Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
central bus depot in downtown's village, served by three routes including to festival sites.
Rides cost 75ยข (exact change), or are free during July and August.
Through town, Pacific Coast Hwy moves slowly in summer, especially on weekends.
Parking lots in downtown's village charge between $10 and $20 per entry; they fill up
early in the day during summer. Street parking can be hard to find near the beaches during
summer, especially in the afternoons and on weekends - arrive early. Coin- and credit
card-operated meters cost from $1 per hour and pay-and-display lots cost $2 per hour. Al-
ternatively, park for free in residential areas, but obey time limits and posted restrictions,
or you'll be towed.
Around Laguna Beach
San Juan Capistrano
Famous for the swallows that fly back to town every March, San Juan Capistrano is also
home to the 'jewel of the California missions.' It's a little town, about 11 miles south and
inland of Laguna Beach, but there's enough history and charm here to make almost a day
of it.
DON'T MISS
FIESTA DE LA GOLONDRINAS
Swallows return to nest in the walls of Mission San Juan Capistrano every year around
March 19, the feast of Saint Joseph, after wintering in South America. Their flight covers
about 7500 miles each way. The highlight of the town's month-long
Festival of the Swal-
lows
(
www.swallowsparade.com
)
is the big parade and outdoor mercado(market), held on a
Saturday in mid-March.
Sights & Activities
Mission San Juan Capistrano
CHURCH
