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!


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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.


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.


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.


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.


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!


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.