San Juan Capistrano is a historic city near the California coast, most well known for its Mission San Juan Capistrano. Downtown San Juan has maintained its old charm with buildings still there since the 1800s, in addition to having a newer facade built around it for entertaining visitors. Plan your weekend getaway to San Juan Capistrano with this detailed 3 day itinerary, including where to stay, what to do, and where to eat!
For an extensive list of the best things to do in San Juan Capistrano, you can my read my blog post here.
Getting to San Juan Capistrano
Located south of Los Angeles and north of San Diego, San Juan Capistrano is an easy day trip or weekend getaway.
Take the train: it doesn’t get any easier to travel to San Juan than by train- the train station is right in the center of downtown so you won’t need to get a taxi. Simply hop off the train into this historic district
Drive: Exit Ortega Hwy, off the 5 freeway
Day 1
Whether you’re hopping off the train or driving yourself, it will be easy to find your hotel for the weekend if you’re staying at the Inn at Mission San Juan Capistrano.
Check in to your stay and make it a leisurely evening by dining it at the Inn’s restaurant, Ysidora, offering contemporary spanish cuisine. Don’t forget to make a reservation before you go!
After dinner, walk 5 minutes downtown to indulge in gelato at 3:16 Bakery Shop and catch a late night movie next door at the Regency Theatres.
Day 2
Start your morning off by grabbing a cup of coffee or tea at Hidden House Coffee, located on the oldest neighborhood street in California known as Los Rios Street. There is seating on the porch to enjoy your morning cup of bliss and listen to the birds in the trees. Since Los Rios Street has very little car traffic, you can enjoy the peaceful tranquility of the street in the mornings before the crowds come into town.
Stroll down Los Rios Street and shop in some of the boutique stores before lunch. The Cottage Gallery is a beautiful art gallery to inspire your inner artist (or maybe you’ll just purchase some art to take home)!
When it’s time for lunch, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants that downtown San Juan has to offer. Trevor’s at the Track’s is ideally located in the heart of San Juan with incredible charm and stunning brick features. Their food and drink is to rave about!
If you aren’t in a food coma after lunch, head to Five Vines Wine Bar for the best wine flight in town. They have a variety of white wine flights, red flights, sparkling flights, and even a flying blind flight (you get to guess what they serve you, with a reward of a free flight if you guess right)!
Before the sun goes down, head to the Mission San Juan Capistrano and take an audio or guided tour of the grounds. The history at the Mission dates back to 1776 so there are plenty of interesting facts to learn about here. Not only is the Mission full of incredible history, but it also boasts of beautiful gardens and fountains inside. To purchase tickets, click here.
End your day by booking a dinner reservation at Ciao Pasta Trattoria, an Italian restaurant located directly across from the Mission. If you’re craving French cuisine, L’Hirondelle is a solid choice right next door.
Day 3
Before you depart from your weekend getaway, enjoy breakfast at The Tea House Los Rios. This is my all time favorite tea house that I frequent quite often, not only because of the tranquil ambience surrounded by trees but because of the fantastic tea and sandwich display you are presented with each time. The beautiful flowers on your plate are even from their own garden!
If you have yet to get a souvenir, don’t forget to enjoy one of the many boutique shops or walk through the Old Antique Mall to find an old treasure to take home.
For a detailed list of the best things to do in San Juan Capistrano, read my blog post here.
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