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 an excellent selection for a weekend getaway. Let’s discover enjoyable issues to do in and close to San Juan Capistrano with children, 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. Referred to as “The Jewel” of missions, the grounds are so beautiful that I had a tough time deciding what NOT to {photograph}.
Mission San Juan Capistrano is one among 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 kids, as did the flitting butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds within the lovely 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 charge. My kids loved discovering all the numbered audio stations and listening to commentary in regards to 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, observe the indicators to seek out Zoomars. Sliding and climbing on the cute playground are included within the entrance charge.
For varied nominal charges, kids can snuggle bunnies and guinea pigs, trip 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 bounce on you!
3. Dana Level Harbor
About three miles south of San Juan Capistrano, meander via retailers and eating places at Dana Level Harbor.
You’ll be able to join a whale-watching tour, kayaking journey, or different water tour on the harbor. In the event you’d slightly come ready and safe your loved ones’s spot, join a guided water tour upfront with our trusted associate, GetYourGuide.
A number of pals really useful our household dine on the Harbor Grill. Oh boy, have been we glad we did! Seafood is the specialty right here, and the children’ menu presents the standard suspects. It’s not low-cost, however when 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 likely one of the loveliest California seashores I’ve ever visited. A large, expansive sandy seaside attracts households. The waves are fairly daring, so watch babies vigilantly.
Deliver 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). Make sure you plan forward and pack your personal picnic lunch or journey snacks.
5. Household-Pleasant Eating places in San Juan Capistrano
Conveniently positioned only a quick block away from the San Juan Capistrano Depot Practice 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 food plan throughout our San Juan Capistrano household trip, stated his noodle-free vegetable lasagna was essentially the most scrumptious factor he’d eaten in weeks.
The menu presents 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 may need to stick with water or convey your personal sippy cups.
In-built 1793, El Adobe de Capistrano is the oldest restaurant on the town. A number of locals really useful this restaurant as THE place to appease Mexican meals cravings. My household discovered typical fare like enchiladas, tacos, burritos, and a few scrumptious salsa fresca right here.
San Juan Capistrano Practice 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 kids love choo-choos, so you could need to add a prepare trip to your trip, too.
The place to Keep in San Juan Capistrano with Youngsters
Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano presents a lot for households. Anticipate spacious suites with full kitchens. Lively children will respect a pleasing outside 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, inexpensive, and enjoyable. Wish to refill your fridge? Simply give the entrance desk your grocery listing they usually’ll buy the objects for you and add the full to your invoice.
As an added bonus, Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano supplies a free shuttle for friends anyplace inside 5 miles of the lodge. This makes exploring and not using a 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, take a look at 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 children.
San Juan Capistrano is simply 30 miles from The Happiest Place on Earth, so you should definitely evaluation these suggestions for visiting Disneyland with children.
For a novel California household trip in San Diego County, contemplate venturing to the desert panorama of Borrego Springs with children.
Save These Issues to Do in San Juan Capistrano
To your future California trip, maintain this listing of what to do in San Juan Capistrano with children. Merely pin the picture above or beneath to Pinterest. I hope you’ll observe me on Pinterest whilst you’re at it!
Do you’ve any suggestions or questions for exploring San Juan Capistrano or Dana Level? Tell us within the feedback beneath!
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 all the time.
