This Tiny Town Is Full of History and Places to Eat, Shop and Stay
Stationed just off the coast near Dana Point lies the historic town of San Juan Capistrano. This quaint community offers Orange County locals and visitors something other than surf and sand. Spatterings of Spanish architecture and a charming medley of locally owned restaurants, breweries, cafes and shops make San Juan the ideal day trip destination. Here’s the only itinerary you’ll need to explore the nooks of this historic hidden enclave.
Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano
Pack your bags and check in to the most stunning Spanish-inspired hotel in the heart of downtown! Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano effortlessly aligns with the town’s history, balancing old-world elements with modern-day amenities. Hacienda-style rooms, mission-inspired furnishings, colorful Spanish tiling and a signature restaurant make this Orange County hotel a must-stay. Dine under the twinkling lights on the patio of Ysidora Restaurant & Lounge for contemporary Spanish cuisine including wood-fired grilled seafood and tapas. Stay awhile at the spa before getting all dolled up for an evening out on the town.
Local Insight: Looking for more fun things to do on property? Check out the hotel’s events calendar!
River Street Marketplace
Saddle up because San Juan Capistrano recently welcomed a new hub for dining, shopping and entertainment! River Street Marketplace is an open-air destination that has it all—delicious eats, chic shopping and plenty of Wild West charm. Brought to life by ALMQUIST, the team behind Rodeo 39 and Uptown Commons, this 60,000-square-foot space blends history, community and tons of personality. Head to Finca for bold, wood-fired dishes from Chef David Pratt, including their elevated burgers. Feeling ranchero vibes? La Vaquera serves up California-inspired heritage cuisine, while Capo offers craft saloon cocktails and cozy firepits for laid-back lounging.
Shopping here is also next-level. Find premium Western boots at Tecovas, boho-chic styles at Free People, rugged Old West apparel at Seager Co. and on-trend jewelry at the woman-owned boutique May Martin.
Hidden House Coffee
Tucked behind the California Amtrak station in the Historic District of San Juan, Hidden House Coffee is a neighborhood nook that’s served up fresh beans and baked goods for over a decade. This little yellow house is a cozy and serene spot for a cup of joe and good conversation and is lauded as one of the best coffee shops in Orange County. Pro tip: order a fresh-baked cinnamon roll to go with your caffeinated beverage of choice!
Mission San Juan Capistrano
This historic landmark and museum was founded over 200 years ago, is the seventh of 21 missions and is the birthplace of Orange County. Set on 10 acres, Mission San Juan Capistrano is home to lush gardens, ruins of the Great Stone Church and the Serra Chapel—the oldest church in California! Take a tour and discover religious artifacts along with one-of-a-kind treasures and paintings. Or, if you have kids in tow, complete the Mission Scavenger Hunt and be sure to stop by the koi pond to feed the fish (Tuesday-Sunday at 12:45 p.m.).
Mayfield
Not everything in San Juan is old—in fact, the town is home to an assortment of trendy, modern eateries that’ll make your Insta feed look fuego. Mayfield is one of our favorites! This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant is outfitted with marble countertops, pink leather booths and mid-mod furniture, making it the ultimate spot for a sit-down lunch. Snack on tasty plates like baba ganoush, burrata salad and crispy smashed Yukon potatoes.
Local Insight: Mayfield has a market stocked with natural wines, homeware, kitchenware and other goodies you’ll love!
Ramos House Café
This adorable cafe on Los Rios Street is an iconic San Juan spot for brunch and lunch. Take a seat on the shaded patio surrounded by potted plants and climbing vines. Indulge in a Ramos House Famous Soju Bloody Mary (add a Scotch egg!) and dig into Southern-style favorites like buttermilk biscuits, cinnamon apple beignets and huckleberry coffee cake. If you prefer savory over sweet, opt for the huevos rancheros or the flannel hash.
Farmakis Farms’ Farmers Market
Start your weekend at the farmers market at Farmakis Farms, happening on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This vibrant market is your one-stop destination for top-quality produce, artisanal goods, and handcrafted treasures. Explore a variety of offerings, including fresh fruits and vegetables, baked sweets and treats, creamy almond butter, small-batch cheeses, grass-fed beef and freshly baked bread. Beyond the delicious bites, you’ll also find unique handmade crafts and goods!
So grab your reusable basket and head over to the farm! Whether you’re stocking up on essentials for the week or browsing for something special, visiting this San Juan farmers market is the perfect way to kick off your weekend.
Heritage Barbecue
There’s nothing quite like authentic Texas barbecue! Smoky beef ribs, brisket-stuffed sandwiches and baked beans are the ultimate comfort foods of our great nation. If you consider yourself a carnivore, Heritage Barbecue is the place to indulge. This farm-to-table restaurant in San Juan’s historic downtown district serves up handcrafted smoked meats and decadent sides in a casual “picnic table” setting. Oh yeah—at Heritage, calories don’t count.
Zoomars at River Street Ranch
Located just across the train tracks lies Zoomars. This family-friendly farm features a petting zoo, train rides, a mining station, a playground and more. This is a great daytime spot for families looking to entertain their kiddos. Watch as your little ones hold and pet guinea pigs and feed animals like goats, sheep, rabbits and pigs. They can also enjoy pony rides for $8 per lap!
The Tea House on Los Rios
If happy hour isn’t your thing, enjoy an afternoon cup of tea at The Tea House on Los Rios. This homey spot not only offers a variety of loose-leaf teas. In addition, it also serves a delicious weekend brunch with morning plates like the salmon Benedict, hash brown quiche and brioche pain perdu—a decadent French toast dish with crème anglaise, wild berry compote and real whipped cream. However, if you want the full afternoon tea experience, opt for one of their high tea experiences, like The Royal Tea, The Garden Tea or the Victorian Tea. Pinkies up!
The Ecology Center
In the heart of San Juan lies a 28-acre regenerative organic farm—one of the only ones left in the county. The Ecology Center is a “living system, classroom and laboratory for tomorrow’s leaders.” The on-site farmstand sells a variety of fresh, seasonal produce like fruits, flowers, herbs and veggies. Take a stroll around the gorgeous grounds of the center and learn more about sustainable living as well as how to create a healthier future. You can also pick out a few new plants and sign up for one of their culinary master classes, farm tours or magical farm dinners.
Docent Brewing
SJC’s first brewery, Docent, is a well-established place for a pint. Sip on a variety of brews, ranging from ales and IPAs to pilsners and imperial stouts. And while what’s on tap is typically the draw (the award-winning Double Nickels is a local favorite!), their menu of eats is a real treat too. Try the Cubano sandwich, spicy vegan tostadas, sesame chicken salad or beerwurst roll.
Trevor’s at the Tracks
When it comes to al fresco dining, there isn’t much that compares to this happening hotspot. Located just steps from the train tracks, Trevor’s offers diners a taste of California cuisine in a historical, open-air setting. The restaurant was refurbished in 1995, but the Mission revival architecture and majestic dome remain prominent features in its design. The heated patio features a central wraparound bar with string lights—a setting that’ll make you want to stay awhile. Order one of their “garden-to-glass” cocktails while feasting on a selection of tasty small plates, like arancini croquettes, ahi poke nachos or the spicy Sicilian flatbread.
Local Insight: Trevor’s also features live music on select days. Check the calendar to see which local musicians are playing when.
