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 practice 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 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. 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 considered 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 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 charge. 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 practice station, observe 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, trip a miniature practice, 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 means of outlets and eating places at Dana Level Harbor.
You possibly can join a whale-watching tour, kayaking journey, or different water tour on the harbor. In case you’d somewhat come ready and safe your loved ones’s spot, join a guided water tour upfront with our trusted accomplice, 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 children’ 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 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 seaside attracts households. The waves are fairly daring, so watch young children 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 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). Be sure you plan forward and pack your personal 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 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 program 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 provides salads, burgers, pasta, bigger entrees (hen, steak, seafood) and youngsters’ dishes. Take observe, nevertheless, that juice for youths could be very costly right here. Subsequently, you would possibly wish to persist with water or convey your personal sippy cups.
In-built 1793, El Adobe de Capistrano is the oldest restaurant on the town. Just a few 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 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. As an alternative 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 you might wish to add a practice trip to your trip, too.
The place to Keep in San Juan Capistrano with Children
Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano provides loads for households. Anticipate spacious suites with full kitchens. Energetic children will respect a pleasing 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, reasonably priced, and enjoyable. Need to top off your fridge? Simply give the entrance desk your grocery listing they usually’ll buy the gadgets for you and add the full to your invoice.
As an added bonus, Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano supplies a free shuttle for company anyplace 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 practice.
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 children.
San Juan Capistrano is simply 30 miles from The Happiest Place on Earth, so make sure you evaluate these suggestions for visiting Disneyland with children.
For a novel 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, hold this listing of what to do in San Juan Capistrano with children. Merely pin the picture above or under to Pinterest. I hope you’ll observe me on Pinterest whilst you’re at it!
Do you might have 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 further comps or financial funds. All opinions are mine, as at all times.