please note Mission Staff are permitted to ask about the nature of photography or videography at anytime while on the grounds. Tripods, change of attire, props of any kind, models (professional or amateur), lighting equipment and/or videography are not permitted without a photo shoot reservation

No animals except dogs are allowed, without prior approval, on weekdays only and certain breeds are not permitted if they make the staff or guests have a concern for their safety. Dogs will not be allowed inside museum spaces or the Serra Chapel and must be on a leash at all times. Review waiver.

Dogs are not permitted on Saturday, Sunday or on holiday weekends during our higher attendance days. Dog owners can be asked to leave the Mission grounds with their dog(s) at any time without a refund if they fail to comply with our guidelines and expectations. Our dog policy is subject to change or can be amended at anytime without notice.

Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available. Please join network Mission Guest for free Wi-Fi during your visit. Recommended location for Wi-Fi use is the Central Courtyard.

If you begin to feel ill or find that you require medical assistance, please visit the Guest Services and Admission counter at the Main Entrance.

Yes. Bringing your own lunch to enjoy onsite is permitted and encouraged. There is a picnic seating area within the Mission gardens perfectly suited for a leisure outdoor meal. Please note no caterers or alcohol. Mission staff will check coolers brought onto the property.

The Mission grounds are historic and uneven. Please always watch your step. No smoking or vaping on the grounds, you may ask for a handstamp for re-entry. No alcohol permitted onsite during daily operating hours. No chewing gum. No tripods allowed. Please do not climb, stand on or write on the historic walls, arches or fountains. Do not tease the koi fish in the fountains. Please put all trash in designated trash bins.Safety Measures.

No, we do not hold personal items.

Mission grounds are rough and irregular. Due to the historic nature of the site, some areas and museum rooms are not wheelchair accessible including the 18th century South Wing. However, the audio tour stops can still be accessed. Please reference our accessibility map.

Sadly, we do not provide wheelchairs however we do provide a wheelchair/accessibility map for best and most safe access, as well as a written audio tour script for hearing impaired to enjoy. We also have ADA wheel chair restrooms designated for guests who visit the Mission.

Restrooms are available at the north end of the Mission. The restrooms in the North Corridor contain baby changing stations. Companion-assisted restroom facilities are available in addition to facilities designed for access by guests with mobility disabilities. Please reference our accessibility map.

There is a loading and unloading zone on Ortega Highway that we encourage to use for drop off and pick up. Designated handicap spaces are located on the south side of Ortega Highway and El Camino Real. More information.

No, we do not host weddings. We also do not host receptions but can provide information about downtown locations including our new Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano hotel located directly across the street from the Mission. We do offer a rental of our Barracks Gallery for Wedding rehearsal dinners and day – after wedding brunches, availability is very limited. For more information.

We welcome painters to visit and capture the beauty of the Mission’s landscape. Painters are not permitted in any interior museum spaces or The Serra Chapel. Disposal of paints or any used liquids can not be discarded on the Mission’s property or in its restrooms. Soliciting and sales for profit are prohibited.

Contact Guest Services at 949-234-1314, we are in office during operations hours 9:00 am to 4:00 pm PST.

There is a loading and unloading zone on Ortega Highway that we encourage to use for drop off and pick up. Designated handicap spaces are located on the south side of Ortega Highway and El Camino Real. More information.