Take the train through the desert and into the 18th century when Spanish missionaries were first settling in California. In 1776 they rode their horses into the city of San Juan Capistrano and built the first vineyard, the oldest active chapel and the most successful mission in the entire state.
Some of the original adobe huts built over two-hundred years ago are still intact making the walkable town center feel like a quaint Mexican pueblo.
The historic community makes for a relaxing day trip. For twenty dollars you can take the train from San Diego or Los Angeles. After a little more than an hour of expansive mountain views you'll step into the oldest continually occupied residential neighborhood in California. Across the tracks and around the corner you'll find a quiet road lined with cafes, boutiques and thrift stores.
My first stop was at the Ramos House; a pretty little restaurant situated in a wooden cottage built in 1881. For around fifteen dollars a plate you can fill up on gourmet comfort food like black truffle mac n' cheese or a goat cheese pancake.
A few hours can easily be passed perusing the shops. The Old Barn Antique Mall is a treasure-trove of typewriters, fans, porcelain, first edition novels, tea pots, costume jewelry, faux fur and more. An entire section of the store is devoted to old Native American trinkets picked up in the surrounding area.
After four or five hours you'll be plenty ready to get back on the train and head home. While you may never go back to San Juan Capistrano again, you'll have seen a magical part of California that so many never will. Hopefully, like me, it will also open your eyes to the infinite number of picturesque towns that exist just beyond the limits of your city.
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