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 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 known as “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 had been established between 1769 and 1833 as a approach 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 price. 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, observe the indicators to seek out Zoomars. Sliding and climbing on the cute playground are included within the entrance price.
For numerous 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 soar 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. In case you’d relatively come ready and safe your loved ones’s spot, join a guided water tour prematurely with our trusted companion, GetYourGuide.
A number of pals beneficial 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 affords 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 Seaside
A ten-minute stroll from Dana Level Harbor, Doheny State Seaside is among the loveliest California seashores I’ve ever visited. A large, expansive sandy seaside attracts households. The waves are fairly daring, so watch babies vigilantly.
Carry 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 odor of smoky eats wafting from barbecues galore. The snack bar was curiously closed on the day of our go to (a Saturday in June). You should definitely 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 weight loss plan throughout our San Juan Capistrano household trip, stated his noodle-free vegetable lasagna was probably the most scrumptious factor he’d eaten in weeks.
The menu affords salads, burgers, pasta, bigger entrees (hen, steak, seafood) and children’ dishes. Take observe, nevertheless, that juice for teenagers could be very costly right here. Subsequently, you may wish to stick with water or convey your individual sippy cups.
Inbuilt 1793, El Adobe de Capistrano is the oldest restaurant on the town. A couple of locals beneficial 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 town of San Juan Capistrano by way of Amtrak prepare. It appears all kids love choo-choos, so you could wish to add a prepare trip to your trip, too.
The place to Keep in San Juan Capistrano with Youngsters
Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano affords lots for households. Count on spacious suites with full kitchens. Lively youngsters will respect a nice 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 top off 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 offers a free shuttle for company wherever inside 5 miles of the lodge. This makes exploring and not using a automobile 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 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 youngsters.
San Juan Capistrano is simply 30 miles from The Happiest Place on Earth, so you’ll want to evaluate these ideas for visiting Disneyland with youngsters.
For a novel 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
To 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 observe me on Pinterest when 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 beneath!
A Notice 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.
