San Juan Capistrano, California's Oldest Area

San Juan Capistrano is California’s oldest neighborhood. It is located right outside of Los Angeles in Dana Point, Orange County.

​This extremely historic small town is so quaint and charming. It is a place everyone should visit!

For more things I recommend doing in Los Angeles check out my “Weekend Guide for L.A.” here!

I spent just one afternoon visiting San Juan Capistrano and know that I did not see everything. We arrived around 1 p.m. and only saw a small portion of town.

That being said, we had a FABULOUS day in this beautiful little town, and I know my mom will be back one day to actually visit the historic areas, because the place is worth going back to!

Walking around Los Rios Street.

Watch our day in San Juan Caspistrano in my YouTube video below:

Here is how we spent our day plus a few things we planned to see that we didn't get to:

​Shopping on Los Rios Street

Los Rios Street is the oldest street in California! It still has 40 original structures including a few native adobes. Most of the area is a residential street, but there is one section of shops and restaurants.

We wandered in and out of all the artists’ store fronts and bought clothes inside Las Catrinas.

Las Catrinas on Los Rios Street.

Had our fortunes read!

​Fortune Reading

There is a psychic shop on Los Rios Street. We visited to have our palms and a deck of cards read to let us know our fortunes.

We will see how accurate she was when the time comes!

Afternoon Tea

My mom and I made reservations at The Tea House on Los Rios, and it was the most adorable place. We sat in the back garden and absolutely had ourselves a time enjoying round after round of tea and champagne, finger sandwiches, salad, and of course dessert.

Lunch at The Tea House on Los Rios - I recommend The Royal Tea assortment!

This restaurant was great for an adult mom and daughter day. We saw lots of kids and teens there, bachelorette parties, and husbands and wives. It was a place for everyone with good food and an even better atmosphere.

Make a reservation and view the menu on their website here.

The Tea House on Los Rios.

Our assortment of finger foods.

Learn about The Mission

The Mission is a church that was built to help evangelize the natives. Due to its early closing time, we did not make it in time to visit during our day in San Juan Capistrano.

Learn more about The Mission and purchase tickets on their website here!

Photo from The Mission's website.

Visit the Train Station

Another landmark in town is the train station. We essentially did not cross the train tracks during our day. The town is practically split in two by the tracks, and we primarily stayed on the one side.

See more about the now Zephyr train station here.

​Swallow’s Inn Bar

After we left, I had a friend recommend this local bar. She said it was an absolute must do while in town. Sadly, we will have to save it for next time!

Photo from countrydancingtonight.com

I hope to get back to San Juan Capastrano one day to learn more about this beautiful site of California. 

Until then, read more California guides below!