Timing & Travel

Travel Note

Special Note About Travel Time

We are so excited to celebrate with you at The Jewel of Ortega at 41660 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, Ca 92675 *** IMPORTANT: Apple Maps (iPhone users) takes you all the way to the venue and gives you a fairly accurate ETA. Google Maps & Waze only takes you to the gate which is approximately 5 miles and 20-30 minutes from the venue. Please note that the gate to the property is located directly across the highway from Tree of Life Nursery on Ortega Highway. You will be looking for a green gate with an American Flag! Upon your arrival, Jewel of Ortega staff will welcome you and provide access through the gate. From there, you will be guided along the 5-mile dirt road, which takes approximately 20- 30 minutes to drive to the venue. They are there to make sure you get to the top of the hill safely and in a timely manner! We recommend using a vehicle suitable for unpaved roads and ask for your patience as you make your way to this special destination. The dirt road up is a little bumpy, but we promise you the view from the top is amazing :) Ubers and Lyft are NOT an option. They will not be able to take you past the gate & you will be stuck at the bottom of the hill, so please ensure you have another travel option. To ensure you arrive on time and don’t miss a moment, we kindly ask that you plan your travel time accordingly. Thank you for joining us on this memorable day—we can’t wait to see you! Safe travels <3

Flight

John Wayne Airport (SNA) - Santa Ana, California

Approximately 25-30 miles = about a 30-minute drive to San Juan Capistrano SNA is the closest airport to our venue, so we recommend starting your search with flights into John Wayne! :)

Flight

Ontario International Airport (ONT) - Ontario, California

About 45-50 miles = approximately 1 hour's drive to San Juan Capistrano

Flight

Long Beach Airport (LGB)

Around 45-50 miles = roughly 1 hour’s drive to San Juan Capistrano

Hotel

Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Autograph Collection

$$$ 7.7 miles away from the gate to the Jewel -- about a 15 minute drive to the gate (+20 mins up the hill!) Upscale boutique hotel near the historic Mission. Elegant and comfortable with an intimate atmosphere.

Hotel

Residence Inn Dana Point San Juan Capistrano

$$$ 9.8 miles away from the gate to the Jewel! -- just over 15 minute drive to the gate (+20 min drive up the hill!) Extended-stay hotel offering spacious suites with kitchenettes, perfect for longer stays or families.

Hotel

Holiday Inn Express San Clemente

$$ 11.9 miles away from the gate to the Jewel! -- just under a 25 minute drive to the gate (+20 minute drive up the hill!) Mid-range hotel with modern amenities, including free breakfast and a pool. Convenient for exploring both San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

Hotel

Hampton Inn & Suites San Clemente

$$ 14.2 miles away from the gate to the Jewel! -- just over a 20 minute drive to the gate (+20 minute drive up the hill!) A comfortable and modern mid-range hotel offering free breakfast, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center; located just south of San Juan Capistrano, making it a convenient choice for exploring both San Clemente and surrounding areas.

Hotel

Best Western Capistrano Inn

$ 7.4 miles from the gate to the Jewel! -- just under a 15 minute drive to the gate (+20 minute drive up the hill!) A budget-friendly choice with basic amenities, including a pool and free breakfast. Close to the Mission and other local attractions!

House Or Rental

AirBnB // VRBO

$-$$$ For a more personalized stay, we recommend exploring Airbnb or VRBO options in the San Juan Capistrano area. There are plenty of great homes and cozy rentals nearby, offering a convenient and comfortable way to enjoy your visit. This can be especially ideal for groups or families traveling together, providing extra space and the option to stay close to one another!