Los Rios Historic District

Brought my mom and aunt here for a relaxing afternoon. Everything closes very early– by 5. Wish we had arrived earlier in the day. Gorgeous street though, I plan on coming back soon! Shops and homes are adorable. Highly recommend! Give yourself enough time to explore!

I think this place is precious, a perfect way to spend the day with family or friends! Something new on every corner, cute shops, great food and interesting history!

This place is definitely cool. We were going to the petting zoo and didn’t realize that this place existed. The mission is just a few steps away. Will definitely have to come back one day to explore. It is so
Convenient with the metro right there

Little historical tidbit for you history buffs out there, the Los Rios Historic District is the oldest continually occupied neighborhood in California. The business owners you see on the block (by law) also live where there businesses are. So all the owners of the tea shops, coffee shops, restaurants, gift shops, and museum also live in the same building or directly behind/​next-​to their businesses. It has such a small town kind of feel, I honestly adore it. Note: I was informed about this information from a local.
This is a definitely a great place to check out with a few friends, family outings, or if you’re feeling it a cute date with that special someone! I found it really peaceful to walk amongst the buildings and wander into the town area where there are more businesses and the Mission. It’s such a cute quaint area, I really felt at peace walking around. Ouuuu, also if you have kiddies or are animal lovers there is a small petting zoo here as well!
Parking can get a little tricky. There is a lot near the businesses, but it can get full fairly quickly. In order to get to this lot, you also need to be aware of the fact that you’re going to be driving through the main street where the businesses are and many pedestrians do walk. However, there is a parking structure on the other side of the train tracks that you’re welcome to park in. But if you can’t drive here but have access to the Metrolink, I do believe that there is a stop at Los Rios! :)
I haven’t been able to check out all the businesses, but I’ll definitely be back someday to visit and try all this historic area has to offer.
Definitely worth a visit if you have the time. Check it out if you have the chance! :)

A neat place definitely worth checking out. A rather historic place that has been maintained over the years gives us an opportunity all while also being accommodating. The train stops here so if driving isn’t your thing, perhaps rail is?
There’s a petting zoo/​play ground for kids, gift shops, a couple places to eat, tea and coffee shops as well.

Walking the streets gives you the feeling of a lost civilization — SOMEWHERE IN TIME feel back to the 18^th Century.
I’ve been told the vendors in the quaint shops are required to live in the community.
Dirt Streets, the natural smell of the animas at the petting zoo, and some of California’s best coffee and tea places await!
I prefer Los Rios over Old town San Diego: Not a tourist setup; all natural!

The Los Rios District is a fun place to come. There is a lot of history here, but even if you don’t care about history, it is a fun place! It is a beautiful place, with a lot to offer. No chain stores or restaurants. Feels very homey and quaint.
I could be wrong, but I believe it is the oldest (or one of the oldest) areas in CA — oldest with buildings/​establishments.
I find this place to be scary at night haha. It is haunted! Haha. I’ve never experienced anything, but I have some friends who have! Ahhhhhh haha. I do love to come during the daytime.
There is a parking structure on the east side of the train tracks. The other side of the train tracks is the Los Rios district. There is also some parking across the street from the parking structure.
There is a lot to do in this area — shopping, restaurants, petting zoo, park, etc.
I have been to the Ramos House and it is delicious! You must go there. Sarducci’s is also good too. I also have done the petting zoo. I went during October and they have a lot going on during that time. Check it out! I also love the park here, it is relatively new and an awesome place for your kids to play!
Come check out this gem of an area!

What a darling city. I love that a lot of the buildings cannot be torn down and rebuilt, they’re protected. Just a small quaint little street with restaurants, cafes and shops. Loved it, went there twice.

Went to Los Rios Park. I like this place. It’s original and organic, not commercialize. I feel the love.

It’s beautiful here on a nice day! Outdoor restaurants with a rustic feel like you are far away from Orange County. You can take the Amtrak to San Diego or LA from here. I personally haven’t done that yet but I will. The petting zoo is a must. You can either walk by and see the animals or pay to feed them. Great experience! It will bring you back to being a kid again.

Los Rios is located just across the tracks from the busy train/​metro station; it’s one of the oldest continuous neighborhoods in California. The street is filled with private homes, three of which date from 1794; these were built for mission families. There are businesses in some of the other historic homes. As far as I can tell, this is a walking street and cars are not allowed. There is a museum; however, it was closed when I visited this area.
It is a pleasant place to walk. Palm and willow trees grow among eucalyptus. I saw cactus under sprays of bouganvia. It must be beautiful here in the spring. So many of the homes are private, I did not feel comfortable photography much along the street

if you have time to take a quick stroll, not a bad use of 30 minutes. The houses are historic. Placards mentioning significance was appreciated. Nothing special or super picturesque but if you have a passing interest in visiting historic sites, it warrants a short peek.

