LA And San Diego Are Way Too Crowded. Visit This California City For A Quieter Getaway

When it comes to picking Southern California vacation destinations, cities like Los Angeles and San Diego are often at the top of the list. While these places certainly have a lot to offer, they can also be quite crowded, particularly during peak travel season. According to census data, LA alone has a population of nearly 3.9 million, and San Diego has about 1.4 million. So, what if you want all the appeal of visiting SoCal but without the throngs of tourists and residents? Well, one option is to venture to a spot between the two called San Juan Capistrano.

Situated just south of Laguna Beach, home to one of the 12 best hidden beaches in California for a coastal escape, San Juan Capistrano is a far less crowded alternative. With a population of only around 35,000, the city is much quieter and more laid back, especially compared to the hustle and bustle of LA. However, that doesn't mean there isn't plenty to do here, especially if you love history, food, and convenient access to the beach.

So, if you're interested in exploring a different side of Southern California, trading in crowded parking lots and busy attractions for peaceful streets, let's discover what San Juan Capistrano has to offer.

One of the best reasons to add San Juan Capistrano to your travel itinerary is to explore the city's rich history. Indigenous people have a long history in this area. In 1776, the Spanish established a colony here around the Mission of San Juan Capistrano. The area quickly became something of a central hub within the Spanish colony of California. While the period of Mexican independence and early U.S. statehood caused the city to fall into disarray, it eventually bounced back, thanks in part to the California Central Railroad establishing a depot here in 1887.

Today, you can experience that history in multiple places, all centered around the downtown area. Some notable spots include the original mission, which has been transformed into a museum that hosts events throughout the year. You can also view some traditional adobe homes, including Casa Avila and the Silvas Adobe. And if you want to whet your whistle, check out the Ramos House Cafe, which sits within another original adobe home, built in 1881.

Most of these sites are within the Los Rios Street Historic District, which is the oldest neighborhood in California. In addition to the old buildings, you can wander through Los Rios Park, which borders Trabuco Creek, or visit River Street Ranch and pet some animals. While you can meander through the city on your own, it may be better to take a guided walking tour from the local historical society to learn more about the area's history and culture.

Because of the city's location between LA and San Diego, you can almost take your pick when choosing which airport to visit. To get there from LAX, you'll drive about 90 minutes south, while if you land at San Diego International, you'll need to drive just over an hour north. Public transportation is also available. Considering that San Diego is one of the most beautiful airports in the world, that may sway your decision. There aren't that many hotels in the city, but one option is to stay at the Inn at Mission San Juan Capistrano. This way, you're centrally located to everything downtown, and you can experience another side of the city's history. Alternatively, you can stay at the Best Western across the freeway, or take advantage of various vacation rentals throughout the area.

While San Juan Capistrano's history may be a primary draw, the city also has a delicious dining scene. Again, most of the best options are clustered around downtown for added convenience. If you're in the mood for casual, authentic Mexican favorites, try El Molino de Oro. Or, if you prefer more seafood, El Zarandeado offers decadent dishes like grilled lobster with Mexican flavors. If you're not sure what you're in the mood for or want a bite of different cuisines, check out the River Street Marketplace. There, you'll find a variety of food stands and eateries, including Hawaiian dishes, kebabs, sushi, and much more.

Finally, while San Juan Capistrano doesn't border the coast, it's only minutes from the beach. In fact, you can take your pick of nearby beach cities, including Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and the beach town worth visiting at least once, San Clemente, which is about 15 minutes south.