If you are visiting the Mission in San Juan Capistrano, Ortega's is just right across the street. Wide section of touristy items for sale. They also have a very large selection of Native American silver and turquoise jewelry. Love the vibe of this place. Merchandise is reasonably priced. The vibe I got from the store was like its name suggests "Trading Post". Store definitely lends character to the downtown area. read more

Ortega's Capistrano Trading Post - Jewelry and pottery - Arts & Crafts Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

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Oh my goodness I've been in the area for 20+ years I am ashamed to admit this is my first time here . I brought my sister because she wanted to find a little something for her friends back home. They have so many wonderful historical things gemstones cards , history of the mission The story of the swallows This wonderful store has been here for so long . It's an open concept store. They're so friendly. I just loved bringing my sister into the store. It's so fun. read more

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Trading Post is an institution of the area, a fun store to browse and shop at. Big, nice displays, good customer service. They have an array of merchandise for various tastes and pockets. You can find a nice souvenir here to bring home, great selection. You can shop for gifts as well. They have very nice Native American art, home decor and jewelry besides Mexican pottery, clothes, purses. A bit of everything. A must stop if you visit San Juan Capistrano! read more

Ortega's Capistrano Trading Post - Arts & Crafts Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

The cutest little store in San Juan Capo, they have beads, relics, crystals, jewelry and more. And Miss Dee was just a doll, she's a gem and I can see why she's up front greeting everyone with a smile. I really loved their poncho and apparel section and ended up snagging some really cool authentic gear here. My son really will enjoy the crystal selection and we can't wait to come back!! A short walk from the train Amtrak/Metrolink station. Great prices for how incredible of a selection they have here!! A++ read more

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Old school souvenir and jewelry store. You'll Enjoy it if you like western inspired jewelry and/or colorful, Mexican inspired ceramics. read more

The store is not closed today, they are open on July 5th, 2021. I bought a cute hat and a shot glass to add to my collection!! The lady who works here is very nice! She thought I was funny because I asked if the hat fit me well. They have a lot of tchotchkes here! Cute dogs are allowed inside. read more

Ortega's Capistrano Trading Post - Arts & Crafts Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

Although most of us will find this store very touristy, those of you who enjoy silver Indian jewelry, artwork and Indian souvenirs will find this place very very interesting. Definitely worth a stop inside for a look. They have jewelry ranging from cheap to expensive, but the real draw is how they will tell you the story of the swallows of the Mission SJC if you stop to ask them. read more

Ortega's Capistrano Trading Post - Arts & Crafts Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

There are few times in life when a visit to a kitsch store is as rewarding and fulfilling as this one was. Just kidding! This place is kinda boring with a lot of the typical tourist trap junk. It's also rather dated, with a feel of the '60s. On the other hand, it has a large selection of Indian jewelry and pottery, etc. at inflated prices. If you are in the area, perhaps visiting the mission across the street, it might be worth a walk-through. But I wouldn't go out of my way. read more

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I have been shopping here since the late 1970's. Head straight to the back of the store where all the treasures are. Always an amazing selection of authentic Native American jewelry. The owner and everyone that works in the store are very nice and knowledgeable. Thank you Ortega's for being my go-to NA jewelry store for 40+ years! read more

This is a beautiful well stocked store! There Indian jewelry is just fabulous prices are reasonable service is excellent, this is Mike to go place! read more

Smashed penny machine :) Supposedly, if there's nothing that catches your eye at the Mission's gift shop, then you come over here. The Trading Post is across the street from the Mission, so it's not a bad walk. They have a lot of novelty items, but it might be considered "old-fashioned" for the kids these days. It's a pretty big store, with lots of Indian jewelry in the back. Service was okay. They would help when asked, but they'd prefer to finish their conversations first. Very leisurely, laid-back attitude that the employees had, for the most part. Prices aren't bad. Good place to get souvenirs. read more

I walked in and was not greeted by the sales people. One lady was behind the counter and a man was on the outside of the counter both facing the door. As I walked in I asked if they had any turquoise and gold jewelry. The woman behind the counter looked straight through me as if I didn't exist, the man responded we have one piece but it $7000, I replied I would like to see it. As a person that is employed in retail I found this to be very offensive!!!! He walked to the rear of the store and I followed. He brought out the "7000" piece which by the way was not in any way attractive. I felt like Julia Roberts in pretty woman when she walked into the fancy clothing store and was treated with no respect!!! The one thing I did enjoy was the woman at the back jewelry counter. I told her about my experience and that I work in retail as well and treat every customer as if they have a million dollars in their pocket. I also told her that my family migrated to San Juan Capistrano in the 1800's and many still reside in town. You never know who is walking through the door and I'm appalled at the thought of how they must treat tourist. Hopefully this review gets in the hands of someone that can fix the problem!!!! read more

