Things To Do in OC
Mission San Juan Capistrano, Landmark, Chapel, Museum and Gardens
Famous for the Annual Return of the Swallows, Mission San Juan Capistrano, historic landmark, museum and gardens, welcomes over 300,000 visitors each year. Enjoy exhibits featuring historic and religious artifacts, rare paintings, and more. Experience the tradition of bell ringing daily honoring the legacy of Saint Junipero Serra, who founded the Mission in 1776. Visit the Serra Chapel, California’s only chapel still standing where Saint Serra celebrated Mass and the Eucharist has been celebrated daily. Today, it is a monument to California’s multi-cultural history, embracing its Native American, Spanish, Mexican and European heritage.
Los Rios Street Historic District
Just a short walk down the street from the Inn at the Mission is the the Los Rios Historic District. The Los Rios Historic District is a historic district and neighborhood in the city of San Juan Capistrano, California. With buildings dating to 1794, it is the oldest continually occupied neighborhood in the state. Enjoy a multitude of restaurants, a favorite being The Tea House On Los Rios, and unique, local shopping. Hop on the train from the station here, and take a quick ride down to San Clemente!
San Clemente
Visit one of California’s best surf towns for incredible views, shopping & dining. Check out Old Town San Clemente and enjoy the fabulous shopping & dining along El Camino Real and Avenida Del Mar (South of Nick’s is a favorite). Stroll all the way down Avenida Del Mar (or take the town’s trolly) to reach the San Clemente Pier and watch the locals catch some waves.
Laguna Beach
A short drive 10 miles up the coast is the unmissable artist colony, Laguna Beach. Enjoy an abundance of local art while shopping & dining in this seaside village. Some of our favorites include Nick's Laguna Beach, Gelato Paradiso & La Rue du Chocolat (in the Pepper Tree Lane alley), and Tuvalu Home.
Corona Del Mar
Perched above the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean, Corona del Mar lives up to its name, “Crown of the Sea.” Locals call it “CdM,” and though the chic hamlet is part of Newport Beach, it has an aesthetic all its own, with vintage cottages and stunning new houses side-by-side on flower-named residential streets. Enjoy restaurants like our local favorite Summer House, The Quiet Woman, Pirozzi Corona Del Mar and Zinc Cafe & Market. Stroll the expansive grounds at Sherman Library and Gardens, or walk the Goldenrod Footbridge to enjoy sweeping coastal views and visit Little Corona’s tidepools.
Newport Beach
Explore everything Nick's hometown of Newport Beach has to offer! Browse the beautiful Roger's Gardens, shop at Fashion Island and Lido Marina Village, and dine at some of our favorite spots such as SOL Mexican Cocina and Bluewater Grill. Hop across the bridge to Balboa Island and enjoy the iconic Balboa Bar and Frozen Banana (the ones from Sugar 'n Spice are our favorites). Marine Avenue is also home to chic coastal shops featuring unique nautical designs, stylish beach fashions, art and jewelry.