We just wrapped up our visit to Capistrano Beach, just two days before our trip to San Diego for Thanksgiving. We were pleasantly surprised by all the charm we found in the beach towns of Capistrano, Dana Point and San Clemente.

For our hotel accommodations we chose to stay at the Riviera Beach Resort located right in the heart of Capistrano Beach. We had an entire suite to ourselves which included a living room, full kitchen, spa bathroom, bedroom and patio with a BBQ. Both our bedroom and living had panoramic ocean view which made you instantly feel the vacation vibes.

One of the best selling points of this resort is how perfectly centrally located it is. The property is right off the Pacific Coast Highway and it’s a very short drive to many great restaurants, beaches and local attractions. Our hotel booking came with a parking inside the garage, so it was very convenient to come and go as we pleased.

Another great benefit of the location of the Riviera Beach Resort is there are many options for scenic day trips to explore the coast. San Diego is only a 50 minute drive, Laguna Beach is a very short 20 minute drive, and Disneyland is about 40 minutes away. If you’re planning an extended stay at the resort, you certainly would never get bored!

The Best Things To Do at the riviera beach resort on a Rainy Day

On the second day of our stay, a storm rolled in and we were completely rained out. Luckily the Riviera Resort has multiple indoor recreation areas, so we were still able to have a great time and keep little Scout fully entertained. The Riviera Resort property has an arcade Fun Zone, family lounges, and a covered Sun Deck with a ping pong table and ocean views. On chilly days you can also enjoy a warm soak in the hot tub.

When visiting a coastal town in California, usually the main thing on the itinerary is spending time outdoors at the beach. But if you’re traveling during the winter months, sometimes rainy days will change your plans.

Here’s some of our favorite ways to enjoy a beach vacation on winter days:

Cuddle Up and Watch Movies

Our living room in our suite at the Riviera Resort came with a big screen TV and multiple options for streaming entertainment. Our bedroom also came with a big screen TV so you can watch multiple shows in the same hotel room (no fighting over the remote!). You’ve got the ocean views right outside your window, so you still get a feel for the beach while inside.

Make a Coffee Run

While we did have a coffee maker inside our kitchen, we wanted to try out the local coffee makers Bear Coast Coffee. They have coffee shop locations in both Dana Point and San Clemente, and both are just a short drive from the hotel.

Cook a Meal

Our hotel suite came with a fully equipped kitchen including a full size stove, refrigerator, pots and pans, a blender, coffee maker, toaster and serving plates and utensils. There’s also a full-sized BBQ out on the patio. So if you don’t feel like going out to eat, you can hit up one of the many local grocery stores and shop for ingredients to cook-up some delicious home cooked meals.

Local Eats

During our stay we did a combo of cooking in our suite and eating out. One morning we braved the rain and enjoyed breakfast at Maison Cafe + Market and later on we had tacos at Lupe’s Mexican Eatery. Both restaurants serve up healthy and fresh menu items, very California style dinning!

Family Ping Pong Tournament

The outdoor deck with the ping pong table is completely covered from the rain. So you can throw on a sweatshirt and still enjoy some semi-outdoor time and fresh air. On the deck you have full views of the ocean, and during rainy days you can hear the waves crashing in the background.

For the adults there’s also a pool table in the adult lounge for some billiard fun.

Outlet Mall Shopping

If you’re visiting the resort during the holiday season, then you might want to swing by the Outlets at San Clemente. Not only do they carry great fashion brands, but they also have a huge Christmas tree adorned with sparkling lights. Full disclose, some portions of the mall are outdoors so you may still experience some rain sprinkles, but you can always take cover inside your favorite stores.

Fitness Center

A rainy day is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the fitness center on the property of the Riviera Beach Resort. Maybe a run on the beach isn’t the best option in the rain, but you can totally listen to your favorite tunes while running on the treadmill. Then you’ll be able to enjoy your indulgent vacation meals guilt-free!