Location: San Juan Capistrano
Top Things to do in San Juan Capistrano
What to do and see in San Juan Capistrano, California (CA): The Best Free Things to do
San Juan Capistrano is an easy day trip from Los Angeles and Orange County, by Amtrak train or freeway. Tours of the Mission buildings and gardens include the ruins of the 1797 Great Stone Church, destination for the legendary swallows of Capistrano. The Los Rios Historic District has buildings open to the public, such as the 1881 Ramos House Café and the1794 Montanez Adobe. Zoomars Petting Zoo is a kid-friendly attraction in the district adjacent to the train depot. The attractive town center has interesting galleries, antique stores, shops and restaurants.
Restaurants in San Juan Capistrano
1. We Olive & Wine Bar
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
We Olive is a culinary and wine destination that features olive oil tasting and education, artisan foods for sampling, gourmet gifts, wine tasting, and a delicious menu designed to pair with our small-production wines and featuring our extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars.
2. San Juan Capistrano Regional Library
3. Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By 598marisap - Dallas, United States
St. John O'Sullivan was in charge of this mission in 1910, and he was the one to build it. The church is just a jewel in the middle of the mission. I love the grand golden retablo, it is very similar to the ones from the colonial period in Mexico. I also love the sculptures of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Juan Diego. This is a wonderful place to attend mass on Sundays.
4. Los Rios Historic District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By TeemareeDotCom - Los Angeles, United States
We stumbled upon this lovely attraction and felt we were entering a magical place. You simply cross the train stop tracks that come off of a normal cut de sac'd street and suddenly you are in a historical area with lovely homes and homes turned businesses. There are mature trees, butterflies, flowers. There are small eateries, a tea house, a coffee shop. There is a park with a historical dwelling that you can enter if you arrive at the right time. You turn a bend and suddenly you are walking over to a petting zoo with childlike surroundings. There are no sidewalks, you walk on active streets that are so sleepy it is easy to forget that cars do still pass on occasion. It is wonderful. I highly recommend.
5. Capistrano Depot
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By socaltravelers2016 - San Bernardino, United States
You can find this tiny brick building right after you get off the Metrolink or Amtrak trains in Capistrano. It's more of an information booth with train schedules and brochures, but it's not always opened. Nearby are many restaurants, shops, and Mission San Juan Capistrano. Los Rios Historic District is just steps away on the other side of the train tracks.
6. Swallows Inn
7. Old Barn Antique Mall, Inc.
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 19 reviews
The largest and most diverse Antique Mall on the planet: 10,000 square feet in a historic, turn-of-century building, with 75 Dealers. Everything from Western to Tiffany to art to sports-related to gold & diamonds to costume jewelry to Asian antiques to...... everything! Vintage to Mid-Century. Authentic antiques. No junque! Prices from $1. to $10,000. In oldest historic district in California!!!
Reviewed By socaltravelers2016 - San Bernardino, United States
Located near the train stop and close to San Juan Capistrano Mission, it's a easy walk to this antique mall. There's probably something here that you will want or need. You could easily spend an hour or two looking around. Treasures abound in room after room in this large barn. You will be tempted to buy something: silverware, coins, sheet music from a bygone era, vintage jewelry, toys, books, photographs, kitchen items, ceramic or glass figurines and vases, etc. Booths are set up by different vendors, and you can ask a salesperson to see something before making a purchase.
8. Historic Town Center Park
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