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 automobile or prepare from San Diego or Los Angeles, making it an awesome alternative 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 stunned by Mission San Juan Capistrano’s attract and peaceable impact. Generally known 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 in all 21 present-day missions. The Spanish missions had been established between 1769 and 1833 as a strategy 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 price. My youngsters loved discovering the entire numbered audio stations and listening to commentary concerning the historical past and position 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 price.
For varied nominal charges, youngsters can snuggle bunnies and guinea pigs, journey a miniature prepare, pan for idiot’s gold, and go on pony rides. Guests may also 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 way of outlets and eating places at Dana Level Harbor.
You may join a whale-watching tour, kayaking journey, or different water tour on the harbor. Should you’d somewhat 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, had been we glad we did! Seafood is the specialty right here, and the youngsters’ menu provides the same old 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 without doubt one of the loveliest California seashores I’ve ever visited. A large, expansive sandy seashore attracts households. The waves are fairly daring, so watch babies vigilantly.
Deliver a kite to fly on plentiful grassy area 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 individual 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 probably the most scrumptious factor he’d eaten in weeks.
The menu provides salads, burgers, pasta, bigger entrees (rooster, steak, seafood) and children’ dishes. Take notice, nevertheless, that juice for youths may be very costly right here. Due to this fact, you may need to follow water or deliver your individual sippy cups.
In-built 1793, El Adobe de Capistrano is the oldest restaurant on the town. Just a few locals really useful 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 town of San Juan Capistrano through Amtrak prepare. It appears all youngsters love choo-choos, so chances are you’ll 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. Anticipate spacious suites with full kitchens. Lively youngsters will respect a pleasing outside pool, a basketball court docket, and a placing inexperienced with golf equipment and balls to borrow.
There are even barbecues if you wish to grill out one evening. Included breakfasts make mornings straightforward, inexpensive, and enjoyable. Need to refill your fridge? Simply give the entrance desk your grocery record and so they’ll buy the objects for you and add the entire to your invoice.
As an added bonus, Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano supplies a free shuttle for visitors anyplace inside 5 miles of the lodge. This makes exploring and not using a automobile straightforward and handy for households like ours who arrive through 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 youngsters.
San Juan Capistrano is simply 30 miles from The Happiest Place on Earth, so be sure you assessment these suggestions for visiting Disneyland with youngsters.
For a singular California household trip in San Diego County, take into account venturing to the desert panorama of Borrego Springs with youngsters.
Save These Issues to Do in San Juan Capistrano
In your future California trip, maintain this record of what to do in San Juan Capistrano with youngsters. Merely pin the picture above or beneath to Pinterest. I hope you’ll comply with me on Pinterest when you’re at it!
Do you could have 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 at all times.