Get All the Fall Feels in San Juan Capistrano With Christine Kong
Written By: Christine Kong
Photographed By: Giuseppe DeMasi
I have always been a California girl, being born and raised here. I run the lifestyle blog dailykongfidence.com, covering everything from fashion and food to beauty and travel. Nothing inspires me more than stepping outside and enjoying everyday moments. San Juan Capistrano is the perfect place to spend the day with friends and family. In the historic district of Los Rios, you will find many photo opportunities as well as some of my favorite places to visit. Come with me as I take you on a tour of this charming town with an exciting past.
There are so many restaurants in this area, but this one is a must-try! There is intimate seating indoors and a fabulous covered outdoor patio with a fireplace to enjoy their incredible food al fresco. I enjoyed all the suggested wine pairings, but my favorite was the sparkling rosé. As great as the food is, the service and ambiance are even better.
26755 Verdugo St
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.481.6682
Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens
This beautiful, cacti filled garden is the perfect sanctuary for Monarch butterflies. It’s become a safe haven for them, and a picturesque backdrop to take photos as well as be amongst beautiful butterflies!
31661 Los Rios St
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.606.6386
For me, cute coffee houses and lattes are everything. This darling “hidden” gem is the perfect spot to sip a hot latte and people watch from the outdoor patio. Their coffee menu has all the fan favorites from drip, iced, lattes and teas. If you’re like me and get inspired from being outdoors, bring your laptop and stay a while.
31791 Los Rios St
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.240.0200
This is one of the most charming breakfast and lunch spots in Orange County! When dining, you want to have the complete experience from the ambiance, to the decor, to the food and service—and this place has it all. From the warm, welcoming reception to their extremely fresh, seasonal menu, you feel right at home.
31752 Los Rios St
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.443.1342
This adorable cottage is representative of the board and batten homes built around the late 1800s. Owned by a mother and daughter, you can find anything for your home garden from succulent arrangements to bird houses, pinwheels and darling little gnomes. New items arrive frequently so no matter what the season, there is something for everyone.
31711 Los Rios St
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.493.3920
I wish I was a kid again! ZOOMARS is the perfect place to take the kiddos for train rides and to pet and feed some friendly furry rabbits, guinea pigs, goats and llamas. When you run out of food to feed the animals, you can mine for fossils and rocks, ride a pony and go down the slides of the play area.
31791 Los Rios St
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.831.6550
Old Barn Antique Mall
I had so much fun browsing this 12,000-square-foot market filled with all sorts of treasures from vintage coins to old records. Each area of the market is categorized by booths and is easy to find specific items. This is a great place to browse from time to time and even look for unique gift ideas.
31792 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.493.9144
Open air markets, friendly faces and the smell of kettle corn popping makes my heart happy. Open every Wednesday rain or shine from 3-6 p.m., there are lots of vendors selling anything from fresh produce, to nuts and dried fruit, to gourmet tamales. A great place to spend the late afternoon taste testing and stocking up on locally sourced goods.
El Camino Real and Yorba St
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.493.4700
My Fall Faves
Coffee: Pumpkin Spice Latte
Style: The more layers the better, from chunky knits and leather jackets to coats. See more of my style inspo on @dailykongfidence.
Holiday: Thanksgiving, where hearts and bellies are full.
Dish: Butternut squash ravioli with sage brown butter.
Travel: My kids are on a year round schedule so we love to travel during the fall where everywhere in the world has perfect weather.
Falling for You: Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens will be holding a Fall Fest on Oct. 14 with food trucks, craft beer and wine, live music and more! Bring a canned food item, and you’ll get a free pumpkin in return!
Christine Kong | Daily Kongfidence
Blogger Christine Kong Walks Us Through San Juan Capistrano