• About
  • Home
  • TRAVEL
    • California
      • Big Sur
        • A Complete Guide to Visiting Big Sur
        • Visiting Carmel by The Sea: a Full Travel Guide
      • Joshua Tree
        • A Complete Guide on Day Tripping to Joshua Tree
        • Best Things to Do in Pioneertown California: A Complete Guide
      • Los Angeles
        • A Complete Guide to Visting Catalina Island
        • 20 of The Best Photo Spots in Los Angeles
      • Palm Springs
        • The Ultimate Palm Springs Weekend Travel Guide
        • 20 Best Instagram Spots in Palm Springs: A Complete Guide
      • San Juan Capistrano
      • San Diego
        • The Ultimate San Diego Travel Guide: written by a local
        • The Best Pumpkin Patches in San Diego
        • The Best Photo Spots in San Diego: A Photography Guide
        • The Insider’s Guide to Balboa Park
        • Best Things to Do in San Diego
        • The 25 Best Coffee Shops in San Diego, California
      • Santa Barbara
        • Visiting Solvang California The Most Charming Town
        • Best Photo Spots in Santa Barbara, California
      • San Francisco
        • 18 of The Best Photo Spots in San Francisco
        • Visiting Sausalito: a Perfect Day Trip from San Francisco
      • Yosemite
        • A Complete Guide to Visiting Yosemite National Park
    • Europe
      • Italy
        • A First Timer’s Travel Guide to the Amalfi Coast
        • A First Timer’s Guide to Visiting Florence, Italy
        • An Ultimate Guide to the Top Sights in Rome
      • 4 Days in Paris Itinerary
      • The Ultimate 8 Days in Ireland Itinerary
      • An Ultimate City Guide: Fun Things to Do in Barcelona
      • 2 Days in Seville: a Complete Seville Itinerary
      • First Timer’s Travel Guide to London
      • 2 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary: A First Timer’s Guide
    • Hawaii
      • A Complete Travel Guide to Visiting Maui, Hawaii
      • A First Timer’s Guide to The Road to Hana in Maui, Hawaii
      • My Experience Traveling to Hawaii during Covid
      • Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Queens Bath
      • The Ultimate 5 Day Kauai Itinerary: a travel guide
      • Best Oahu Instagram Spots: a Photography Guide
      • Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden
      • The Best North Shore Oahu Beaches to Visit
      • Most Beautiful Places in Kauai: Best Photo Spots
    • New York
      • 36 Must See Places in New York: written by a local
      • A Guide to the Best Central Park Photo Spots
      • A Local’s Guide to Visiting Montauk New York
      • 15 Christmas Activities in New York: Best Things to Do in December
      • 15 Christmas Activities in New York: Best Things to Do in December
    • Mexico
      • Tulum
        • The Ultimate Tulum Travel Guide
        • The Ultimate Guide to Tulum Instagram Spots
      • What to Pack for Mexico: a Packing List
    • USA
      • The Best 2 Day Zion National Park Itinerary
      • One Day in Bryce Canyon National Park: A Complete Itinerary
      • 17 of The Best Things to Do in Seattle: a First Timer’s Guide
      • A Complete Weekend Travel Guide to Sedona
      • How to Spend 3 Days in Chicago: a Chicago Itinerary
      • A Complete Weekend Guide to Scottsdale Arizona
      • A Complete Weekend to Boston Trip Itinerary
      • The Ultimate Weekend in Charleston Itinerary
      • New Orleans Weekend Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in NOLA
      • The Ultimate Guide to Best Las Vegas Photo Spots
    • Hotels & Resorts
      • Complete Hotel Review: Sands Hotel and Spa in Palm Springs
      • Complete Resort Review: Iberostar Grand Bavaro Punta Cana
    • Travel Tips
      • The Ultimate Packing Guide: 29 Must Have Travel Essentials
      • Best Practices on How to Find Cheap Flights
  • Style + Lifestyle
    • Product Reviews
      • An Honest Dior Saddle Bag Review + How to Style
      • My Honest Review of the Gucci Princetown Mule
      • My Honest Gucci Marmont Shoulder Bag Review + How to Style
      • My Honest Stuart Weitzman 5050 Boot Review + How to Style
      • 5 Reasons Why You Need the Gucci Soho Disco Bag
      • Are Necessaire Products Worth the Hype? A Full Review
      • A Complete Review of SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum
    • Packing Guides
      • Travel Capsule Wardrobe: How to Dress Like A European
      • What to Wear in San Diego: The Ultimate Packing Guide from a Local
      • 35 Airport Outfits: How to Look Effortless while Traveling
      • The Ultimate Packing Guide: 29 Must Have Travel Essentials
      • What to Pack for Hawaii: The Ultimate Hawaii Packing List
      • What to Pack for Italy: a packing list
      • What to Wear in Palm Springs: The Best Packing Guide
      • What to Pack for Mexico: a Packing List
    • Styling Guides
      • 14 Cute Summer Outfits Ideas to Try in 2022
      • 25 of The Best Denim Shorts to Wear this Summer
      • How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe: The Essentials
      • 12 Bodysuits to Shop Now
      • How to Style a Slip Dress
      • 18 Best Straight Leg Jeans and How to Style Them
      • Fall Outfit Ideas: The Best Trends to Try in 2022
      • 28 Best Holiday Outfits: What to Wear this Holiday
    • Photography
      • A Guide to the Best Central Park Photo Spots
      • The Best Photo Spots in San Diego: A Photography Guide
      • Best Photo Spots in Santa Barbara, California
      • A Complete Guide on Day Tripping to Joshua Tree
      • Most Beautiful Places in Kauai: Best Photo Spots
      • 20 of The Best Photo Spots in Los Angeles
      • The Ultimate Guide to Best Las Vegas Photo Spots
      • Best Oahu Instagram Spots: a Photography Guide
      • 18 of The Best Photo Spots in San Francisco
      • The Ultimate Guide to Tulum Instagram Spots
      • How to Edit in Lightroom Classic
      • The Best Photo Editing Apps for your iPhone
    • Lifestyle
      • Christmas Gift Ideas 2022: The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide
      • Our Boho Mid Century Modern Home Tour in San Diego
      • The 25 Best Coffee Shops in San Diego, California
    • Skincare
      • The Best Summer Skincare + SPF Essentials for Glowing Skin
      • What I’m Purchasing at the Sephora Sale 2022
      • A Complete Review of SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum
      • Vitamin C Serum Benefits: and The Best Ones to Buy
      • Best Skincare Products + How to Layer Correctly
      • Are Necessaire Products Worth the Hype? A Full Review
  • San Diego
    • A Complete Guide to Visiting Carlsbad Flower Fields 2023
    • The Ultimate San Diego Travel Guide: written by a local
    • 20 San Diego Hidden Gems: written by a local
    • An Ultimate Guide to the Best Brunch in San Diego
    • Best Restaurants to Try in San Diego for 2023
    • The Ultimate Guide to San Diego 4th of July 2022
    • A Complete Locals Guide on Things to Do in Balboa Park
    • The 25 Best Coffee Shops in San Diego, California
    • The Best Photo Spots in San Diego: A Photography Guide
    • A Local’s Guide to Coronado Island
    • 12 Amazing Things to Do in Julian California
    • The Ultimate Guide to San Diego Christmas Activities
    • The Best Pumpkin Patches in San Diego
  • Work With Me
  • Shop
  • Travel
    • california
      • big sur
      • joshua tree
      • los angeles
      • palm springs
      • san diego
      • san francisco
      • santa barbara
      • yosemite
    • europe
      • amsterdam
      • An Ultimate City Guide: Fun Things to Do in Barcelona
      • 2 Days in Seville: a Complete Seville Itinerary
      • italy
        • amalfi coast
        • florence
        • rome
      • london
      • paris
    • hawaii
    • mexico
    • New York
    • usa
      • The Best 2 Day Zion National Park Itinerary
      • arizona
      • boston
      • charleston
      • Chicago
      • new orleans
      • seattle
    • hotels
      • Sands Hotel and Spa in Palm Springs
  • Blog
    • Style
    • photography
    • packing guides
    • product review
    • Lifestyle
    • skincare
  • San Diego
  • Work With Me
  • Shop My Looks

