A Perfect Blend of History and Luxury at the Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano
Coastal Orange County is internationally known for its famous beach towns. There’s the surf culture of Huntington, the glitz and glamour of Newport, and then, of course, the artsy vibes of Laguna… but how about the smaller gems? Dana Point, San Clemente, and our personal fave: San Juan Capistrano.
The town, which is known for its famous namesake, Mission San Juan Capistrano (established in 1776), has a population of roughly 35,000 and is jam packed with history.
We recently popped over (just a short 20 minute jaunt from Laguna) for a staycation at the newly opened Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano.
It has been on our radar since it opened mid-pandemic and, as we pulled up to the valet under the impressive portico, we were not disappointed. The whole experience was 5-star.
The lobby is nothing short of grand, sitting areas everywhere you look — a mix of centuries-old elegance with a modern spin.
We stayed in the Presidente Villa with a view of the Mission and not one, but two private terraces. The beds are heavenly, the fireplace gives a cozy feel, and the spacious bathroom (and walk-in shower) had us feeling how every weekend should.
The hotel has its own spa, Spa at the Mission, complete with a steam room and organic products (even an olive oil scrub made specifically for the Inn)!
I went with the Collagen Infusion facial and enjoyed a hydrated, bright face for a full week — I mean, who needs botox when you’ve got collagen on tap?
Located in the center of town, everything is located within walking distance of the Inn. Cruise around the Los Rios Historic District and feel like you’ve stepped back a few hundred years, with quaint houses, organic farms, and — in typical millennial fashion — lots of countryside-style baby showers, bridal showers, and birthday parties. (Los Rios is literally the oldest post-colonial residential neighborhood in California and was where Cali had its first vineyard and winery!)
Enjoy an afternoon cocktail at Trevor’s at the Tracks, before heading back to the Inn for a game of cornhole in the courtyard and an impromptu picture-perfect photo session in the 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. (Perfect for weddings, FYI!)
The vibe is a blend of rustic and chic, and is the very definition of Insta-worthy.
Some favorite spots to capture the quintessential vacay photo are the fountain, Spanish tile-lined staircase, and the aforementioned grand lobby.
After a day of exploring, learning about your ancestors, and posing for photos like the model you are, you’ll be ready for a big dinner. The Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano’s in-house restaurant and bar, Ysidora, features traditional Spanish tapas-style dishes created from regionally sourced ingredients and exciting cocktails (we ordered the Ravin’s Old Fashioned and were pleasantly surprised when they poured it into a cloud of smoke)!
Have a nightcap at the bar and chat up the other hotel guests, or head back into the sleepy town for a nighttime stroll along San Juan Capistrano's historic light-lined streets.
As you lay your head down on your pillow, you’ll feel rejuvenated and relaxed — a perfect recipe for a refreshing weekend away, while still having the comfort of being close to home.
UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE INN AT THE MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
Day of the Dead Dinner Celebration
Join Ysidora on November 2 — Dia de los Muertos — for a celebratory dinner in remembrance of loved ones who have passed. Take a seat in the courtyard at large communal tables adorned with skulls, candles, and colorful decorations to enjoy live music and a specially-curated meal prepared by Chef Aaron inspired by Mission San Juan Capistrano Ysidora Forster’s hospitality and fare she served. Guests will be invited to write down the names of loved ones who have passed to add to two grand alters nestled beneath the olive trees.
7:00 pm | Cost: Adults - $55+ / Children under 12 - $19+ | Reserve your table here.
Lindsay DeLong is the Editor-in-Chief of Laguna Beach Living. A brand strategist and web designer who specializes in a quick 2-week start-to-finish process, she is well-versed at building brands from the ground up, establishing online identity, and drinking smokey whiskey cocktails. Reach out to her at lindsay@lagunabeachliving.com or on her personal site, iLikeLindsay.com.