Sunday, July 13, 2025

Enjoyable Issues to Do in San Juan Capistrano with Youngsters


Watching koi with my children at Mission San Juan Capistrano (Photograph credit score: Colleen Lanin)

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 automotive or practice from San Diego or Los Angeles, making it an incredible selection 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!

The bells at Mission San Juan CapistranoThe bells at Mission San Juan Capistrano
The bells at Mission San Juan Capistrano (Photograph credit score: Colleen Lanin)

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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 attractive that I had a tough time deciding what NOT to {photograph}.

Mission San Juan Capistrano is one in every of 21 present-day missions. The Spanish missions had been established between 1769 and 1833 as a solution to unfold the Catholic religion and colonize what’s now Southern California.

Bees buzzing among bright flowers at Mission San Juan CapistranoBees buzzing among bright flowers at Mission San Juan Capistrano
Bees buzzing amongst brilliant flowers at Mission San Juan Capistrano (Photograph credit score: Colleen Lanin)

The koi fountain intrigued each my youngsters, as did the flitting butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds within the lovely gardens. Are available spring to see the mission’s famed swallows, which return each March throughout their migration from South America.

Kids at Mission San Juan CapistranoKids at Mission San Juan Capistrano
It’s enjoyable to find out about Mission San Juan Capistrano with a handheld audio participant (Photograph credit score: Colleen Lanin)

Hand-held audio controllers are included in your entrance charge. My youngsters loved discovering all the numbered audio stations and listening to commentary in regards to the historical past and function of this Spanish mission within the city and California’s historical past.

Pony ride at Zoomars Petting Zoo in San Juan CapistranoPony ride at Zoomars Petting Zoo in San Juan Capistrano
Pony journey at Zoomars Petting Zoo (Photograph credit score: Colleen Lanin)

2. Zoomars Petting Zoo

Throughout the tracks from the practice station, observe the indicators to seek out Zoomars. Sliding and climbing on the cute playground are included within the entrance charge.

Children at Zoomars Petting Zoo in San Juan CapistranoChildren at Zoomars Petting Zoo in San Juan Capistrano
A slide race at Zoomars Petting Zoo in San Juan Capistrano (Photograph credit score: Colleen Lanin)

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. Guests can even feed veggies to keen goats. However beware…they WILL soar on you!

Dad feeding goats at Zoomars Petting Zoo in San Juan CapistranoDad feeding goats at Zoomars Petting Zoo in San Juan Capistrano
Daddy feeding the enthusiastic goats at Zoomars (Photograph credit score: Colleen Lanin)

3. Dana Level Harbor

About three miles south of San Juan Capistrano, meander by 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 the event you’d moderately come ready and safe your loved ones’s spot, join a guided water tour upfront with our trusted companion, GetYourGuide.

Kayakers at Dana Point HarborKayakers at Dana Point Harbor
Kayakers at Dana Level Harbor (Photograph credit score: Colleen Lanin)

A number of buddies really helpful 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 the event you’re hungry the prix fixe three-course meals make the invoice extra manageable.

Child playing in water at Doheny State Beach in Dana PointChild playing in water at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point
My son taking part in at Doheny State Seaside (Photograph credit score: Colleen Lanin)

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 seashore attracts households. The waves are fairly daring, so watch babies vigilantly.

Palm trees and grass lawn at Doheny State BeachPalm trees and grass lawn at Doheny State Beach
Palm timber and grass garden at Doheny State Seaside (Photograph credit score: Colleen Lanin)

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 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 personal picnic lunch or journey snacks.

My kids playing in the sand at Doheny Beach in Dana HarborMy kids playing in the sand at Doheny Beach in Dana Harbor
My children taking part in within the sand at Doheny Seaside (Photograph credit score: Colleen Lanin)

5. Household-Pleasant Eating places in San Juan Capistrano

Conveniently positioned 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, 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 (rooster, steak, seafood) and children’ dishes. Take notice, nevertheless, that juice for youths could be very costly right here. Subsequently, you may need to follow water or convey your personal sippy cups.

Sundried tomato soup and a chicken and apple salad at Sundried Tomatoes restaurantSundried tomato soup and a chicken and apple salad at Sundried Tomatoes restaurant
Sundried tomato soup and a rooster and apple salad at Sundried Tomatoes restaurant

In-built 1793, El Adobe de Capistrano is the oldest restaurant on the town. Just a few locals really helpful 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.

Train tracks in San Juan Capistrano Train tracks in San Juan Capistrano
Prepare tracks in San Juan Capistrano (Photograph credit score: Colleen Lanin)

San Juan Capistrano Prepare 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 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 practice. It appears all youngsters love choo-choos, so you could need to add a practice journey to your trip, too.

Pool at Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano Dana Point Pool at Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano Dana Point
Pool at Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano Dana Level (Photograph credit score: Colleen Lanin)

The place to Keep in San Juan Capistrano with Youngsters

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano affords loads for households. Anticipate spacious suites with full kitchens. Lively children will recognize a nice out of doors 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 straightforward, inexpensive, and enjoyable. Need to replenish your fridge? Simply give the entrance desk your grocery record they usually’ll buy the gadgets for you and add the full to your invoice.

As an added bonus, Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano gives a free shuttle for friends wherever inside 5 miles of the resort. This makes exploring with no automotive straightforward and handy for households like ours who arrive through practice.

Mission San Juan Capistrano GardenMission San Juan Capistrano Garden
Mission San Juan Capistrano Backyard (Photograph credit score: Colleen Lanin)

Discover Extra of California

For much more enjoyable in The Golden State, try 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 should definitely evaluate these ideas for visiting Disneyland with children.

For a singular California household trip in San Diego County, take into account venturing to the desert panorama of Borrego Springs with children.

Things to Do in San Juan Capistrano With KidsThings to Do in San Juan Capistrano With Kids

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 children. Merely pin the picture above or beneath 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 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 at all times.

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