Ecology Center
A 28-acre Regenerative Organic Certified farm and education center in San Juan Capistrano, blending art, food, and sustainability.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere & market
Ecology Center
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere & market

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 28-acre Regenerative Organic Certified farm and education center in San Juan Capistrano, blending art, food, and sustainability.
"Wow, I am blown away by this place. I love the farm vibe with the freshness of produce that was picked that day."
Support Local Farms :shopping_bags:
Shop the market for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and unique floral arrangements. Great for supporting small farms!
Taste the Freshness :fork_and_knife_with_plate:
Don't miss the delicious food at Campesino Cafe, featuring ingredients grown right on the farm.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Regenerative Organic Farm
The 28-acre farm
Explore a working farm committed to sustainable and organic practices. See where your food comes from!

Campesino Cafe
Onsite cafe
Savor delicious, farm-fresh meals and snacks made with ingredients sourced directly from the farm.

Art Installations
Throughout the grounds
Discover vibrant art pieces integrated into the natural landscape, adding a unique creative flair.

Community Events
Various locations onsite
Participate in family-friendly activities, workshops, and gatherings that celebrate food and community.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Farm-to-Table Experience
Plan for Activities & Events
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Support Local Farms :shopping_bags:
Shop the market for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and unique floral arrangements. Great for supporting small farms!
Taste the Freshness :fork_and_knife_with_plate:
Don't miss the delicious food at Campesino Cafe, featuring ingredients grown right on the farm.
Family Fun :child:
Bring the kids for Eco Tots and other family-friendly activities. They'll love getting hands-on!
Explore the Art :art:
Wander the grounds and discover surprising art installations woven into the natural environment.
Tips
from all over the internet
Support Local Farms :shopping_bags:
Shop the market for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and unique floral arrangements. Great for supporting small farms!
Taste the Freshness :fork_and_knife_with_plate:
Don't miss the delicious food at Campesino Cafe, featuring ingredients grown right on the farm.
Family Fun :child:
Bring the kids for Eco Tots and other family-friendly activities. They'll love getting hands-on!
Explore the Art :art:
Wander the grounds and discover surprising art installations woven into the natural environment.
Check Event Schedule :calendar:
Look for workshops, pizza nights, and farm tours to enhance your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Ecology Center for its vibrant atmosphere, delicious farm-fresh food, and engaging art installations. It's a highly recommended spot for families and those interested in sustainability, though some note it can be a bit pricey.
"Vibrant place to be! Full of art everywhere you turn. Perfect for families and kids who like to get dirty and have a good time. I love taking my daughter to Eco Tots, eating at Campesino Cafe, visiting the chickens, and shopping at the market and floral stand. Love the place so much I started working there :)"
Kaylee Duff
"Beautiful set of venues including an outdoor stage as well as The Peace Dome, built within a wonderful seaside farming community. Great dining options. Extremely cool environment. Grateful to have been welcomed there. One of those places where the Music Never Stopped."
PM N
"Has some nice art pieces and plenty of fresh bread, fruits and veggies for sale. Butterflies abound!"
Matthew Tsou
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ecology Center is located in San Juan Capistrano, California. It's accessible by car, with parking available onsite. Public transportation options might be limited, so driving is often the most convenient way to reach this ecology center.
Yes, there is typically parking available at The Ecology Center. It's advisable to arrive a bit early, especially on weekends or during events, to secure a spot.
From major freeways in Orange County, take the appropriate exit towards San Juan Capistrano. The specific route will depend on your starting point, but GPS navigation is recommended for the most direct path to this ecology center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to explore the grounds, market, and cafe is usually free. However, specific workshops, events, or tours may require advance booking and a ticket purchase. Check their website for details.
Operating hours can vary, especially for the market, cafe, and event spaces. It's best to check The Ecology Center's official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
While exploring the farm and general areas is often free, some special events or guided farm tours might have associated costs. It's always a good idea to confirm on their website.
Yes, The Ecology Center has a market where you can purchase fresh, locally grown produce, as well as artisanal goods. This is a great way to support their regenerative farming efforts.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Families can enjoy activities like Eco Tots, Peace Pizza events, and exploring the farm. It's a fantastic place for kids to learn about nature and get hands-on experience.