Beautifully vintage are the two words that come to mind when walking through Los Rios District for our e-​photos.
Artistic photo opportunities are boundless with all the homes, eateries, train station etc. The one caveat with shooting here is that many of the residents specifically post up signs prohibiting photos on their property. I’d probably be the same way if random couples were all up in my begonias all day, everyday.
Photos aside, just walking through the streets can make for a very rejuvenating and romantic stroll.
Perfect spot for a shoot, or some quiet time with a loved one, or heck, if you’re the loner type, even just alone.

Historic districts are my thing, and this one doesn’t disappoint. I love the idea that in the 1700s (1700s y’all !!!) people were living and working here, and many of the buildings are still standing. Many of the workers who built the San Juan Capistrano Mission lived here, and there were general stores and restaurants to serve their needs.
There are still people living here in newer houses sprinkled in between the old stuff, and there’s a great historic park with photographs and really interesting gardens.
You have to seek this out because the area is not really evident from the upper streets of SJC. Just cross over the train tracks.
We strolled through the district, taking it all in. Relaxing and educational. Just watch out for the train ’cause there are only two single barriers that lower, and you’re standing inches from the train track when you cross over to the main side.

This is something else, thats for sure.
I was not expecting such a tiny, old street, everything is original, you really feel like you are back in time.
WAY back, and I felt way too tall, the houses are tiny, most of them turned into cute shops and cafes.
Great, short walk to take in a piece of the past, very cool to see and great photo ops!

A cute little historic district by the mission. Beware of the petting zoo — when there’s a northerly wind this place can really get gamey. The buildings are neat and it’s a great place to walk off lunch or an early dinner.

Old San Juan at its finest there’s a few cool shops and eating establishments here as well as a great deal of history! There is a petting zoo here that has a few animals and horse rides. They used to do Hay Rides when I was little but I don’t believe the Jones Family owns the farm anymore. With in the past few years they built a cool little park that has a playground and some benches. My favorite part of coming down here has to be walking up and down the street looking at the houses or at night looking for ghosts I’m a strong believer that parts of San Juan are haunted due to the long history of the town!

San Juan Capistrano has a love affair with it’s history. Los Rios district has the feel of the western town inside Knotts Berry Farm, but you don’t have to pay to enter. Whether you arrive by Amtrak, or have to deposit your wheels in the nearby public multilevel parking lot, it is an easy walk across the tracks and down the few blocks of tree-​lined, dusty road that runs past this historic settlement.
You hear the clang clang warning that announces a train is coming down the tracks, and the rustic smell of eucalyptus and really old pioneers’ homes. Quaint, flower laden gardens, and cottages are transformed into restaurants and boutiques. You will almost forget where you are for a moment as you saunter down the road, until you hit that first speed bump.
Cross to the other side of the tracks, and you are almost there, so close to the mission. Capistrano, while definitely touristy, has made sure you will enjoy the day out with the family. You should come at least once.

Nothing like combining exercise, history and great food into one experience. That is what the Los Rios Historic District does.
The district is located behind the Capistrano Depot in San Juan Capistrano and features a small park, three original adobe buildings (The Montanez, the Rios, and the Silvas) all built between the late 1700’s and early 1800’s and an abundance of plant life (most of it marked for easy identification). You can also visit Zoomars Petting Zoo, Hummingbird Cottage, Apple Rose Cottage, Ramos House Café, The Tea House on Los Rios, Lemon Drop Grove, Ito Nursery and The O’Neill Museum.
Zoomars features a large petting zoo and pony rides for young children. The Tea House on Los Rios specializes in event planning to include: Baby and Bridal Showers, Garden Weddings, Birthday and Anniversary Parties. Practically every home on Los Rios has been converted into some sort of business or has a business springing off of it.
On a nice day, you can casually walk the district, take in a little history and grab a bite to eat all at one location. Most of the businesses are pet friendly, so make sure to bring your four-​legged friends.

What a great and quaint little place to visit. Fun, informative and relaxing.
We cruised around on foot and saw some great old homes, a cute little park, the main street with various gift shops and restaurants.
Very laid back and relaxing way to spend some time checking out old Mission homes/​adobes and the beautiful trees and plant life. Pack up the kids and pets and come enjoy the day and all Los Rios has to offer.
Los Rios is located right behind the Amtrak train station, and is a two way street, so you need to step out of the way when a car is coming.