Things to Do Near the The Tea House on Los Rios

This is a guest post fromOrange County Insiders, An Insider’s Guide to Orange County, CA. 

The Tea House on Los Rios is nestled within San Juan Capistrano’sLos Rios Historic District, the oldest neighborhood in the state of California. 

After spending an afternoon indulging in signature teas, black currant scones, and a variety of finger sandwiches, the district is an ideal place to take a stroll and learn about the area’s rich history. It is pedestrian-friendly and feels like you’re stepping back in time to the Orange County of the 1800s. 

Below is a list of some of the most popular places to visit near The Tea House

Los Rios Park

Los Rios Park provides ample space for families to gather. There is a children’s playground, beautiful landscaping, and plenty of seating. 

Dotting the park are numerous photographic plaques containing historical facts so you can learn more about the beginnings of the Los Rios neighborhood. 

Montanez Adobe

The Montanez Adobe is a privately owned historic home from the 19th century, constructed in the Spanish colonial style. It is one of three remaining adobes in the area and there have been significant efforts to preserve it for future generations. You can tour this adobe for free and get a glimpse of how Mission Indians in the area lived. 

Butterfly Sanctuary

Surrounding the Montanez Adobe is a butterfly sanctuary. This is a serene place to sit and observe the various butterfly species that feed on the wildflowers. 

O’Neill Museum

The O’Neill Museum is a Victorian home built in the 1880s. It was one of the first wooden buildings in the area. Currently, it displays artifacts from indigenous people who inhabited the area to the time of the Spanish missionaries. 

Admission is $1. 

TEAque

TEAque is a highly curated, tea-centric gift shop located right next to The Tea House. 

Here, you can find everything from your favorite teas and tea sets to garden sculptures and hats. This is the perfect place to commemorate your visit to The Tea House with a souvenir. 

There are several other gift shops within walking distance of TEAque as well, including Las Catrinas. 

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Last but not least, a post on things to do near The Tea House would not be complete without mentioningMission San Juan Capistrano. Although the mission is not located within the Los Rios Historic District, it is still within walking distance from The Tea House and is by far the most popular attraction in the city of San Juan Capistrano. 

Founded by Spanish missionaries in 1776, it holds a significant place in California's history as the seventh of the 21 California missions established by the Franciscan Order. The mission is renowned for its stunning architecture, including the iconic bell tower, beautiful gardens, and courtyards.

General admission for adults is $18. 

Make the Most of Your Visit to The Tea House

The unique charm of the surrounding area can make your trip to The Tea House on Los Rios extra special. Whether you want to shop, learn about the area’s history, or just appreciate the tranquility of the landscape, there is something for everyone to enjoy.