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 ideal 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 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 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 kids, as did the flitting butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds within the stunning gardens. Are available in 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 kids 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 search out Zoomars. Sliding and climbing on the cute playground are included within the entrance payment.
For numerous nominal charges, kids can snuggle bunnies and guinea pigs, journey a miniature prepare, pan for idiot’s gold, and go on pony rides. Guests may 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 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 fairly come ready and safe your loved ones’s spot, join a guided water tour prematurely with our trusted companion, GetYourGuide.
A number of mates 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 standard 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 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 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, lease 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). Be 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 brief 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 weight loss plan 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 youngsters’ dishes. Take word, nevertheless, that juice for youths could be very costly right here. Due to this fact, you may need to stick with water or convey your individual 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 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 an alternative 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 chances are you’ll need to add a prepare journey to your trip, too.
The place to Keep in San Juan Capistrano with Youngsters
Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano provides a lot for households. Anticipate spacious suites with full kitchens. Energetic youngsters will admire a pleasing 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 simple, reasonably priced, and enjoyable. Need to top off your fridge? Simply give the entrance desk your grocery checklist they usually’ll buy the objects for you and add the overall to your invoice.
As an added bonus, Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano offers a free shuttle for visitors wherever inside 5 miles of the lodge. This makes exploring with no automobile simple 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 youngsters.
San Juan Capistrano is simply 30 miles from The Happiest Place on Earth, so make sure you overview these suggestions for visiting Disneyland with youngsters.
For a novel California household trip in San Diego County, think about venturing to the desert panorama of Borrego Springs with youngsters.
Save These Issues to Do in San Juan Capistrano
On your future California trip, hold this checklist 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 may 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 extra comps or financial funds. All opinions are mine, as all the time.
