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 a fantastic alternative 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 stunned by Mission San Juan Capistrano’s attract and peaceable impact. Often called “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 considered one of 21 present-day missions. The Spanish missions had been established between 1769 and 1833 as a option 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 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 charge. My kids loved discovering all the 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 charge.
For numerous nominal charges, kids can snuggle bunnies and guinea pigs, experience 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 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. When you’d relatively come ready and safe your loved ones’s spot, join a guided water tour upfront with our trusted accomplice, GetYourGuide.
A number of pals advisable our household dine on the Harbor Grill. Oh boy, had been we glad we did! Seafood is the specialty right here, and the children’ menu gives the same old suspects. It’s not low cost, however if you happen to’re hungry the prix fixe three-course meals make the invoice extra manageable.
4. Doheny State Seaside
A ten-minute stroll from Dana Level Harbor, Doheny State Seaside is likely one of 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.
Convey 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 to plan forward and pack your individual 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 eating regimen 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 gives salads, burgers, pasta, bigger entrees (rooster, steak, seafood) and children’ dishes. Take notice, nonetheless, that juice for teenagers may be very costly right here. Due to this fact, you would possibly wish to persist with water or convey your individual sippy cups.
Inbuilt 1793, El Adobe de Capistrano is the oldest restaurant on the town. A number of locals advisable 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 Practice Station
With a candy downtown sliced by prepare tracks, San Juan Capistrano is a enjoyable vacation spot for teenagers 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 through Amtrak prepare. It appears all kids love choo-choos, so chances are you’ll wish to add a prepare experience to your trip, too.
The place to Keep in San Juan Capistrano with Youngsters
Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano gives a lot for households. Count on spacious suites with full kitchens. Lively children 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 night time. Included breakfasts make mornings simple, reasonably priced, and enjoyable. Need to fill up your fridge? Simply give the entrance desk your grocery checklist 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 wherever inside 5 miles of the lodge. This makes exploring with out a automobile simple 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 finest locations for teenagers 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 make sure to assessment these ideas for visiting Disneyland with children.
For a singular 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 checklist of what to do in San Juan Capistrano with children. Merely pin the picture above or under to Pinterest. I hope you’ll comply with me on Pinterest whilst you’re at it!
Do you’ve gotten 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 extra comps or financial funds. All opinions are mine, as at all times.
