Since moving back to southern California I've been mostly too busy to enjoy my environment aside from the usual two or three beaches I spend outdoor time at. I thought it was about time I corrected that situation.
Apart from the beaches, when friends from elsewhere talk about southern California they mention crowded roads and dreadful traffic. While that may be so in rush hour and is truer the closer you get towards LA and San Diego, in parts of Orange County there are times and places where the crowds and pace of life is more country than big city. The Los Rios area of San Juan Capistrano in Orange County is one of those places.
I parked in a car park at Verdugo Street and walked across the train tracks to Los Rios Street.
There are several historical sites to see but that day I focused on a small section of Los Rios Street.
You aren't very far from the freeway and the hustle and bustle of surface streets but right now it feels like a world away from that.
This is a section of Los Rios park which backs onto Los Rios Street.
Along this section are several cafes and tea shops and unique boutiques.
The owners have decorated with an eye to olde world charm with a touch of quirkiness.
I could imagine myself far away, deep in the countryside.
The Spanish influence is not far away.
I didn't have time to fully investigate and wander around this area but I look forward to doing so soon.