I recently walked into the historic Ortega's Trading Post, which is located right across the street from the Mission SJC. This is an old store, and there are alot of ghosts that prowl silently in the vicinity, but don't be afraid - they love to shop and they are friendly. My husband used to come here with his gramps and get some authentic suede moccasins, back in the day when he was just a kid. What I am delighted to see now is the extensive and breath-takingly beautiful Native American Turquoise jewelry that they keep in the back of the store. Ortega's has the BEST prices in So Cal! They have the most amazing stockpile of new turquoise jewelry that will just blow your hair back! I've been shopping for turquoise, and I want only the best & authentic stuff. Ortega's has an impressive collection of turquoise necklaces, bracelets, earrings and Kachina dolls. I've already splurged on 3 pairs of earrings for myself, and I'm going back for long turquoise necklaces and bracelets. Marcos was the salesman who helped me, and he's into turquoise too, so he knows his merchandise! It's not too early to start your Christmas shopping! If you have a special lady or friend who loves authentic Native American jewelry, please come by Ortega's and see what they have in store. The old wooden Indian standing by the door will smile at you, but then he will have to be serious once you walk in. read more

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My last name is Swallow, so I made it a point to attend the Swallow's Day Parade in San Juan Capistrano. I was CERTAIN I'd find amazing swallow merchandise at the parade and come home with the cutest swallow necklace of all. Nope. Not the case. I assumed the Capistrano Trading Post would be a great place to find my swallow memorabilia. Also not the case. The trading post was full of cliche swallow stuff. I would recommend getting the "free story" at the trading post on the day of the parade, though. It helps explain what the day of the return of the swallows is all about. Just don't get your hopes up if you are looking for great swallow-related memorabilia. read more

Dive into a bit of local flavor and history at Ortega's Capistrano Trading Post. The crew is full of friendly local folk with tons of stories of SJC and the neighboring mission. The items they have for sale at the store range from useful to eclectic local gems that are tough to find elsewhere. This is definitely a tourist-oriented dive, but also an insightful hot spot for locals to gain a bit of knowledge. The staff here are always super friendly, and if you ask, they'll have some interesting stories to tell you about their experience in one of the most haunted cities in socal. read more

I worked here 100 years ago when I was a high school kid. Offering everyone a "free swallow story" didn't make me as popular as I had hoped, but I definitely honed my sales skills hawking the religious statuettes, cap guns and 'party naked!' bumper snickers that were popular in 1988. It was here I discovered the joy in giving, buying my mom a keyring with my employee discount that read, "I got PMS! Puttin' up with Men's Shit!" read more

I do not get these reviewers saying this place is too 'touristy'. I mean, come on, that's like saying the beach is too sandy. You're in historic SJC, A TOURIST ATTRACTION! Anyway, I love this store, the staff is great, particularly the guy that sells the amazing selection of Native American Jewelry in the back. I almost didn't want to write this and spoil my secret jewelry spot, but I feel compelled to share a good thing with the world. Definitely worth a stop if you are in the area. read more

I've stopped in here each time I've visited San Juan Capistrano, and I haven't been disappointed. Visiting this store is one of the highlights of visiting San Juan Capistrano. The front half of the store is on the kitschier side, but it offers up a pressed penny machine (which I LOVE), postcards (for like 20 cents each!), regular greeting cards, jewelry (a range of fine to inexpensive), children's western themed toys, t-shirts, and Minnetonka Mocs. The back half however offers a glorious plethora of Native American made turquoise and silver jewelry and other items. The prices are fair, and the staff is incredibly helpful. During my latest visit I stopped in first thing, before visiting the other shops, and I replied honestly that I felt a need to visit the antique mall down the street before committing to purchasing some items I was looking at, and without me even asking, the woman behind the counter offered to hold the items for me for the remainder of the day or until I returned. I did return, after not finding much at the other shops, and I walked out with a bracelet and two rings, all sterling with turquoise. Call it touristy, but it's not full of tacky crap. It has some more unique offerings than places at the beach or certain shops you would find in LA or Sacramento. Also, it's located across from the Mission, which is a tourist destination. read more

So much fun. Some authentic and lovely Indian jewelry and pottery. Fun historic information to share with friends. A mixture of quality more expensive gifts and treasures mixed in with fun and inexpensive items. read more

Visited the mission with the family and decided to stop by after. We walked in, ignored. The two older hacks just kept gossiping about another old hack in church. The guy in the back ignored us as well. We saw some very nice pieces of jewellery we wanted to buy but again, ignored. Either these people are total a-holes or maybe this place only hires the blind. I recommend not patronizing these rude people. read more

i get all my turquoise jewelry here... san juan capistrano !!! check it out, im so happy with my turquoise read more

This place has some great local artwork and Indian decor. I give 2 stars due to the lack of consistency in their posted hours. Buyers beware, call before you come. The open late and close early whenever they feel like it. Too bad, this place is pretty cool. read more

I lived in So Cal many years ago and discovered Ortega's when my mom came out for a visit from Va. Their collection of turquoise jewelry is quite impressive. What is even more impressive is Irene who works there. She knows every piece of jewelry in the store and especially the old turquoise which it what you should be buying anyway. I haven't visited for quite some time but if Irene is still there, go say hi and buy some turquoise! read more

This place has a lot of beautiful jewelry and other interesting merchandise. I bought several pieces of jewelry of turquoise, malachite, onyx and coral - rings, watch, earrings and a fabulous necklace. Up from San Diego on Wednesday and back again on Saturday when there were some new jewelry items coming in. The man selling the jewelry was very helpful and I'm sorry I don't have his name. Also some painted ponies for our granddaughters. Wish I'd gotten a Kachina doll. Won't be back in the area for a couple of years, but I will definitely go back when I return. Other staff was friendly and helpful. read more