How to Spend a 24-Hour Staycation in San Juan Capistrano (2024)

About an hour’s drive from downtown San Diego and easily reached by train — the city’s historic district is just across the train tracks — San Juan Capistrano is highly doable as a day trip or overnight getaway, with most of the choice dining located in or near its compact and quaint center. Often overshadowed by larger, more bustling cities further north in the region, this south Orange County town is increasingly becoming a dining destination whose bright spots include best-in-class barbecue, brunch, and baked goods. Here’s how to spend a 24-hour staycation in San Juan Capistrano, also known as SJC.

9:30 a.m. Fuel up on top-notch doughnuts and pastries

Earlier risers should start the day by visiting one, or both, of these standout morning spots. The line moves quickly at JD Flannel Donuts & Coffee, an exceedingly friendly doughnut shop whose popular varieties include a buttermilk and sour cream old-fashioned flavored with nutmeg, a vanilla cake doughnut studded with blueberries and enrobed in Meyer lemon zest glaze, and a raised maple doughnut topped with cayenne and black pepper-seasoned bacon.

Then, head towards downtown to FKN Bread. Born as a cottage business during the pandemic and named after the owners’ three sons, the bakery specializes in sourdough-based croissants, cookies, scones, and cinnamon rolls in a multitude of flavors that change regularly. Make sure to also get a loaf of crusty Italian parmesan sourdough bread as a car snack or take-home treat.

10:30 a.m. Get in line at Heritage Barbecue

Though it doesn’t officially open until 11 a.m., the wait at this all-outdoor restaurant can potentially stretch upwards of an hour or more as crowds start gathering early for its Michelin Guide-recognized smoked meat. While San Diegans may have checked out Heritage Barbecue’s newer Oceanside brewpub, the San Juan Capistrano location is where pitmaster Daniel Castillo first introduced his central Texas-style modern craft barbecue. Good news for visitors and locals: a planned expansion will bring longer hours and more seating.

©John Troxell

Or, brunch at Mayfield

There will likely be a bit less of a wait at this popular restaurant where brunch is an event. With large windows that open onto a stylish, high-ceilinged dining room and bar, Mayfield serves up decidedly SoCal fare that incorporates flavors from Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and North African cuisines. Along with one of the area’s best co*cktail lists, the brunch menu (offered Wednesday through Sunday) includes shareable dips like muhammara and whipped feta alongside plates ranging from shakshuka and flat iron steak and eggs with perfect smashed potatoes and zhoug sauce to French toast with caramelized banana, labneh whipped cream, and candied walnuts.

Another idea: Just a few steps away is Breezy, a daytime restaurant and lounge that’s also a favorite brunch hangout. Its sunrise menu features Filipino twists on breakfast classics, such as ube pancakes, chilaquiles with pork adobo, and an egg-topped garlic rice bowl with longanisa.

PIXELLAB

1:30 p.m. Explore the Ecology Center

Stretch your legs and spend a little time in nature at the Ecology Center, a 28-acre regenerative organic farm located on the Indigenous lands of the Acjachemen Nation. The family-friendly site hosts programming for kids and adults alike and operates the on-site Campesino Cafe, which uses produce from the farm, as well as a wonderland of a farmstand that sells fruits and vegetables grown in the area plus bread and gourmet pantry items.

Candice Woo

3 p.m. Make a pitstop for tacos

Tacos are the perfect snack, and locals are loyal to either El Molino de Oro or El Campeon. Both casual, strip mall spots feature cafeteria counter-style service and vast menus, along with freshly-made tortillas and pan dulce.

4:30 p.m. Take a walk through the Los Rios Historic District

You’ll find the highest concentration of tourists milling around Los Rios, the oldest remaining residential street in California where the famous Ramos House Cafe sits among other restaurants, antique shops, and art galleries. Pop into Hidden House Coffee for a pick-me-up or cruise by the always-busy Trevor’s at the Tracks for a co*cktail. Locals refer to Trevor’s as the “swim-up bar” of SJC, as its location in the former train depot means it’s usually the first stop for rail passengers as they disembark.

4:30 p.m. Dinner at Bloom

Deemed one of Orange County’s hottest restaurants by Eater LA, Bloom is a newer venture by prolific OC restaurateur Russ Bendel, who makes his home in SJC. Located across from Mission San Juan Capistrano in a brick building that once housed city hall, the New American restaurant has a rustic bistro menu that runs from ceviche and oysters on the half shell to roasted bone marrow, stuffed zucchini blossoms and larger plates like 45-day aged ribeye steak and bacon-wrapped meatloaf.

Another idea: The Ecology Center’s ongoing Community Table series are communal, outdoor dinners cooked by chefs from some of Southern California’s top restaurants. Past San Diego restaurants featured include Kingfisher and Matsu while upcoming dinners will spotlight teams from Finca, Herb & Sea, and Bica.

Bloom

8 p.m. Catch a show at the Coach House or join a ghost tour

This legendary live music venue has a 40-year history in south Orange County, with a concert schedule that ranges from up-and-coming performers and established artists to tribute bands. Coach House ticketholders who also make dinner reservations for the on-site supper club receive priority seating for shows.

Or, learn about the “haunted” history of San Juan Capistrano on the Capistrano Ghost Walk, which takes visitors on a spooky stroll through the city’s historic streets.

10:30 p.m. Grab a nightcap at Swallow’s Inn

Find bikers and hipsters rubbing elbows at this longtime local dive named after the migratory birds that reappear in San Juan Capistrano each spring. Wednesdays are reserved for karaoke at Swallow’s Inn where there’s some genre of live music and dancing nearly every night.

Where to overnight: The Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano is the most comfortable stay in the center of town, and there’s also a well-located Best Western. But a 10-minute drive towards the coastal neighborhood of Capistrano Beach will take you to El Caminante Bar + Bungalows, a just-opened boutique hotel where all 30 bungalows have ocean views and the bar serves co*cktails, sangria on tap, and snacks like tinned fish. There are also plenty of hotel options in the nearby cities of Dana Point and Laguna Niguel.

Mike Finn