Le Travel Style

by Courtney Delfino • a San Diego based travel + lifestyle blog inspiring you to travel in style

California, Travel, USA · Last Updated: July 18, 2022

12 Amazing Things to Do in San Juan Capistrano

12 Amazing Things to Do in San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Capistrano is a small charming town filled with history located between Los Angeles and San Diego. The town is set against a backdrop of the San Juan hills and is a lesser-known hidden gem. Which makes this place all the more captivating. SJC was founded in 1776 by Spain and joined the US in 1848. The historic town center is situated along the Amtrak line, which makes for an easy day trip from San Diego. While most visitors are here to visit the Mission there are countless things to do in San Juan Capistrano. Whether you visit the historic sites or have lunch at a charming cafe you definitely need to add this town to your Southern California bucket list!

Visit the San Juan Capistrano Mission

Image gallery image
Image gallery image
Image gallery image

The Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded in 1776 and is the birthplace of Orange County. Named after Saint John of Capistrano the “Jewel of the California Missions” was originally 1 of 21 California Missions, back then owned by Spain. It acted as a community center for agriculture, industry, education, and religion for the Spanish Padres and Native Americans. Sadly, in December of 1812, an earthquake occurred and destroyed the church and over 40 people were killed. That is why you see ruins next to the bells when visiting because they never rebuilt the church. Today over 300,000 visitors enter through the historic gates. You can spend one to two hours roaming the grounds, the architecture is stunning!

