Historic San Juan Capistrano is a candy Southern California city with a laidback vibe, close by seashores, and walkable downtown. It is definitely reached by automobile or practice 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 resort suggestions!
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1. Mission San Juan Capistrano
While my visits to different California missions felt ho-hum, I used to be stunned by Mission San Juan Capistrano’s attract and peaceable impact. 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 considered one of 21 present-day missions. The Spanish missions have 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 lovely gardens. Come 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 charge. My youngsters loved discovering the entire numbered audio stations and listening to commentary concerning the historical past and function of this Spanish mission within the city and California’s historical past.
2. Zoomars Petting Zoo
Across the tracks from the practice station, comply with the indicators to search out Zoomars. Sliding and climbing on the cute playground are included within the entrance charge.
For numerous nominal charges, youngsters can snuggle bunnies and guinea pigs, journey a miniature practice, pan for idiot’s gold, and go on pony rides. Visitors can even feed veggies to keen goats. But beware…they WILL leap on you!
3. Dana Point Harbor
About three miles south of San Juan Capistrano, meander by means of retailers and eating places at Dana Point Harbor.
You can join a whale-watching tour, kayaking journey, or different water tour on the harbor. If you’d quite come ready and safe your loved ones’s spot, join a guided water tour upfront with our trusted companion, GetYourInformation.
Several pals really helpful 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 gives 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 Beach
A ten-minute stroll from Dana Point Harbor, Doheny State Beach 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 young children vigilantly.
Bring a kite to fly on plentiful grassy house on a windy day. Or, hire bicycles or a surrey from Wheel Fun Rentals. Restrooms with altering areas can be found.
Your household 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 positive to plan forward and pack your personal picnic lunch or journey snacks.
5. Family-Friendly Restaurants in San Juan Capistrano
Conveniently positioned only a brief block away from the San Juan Capistrano Depot Train 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-reduction 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 gives salads, burgers, pasta, bigger entrees (hen, steak, seafood) and children’ dishes. Take notice, nevertheless, that juice for youths may be very costly right here. Therefore, you may wish to stick with water or convey your personal sippy cups.
Built in 1793, El Adobe de Capistrano is the oldest restaurant on the town. A couple of locals really helpful 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 Train Station
With a candy downtown sliced by practice 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. Instead 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 practice. It appears all youngsters love choo-choos, so chances are you’ll wish to add a practice journey to your trip, too.
Where to Stay in San Juan Capistrano with Kids
Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano gives loads for households. Expect spacious suites with full kitchens. Active children will admire a nice 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 evening. Included breakfasts make mornings straightforward, inexpensive, and enjoyable. Want to refill your fridge? Just give the entrance desk your grocery checklist they usually’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 friends wherever inside 5 miles of the resort. This makes exploring and not using a automobile straightforward and handy for households like ours who arrive by way of practice.
Explore More 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’ll want to evaluate these suggestions 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 Things to Do in San Juan Capistrano
For your future California trip, preserve this checklist of what to do in San Juan Capistrano with children. Simply pin the picture above or beneath to Pinterest. I hope you’ll comply with me on Pinterest whilst you’re at it!
Do you have got any suggestions or questions for exploring San Juan Capistrano or Dana Point? Let us know within the feedback beneath!
A Note 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.