Mission supporters keep a focus on history with changing museum-quality exhibits. The new gatehouse, under construction now, promises to add to the legacy.
Silver Horseshoe
San Juan Capistrano Historical Society
31831 Los Rios St., 949.493.8444
NOMINEES: Adobes • Blas Aguilar Adobe • Family Classic Cars • Swallow’s Inn • Train Depot • Open Space LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Mission San Juan Capistrano
BEST REASON TO LIVE IN SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
Golden Horseshoe
The People
If you looked at a list of the 400-plus cities in California, Capistrano’s population would actually rank it near the middle. But it never feels like it. When we set aside the arguments over growth and politics, we all know Capistrano’s a special place that attracts special people.
Silver Horseshoe
Small Town Atmosphere
NOMINEES: Beauty • Climate • Downtown • Equestrian Lifestyle • History • Mission SJC • Old Town Feel/Ambiance LAST YEAR’S WINNER: The People
Showing Off BEST PLACE TO TAKE OUT OF TOWNERS
Golden Horseshoe
Mission San Juan Capistrano
26802 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300
Beautiful grounds, Capistrano’s history showcased and that self-guided audio tour make the Mission the natural choice.
Silver Horseshoe
Los Rios District
Los Rios Street, north of Del Obispo Street
NOMINEES: Bad to the Bone • Bagel Shack • Los Rios Street • Café Mozart • Camino Real Playhouse • Cedar Creek Inn • Christmas Tree Lighting • El Adobe de Capistrano • Family Classic Cars • Hidden House Café • Ortega Equestrian Center • Ramos House Café • Ricardo’s Place • Regency Theatre • Ruby’s • Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot • Shea Therapeutic Riding Center • Swallow’s Inn • Tannins Restaurant and Wine Bar • The Antique Barn • The Black Cat Gallery • The Oaks • Depot Area • The Vintage Steakhouse
Carolyn Franks, with one of the star attractions at ZOOMARS Petting Zoo in the Los Rios District. Courtesy Photo
BEST PLACE TO TAKE CHILDREN
Golden Horseshoe
ZOOMARS Petting Zoo
31791 Los Rios St., 949.831.6550
Carolyn Franks runs a western wonderland for kids at the edge of the Historic Los Rios District: Pony rides, the bunny pen, parties and now even panning for gold. A great place to let kids be kids, for about the same price as a cup of java.
Silver Horseshoe
Mission San Juan Capistrano
26802 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300
NOMINEES: Ballpark Pizza • Bagel Shack • Family Classic Cars • Los Rios Park • Mission San Juan Capistrano • Ortega Equestrian Center • Pond at Plant Depot • Ruby’s • The Ceramics Studio • The Hot Lunch Lady LAST YEAR’S WINNER: ZOOMARS Petting Zoo