  • Open Tuesday – Sunday 10 am – 5 pm
  • Admission is $14 per adult
  • Plenty of parking on the streets surrounding

Spend an Afternoon in Los Rios Historic District

Image gallery image
Image gallery image

Located in the heart of town is the Los Rios Historic District. You feel as though you are being transported back to the 1800s when visiting this enchanting part of town with buildings dating as far back as 1794. Fun fact, Los Rios Street is actually California’s oldest residential street. There are ample things to do when visiting Los Rios. You can have lunch at one of the many charming cafes, explore the historic Montanez adobe, relax in Los Rios Park, or visit the petting zoo at River Street Ranch. You can also visit the San Juan Capistrano historical society and be transported back to the 19th century. Finally, it’s situated along the Amtrak line so it’s a perfect stop for a day trip from LA or San Diego.

See the Mission Basilica

This church was designed after the Great Stone Church which was ruined after the great earthquake of 1812 but not a replica of it. The Mission Basilica was completed in 1986 and deemed a Basilica by Pope John Paul in 2000. A prominent feature of the basilica is the Grand retablo, a 42-foot-high altar-backing carved in cedar and covered in gold leaf which is reminiscent of 17th and 18th-century Spanish colonial and Mexican colonial retablos. Finally, the basilica is a catholic parish that is still in use today.

Visit the Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park

If you’re looking to get outside in nature, then this is the activity for you! Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park is an 8,000-acre park preserve in the canyons of the Santa Ana Mountains. Come here for wilderness sightings, camping, nature walks, and so much more! Some other great activities in the wilderness preserve are fishing in the San Juan Creek or signing up for guided nature walks (offered every Sunday). For more information visit the OC Parks page.

Spend the Night at Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano

Image gallery image
Image gallery image
Image gallery image

This Autograph Collection hotel fits the overall charm and theme of this historic town. It’s located right across the street from the San Juan Capistrano Mission which makes this the perfect stay close to all that SJC has to offer. The Inn has its own Olive Grove and each guest is gifted a small bottle of their house-made olive oil. It was so fresh! The interior of the resort is so beautifully designed and incorporates local design touches. Finally, make reservations for their on-site restaurant Ysidora Restaurant and Lounge. The cuisine is reminiscent of Spain and everything we tried was fantastic. Finally, when staying at the inn, they offer free admission to the Mission. Book your stay here!

Have Brunch at the Ramos House Cafe

Image gallery image
Image gallery image

I’ve been to my fair share of cafes and I have to say, The Ramos House Cafe may just be my favorite. It’s set in an old home, filled with plants, located adjacent to the train line, and has decadent dishes that will make your mouth water. It’s so incredibly charming and the service was great too! Finally, make sure to try the scones and their freshly made apple jam. This was a highlight of the trip!

  • Open every day but Wednesday, 9 am – 2:30 pm

Visit Ortega’s Capistrano Trading Post

To get your shopping fix, visit Ortega’s Capistrano Trading Post which sells Native American goods. The trading post carries the largest selection of SJC’s souvenirs, artworks, and crafts. They also buy and consign Native American turquoise jewelry. Finally, it’s located directly across the road from the mission.

Have Breakfast at Ellie’s Table

Image gallery image
Image gallery image

A local favorite, Ellie’s Table is another cute cafe serving all their food fresh and from scratch on the day you order. Their specialty is their cinnamon rolls and butter croissants but has tons of other breakfast food options as well. We had the tiramisu latte and it was life-changing! Finally, they offer many Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian, and Heart Healthy options.

  • Open Tuesday – Sunday 7:30am – 3pm

Enjoy a Spot of Tea at The Tea House

the tea house in san juan capistrano

The Tea House is a unique and charming cafe covered in flowers. It’s set in a 1911 charming cottage in the historic district and is the perfect spot to host an event or enjoy lunch and a spot of tea. They have 55 teas to choose from and it’s best to make a reservation as this spot is popular. If you are more of a coffee person consider visiting the Hidden House Coffee cafe located down the block.

Well, there you have it, friends! Thank you for reading my “12 Amazing Things to do in San Juan Capistrano”. I hope this gave you the motivation to book that trip to this charming southern California town. If you have any questions please comment below and check out more of my California Travel Guides.

pin this post for later

XO,

Courtney

In: California, Travel, USA · Tagged: california, travel

You’ll Also Love

Dunquin Pier Dingle IrelandThe Ultimate 8 Days in Ireland Itinerary
windmill in downtown Solvang CaliforniaVisiting Solvang California The Most Charming Town
Arch Rock Joshua TreeA Complete Guide on Day Tripping to Joshua Tree

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

The Ultimate San Diego Travel Guide: written by a local

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms
  • Work With Me

Copyright © 2023 Le Travel Style · Theme by 17th Avenue