Absolutely! The Ecology Center is very family-friendly, with specific programs for children and plenty of space to explore. Many visitors highlight it as a great spot for kids to 'get dirty and have a good time.'
Visitors describe it as a vibrant, cool, and unique environment with a strong community feel. It blends art, nature, and sustainable living, creating an inspiring atmosphere.
Yes, the Ecology Center features art installations throughout its grounds, adding a creative dimension to the natural setting. It's noted as being 'full of art everywhere you turn.'
Many visitors express a desire to volunteer, and it's a common way to engage with the center's mission. Check their website for any volunteer opportunities or programs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Campesino Cafe offers delicious meals and snacks made with fresh, often farm-grown ingredients. Visitors rave about the food being 'delicious and very fresh.'
The Ecology Center is a Regenerative Organic Certified farm, so the produce used in their cafe is very likely organic and sustainably sourced. They also feature products from other small farms.
Yes, visitors have praised the healthy snack options, like the 'trail cookie,' noting their freshness and flavor. They also offer dairy-free and refined-sugar-free items.
The market often features fresh bread, fruits, and vegetables. Visitors have specifically mentioned finding 'plenty of fresh bread' for sale.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire farm offers picturesque settings, from the fields and gardens to the art installations and rustic structures. The vibrant produce and natural light make for beautiful shots.
Generally, personal photography is allowed and encouraged to capture the beauty of the farm and its offerings. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding photography.
Visitors often capture images of the fresh produce, the art integrated into the landscape, family activities, and the overall farm-to-table aesthetic. It's a great spot for nature and lifestyle photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the dedicated kids' programs, the farm itself offers plenty to discover. Visiting the chickens, exploring the market, and enjoying a meal at Campesino Cafe are all family-friendly activities. The vibrant atmosphere and art installations also add an element of wonder for all ages.
🌿 Eco-Conscious Travelers
Engage with their educational programs and learn about food system transformation and ecological restoration. The center provides a tangible connection to sustainable practices, allowing you to see firsthand the impact of conscious food choices. It’s an opportunity to deepen your understanding and find inspiration for your own eco-friendly lifestyle.
foodie Travelers
Don't miss the market for artisanal goods, fresh bread, and vibrant produce. Visitors rave about the unique flavors and high quality of everything available. It's a perfect spot to discover local culinary treasures and enjoy healthy, flavorful food.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Regenerative Organic Mission
Visitors can witness these principles in action by exploring the farm, observing their composting methods, and learning about their commitment to sustainability. The farm itself is a testament to how food can be grown in a way that benefits the environment, rather than depleting it. This focus on ecological restoration is a key differentiator for this ecology center.
By supporting The Ecology Center, whether through shopping, dining, or attending events, you're directly contributing to a more sustainable future. Their work in food system transformation is vital, educating the public and incubating new ideas in agriculture and culinary arts. It's an inspiring example of how a community can come together around food and land.
Community and Education Hub
Events like 'Peace Pizza' and farm tours are popular ways for visitors to experience the center's ethos firsthand. These activities foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose, making it a welcoming environment for everyone. The center's commitment to education and mentorship is evident in the diverse programming they offer, aiming to inspire the next generation of agricultural and culinary leaders.
Beyond structured events, the very atmosphere of The Ecology Center encourages interaction and learning. The market, cafe, and art installations all contribute to a rich, multi-sensory experience. It's a place where people can engage with nature, art, and each other, fostering a deeper appreciation for sustainable practices and community well-being.
A Feast for the Senses: Art, Food, and Nature
The culinary experience is equally impressive. The Campesino Cafe serves up delicious dishes made with ingredients harvested directly from the farm, offering a true taste of farm-to-table freshness. Visitors consistently praise the quality and flavor of the food, noting its deliciousness and freshness.
From the vibrant colors of the produce and flowers in the market to the innovative art pieces and the delicious aromas from the cafe, The Ecology Center offers a holistic experience. It’s a place where you can nourish your body, engage your mind, and inspire your spirit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit