Historic San Juan Capistrano is a candy Southern California city with a laidback vibe, close by seashores, and walkable downtown. It’s simply reached by automotive or prepare from San Diego or Los Angeles, making it a terrific selection for a weekend getaway. Let’s discover enjoyable issues to do in and close to San Juan Capistrano with youngsters, together with family-friendly restaurant and lodge suggestions!
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1. Mission San Juan Capistrano
Whereas my visits to different California missions felt ho-hum, I used to be shocked by Mission San Juan Capistrano’s attract and peaceable impact. Often called “The Jewel” of missions, the grounds are so attractive that I had a tough time deciding what NOT to {photograph}.
Mission San Juan Capistrano is certainly one of 21 present-day missions. The Spanish missions have been established between 1769 and 1833 as a method to unfold the Catholic religion and colonize what’s now Southern California.
The koi fountain intrigued each my youngsters, as did the flitting butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds within the stunning gardens. Are available spring to see the mission’s famed swallows, which return each March throughout their migration from South America.
Hand-held audio controllers are included in your entrance payment. My youngsters loved discovering all the numbered audio stations and listening to commentary concerning the historical past and function of this Spanish mission within the city and California’s historical past.
2. Zoomars Petting Zoo
Throughout the tracks from the prepare station, comply with the indicators to seek out Zoomars. Sliding and climbing on the cute playground are included within the entrance payment.
For numerous nominal charges, youngsters can snuggle bunnies and guinea pigs, journey a miniature prepare, pan for idiot’s gold, and go on pony rides. Guests can even feed veggies to keen goats. However beware…they WILL soar on you!
3. Dana Level Harbor
About three miles south of San Juan Capistrano, meander by means of retailers and eating places at Dana Level Harbor.
You possibly can join a whale-watching tour, kayaking journey, or different water tour on the harbor. If you happen to’d slightly come ready and safe your loved ones’s spot, join a guided water tour upfront with our trusted accomplice, GetYourGuide.
A number of mates really helpful our household dine on the Harbor Grill. Oh boy, have been we glad we did! Seafood is the specialty right here, and the youngsters’ menu provides the standard suspects. It’s not low-cost, however in case you’re hungry the prix fixe three-course meals make the invoice extra manageable.
4. Doheny State Seashore
A ten-minute stroll from Dana Level Harbor, Doheny State Seashore is among the loveliest California seashores I’ve ever visited. A large, expansive sandy seashore attracts households. The waves are fairly daring, so watch young children vigilantly.
Carry a kite to fly on plentiful grassy house on a windy day. Or, hire bicycles or a surrey from Wheel Enjoyable Leases. Restrooms with altering areas can be found.
Your loved ones will get hungry from the scent of smoky eats wafting from barbecues galore. The snack bar was curiously closed on the day of our go to (a Saturday in June). Remember to plan forward and pack your personal picnic lunch or journey snacks.
5. Household-Pleasant Eating places in San Juan Capistrano
Conveniently situated only a quick block away from the San Juan Capistrano Depot Prepare Station is the charming and scrumptious Sundried Tomato American Bistro. You completely MUST get a cup of their signature Sundried Tomato Soup, a creamy concoction topped with crumbled cheese. My husband, on a low-carb eating regimen throughout our San Juan Capistrano household trip, mentioned his noodle-free vegetable lasagna was essentially the most scrumptious factor he’d eaten in weeks.
The menu provides salads, burgers, pasta, bigger entrees (hen, steak, seafood) and youngsters’ dishes. Take be aware, nevertheless, that juice for youths may be very costly right here. Subsequently, you would possibly need to persist with water or carry your personal sippy cups.
Inbuilt 1793, El Adobe de Capistrano is the oldest restaurant on the town. Just a few locals really helpful this restaurant as THE place to assuage Mexican meals cravings. My household discovered typical fare like enchiladas, tacos, burritos, and a few scrumptious salsa fresca right here.
San Juan Capistrano Prepare Station
With a candy downtown sliced by prepare tracks, San Juan Capistrano is a enjoyable vacation spot for youths who will enjoyment of witnessing the crossing guard’s flashing lights and dinging bells all day lengthy. As a substitute of driving, my household determined to make our go to much more memorable by making the journey from San Diego to the town of San Juan Capistrano by way of Amtrak prepare. It appears all youngsters love choo-choos, so you might need to add a prepare journey to your trip, too.
The place to Keep in San Juan Capistrano with Children
Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano provides a lot for households. Count on spacious suites with full kitchens. Energetic youngsters will respect a nice out of doors pool, a basketball courtroom, and a placing inexperienced with golf equipment and balls to borrow.
There are even barbecues if you wish to grill out one night time. Included breakfasts make mornings straightforward, reasonably priced, and enjoyable. Wish to replenish your fridge? Simply give the entrance desk your grocery record they usually’ll buy the gadgets for you and add the whole to your invoice.
As an added bonus, Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano gives a free shuttle for visitors wherever inside 5 miles of the lodge. This makes exploring with no automotive straightforward and handy for households like ours who arrive by way of prepare.
Discover Extra of California
For much more enjoyable in The Golden State, try my picks for the greatest locations for youths in California.
Since San Juan Capistrano is a part of the O.C., check out extra issues to do in Orange County with youngsters.
San Juan Capistrano is simply 30 miles from The Happiest Place on Earth, so you should definitely overview these ideas for visiting Disneyland with youngsters.
For a novel California household trip in San Diego County, contemplate venturing to the desert panorama of Borrego Springs with youngsters.
Save These Issues to Do in San Juan Capistrano
On your future California trip, preserve this record of what to do in San Juan Capistrano with youngsters. Merely pin the picture above or under to Pinterest. I hope you’ll comply with me on Pinterest when you’re at it!
Do you might have any suggestions or questions for exploring San Juan Capistrano or Dana Level? Tell us within the feedback under!
A Word from Colleen: Residence Inn hosted my household’s lodging throughout our weekend keep as a part of a partnership with this model. We didn’t obtain any further comps or financial funds. All opinions are mine, as at all times.
