Visit San Clemente

Famed for its Spanish Colonial architecture, San Clemente attracts vacationers with its dramatic views and powerful winds. Bounded by a steep bluff, San Clemente State Beach offers an escape for visitors looking to surf, hike or just set up camp. Head to the “Pier Bowl”, with its unique restaurants and shops. San Clemente Pier offers a chance to relax and enjoy your surroundings, with incredible views of the coast.

The San Clemente Pier and beach is the best place to begin exploring. Plan time for sunbathing, reading a book, swimming, swinging the kids on the beach swings, having a picnic overlooking the beach, or dining on the pier. Visit San Clemente today! Visit here for a list of all the great beaches of southern California.

Weather – When to Visit San Clemente

During the spring (March – May) humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel moderate. Highs range between 72.6°F and 60°F with similar temperatures in the later months. Spring (June – August) is the second busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do. June – August is the busiest season for tourism in San Clemente, so lodging and other accommodations may cost more than usual. September – November have daily highs between 78.1°F and 66.9°F. Tourism is fairly slow during these months due to the weather, so hotels will be slightly less expensive. During December – February, weather is somewhat cool. The average high during this season is between 68.2°F and 62.7°F.

What Should You Pack?

When figuring out what to pack for the beach, there are two tips to keep in mind. First, forgetting an item isn’t the end of the world. Unless you’re heading for a remote, deserted island, chances are you can find a store where you can pick up the extras. Second, don’t stress out over making a packing list when there’s a stress-free beach travel essentials list for you below:

  • Sunglasses and hats offer much-needed sunscreen and flip flops are perfect for navigating hot, sandy beaches. Go pack them now so you’re not kicking yourself later.
  • What about those little items that make beach visits so much more enjoyable? For a little extra comfort on your trip, make sure you pack: Lip balmsunscreenbug spray.
  • Beach toys and goggles are a must for kids. Building sandcastles and viewing the underwater wonders are perennial favorites.
  • Take a first-aid kit with you. Hopefully you’ll only have to worry about a few minor scrapes from seashells, but having your own kit handy is a good precaution.
  • Beach Bag – Your beach bag will likely contain a few of the items mentioned above. For a well-rounded bag, consider tossing in sunscreenlip balmbug sprayfirst-aid kit and water-proof baggies.
  • Beach Gear – No matter who’s supplying the gear, look to have the following items on hand: beach bagbeach chairsbeach towelsbeach umbrella or tentbeach cart and a cooler.
  • Remember: Don’t wait until you’re parched to drink. When you’re out in the heat and sun, it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking regularly. So take along a water bottle as well.

San Clemente Surf Beaches

San Onofre State Beach

San Onefre State Beach, San Clemente California, Visit San Clemente, best surfing beaches California, California surfing beaches, California beaches, San Clemente beaches, beach travel, beach travel destinations, San Clemente hotels, best San Clemente restaurants, best San Clemente nightlife, things to do in San Clemente, San Clemente attractions

Dubbed “San-O” by the locals, San Onofre State Beach is perhaps the only place in the world where you can drive your car onto the beach and catch waves within sight of a (now closed) nuclear power plant. The beach has cinder block changing rooms and bathrooms. It also has open showers inside bamboo grottos for purging the salt and sand from you and your gear. Keep in mind that this beach has great waves for beginners on long boards, and everyone knows about it, so…it gets crowded! Join the dawn patrol to avoid the snaking line of cars that builds up outside the parking lot every weekend. Go here for a list of the best surfing beaches in California.

Doheny State Beach

Doheny State Beach, San Clemente California, Visit San Clemente, best surfing beaches California, California surfing beaches, California beaches, San Clemente beaches, beach travel, beach travel destinations, San Clemente hotels, best San Clemente restaurants, best San Clemente nightlife, things to do in San Clemente, San Clemente attractions

Though technically located in Capo Beach beyond the northern-border of San Clemente, this is one of the best beginner surfing beaches around. The small waves and long breaks are ideal for long boards and allow many surfers to catch the same wave (and it’s expected at this beginner spot). As an added bonus, it’s a short walk to the water–You can see the parking lot from where you’re floating. Go here for a list of the best surfing beaches in California.

North Beach

North Beach, San Clemente California, Visit San Clemente, best surfing beaches California, California surfing beaches, California beaches, San Clemente beaches, beach travel, beach travel destinations, San Clemente hotels, best San Clemente restaurants, best San Clemente nightlife, things to do in San Clemente, San Clemente attractions

This is a family oriented beach (complete with playground) that caters to bodysurfers and bodyboarders and even has its own restaurant, North Beach Burger, open during the summer. With ample parking and maintained restrooms, this is a good spot to consider whether you are surfing for the first time or just want to hang out. If you head south along the strand, you will come to a break known as 204. This is another popular spot, though its conditions are often in flux due to the changing nature of the sand bars that create the breaks. Go here for a list of the best surfing beaches in California.

Trestles

Trestles, San Clemente California, Visit San Clemente, best surfing beaches California, California surfing beaches, California beaches, San Clemente beaches, beach travel, beach travel destinations, San Clemente hotels, best San Clemente restaurants, best San Clemente nightlife, things to do in San Clemente, San Clemente attractions

Trestles is known as a world-class surf spot. It’s not recommended for beginners, but it is recommended as a spot where you can learn a lot about surfing simply by watching. The main spots are Church, Lowers, Middles, Uppers and Cottons. Walk from one end of the beach to the other and observe how each of these spots changes the character of the waves, and where surfers line up at each. There is a lot that you can learn at Trestles with this simple strategy, and you will take home ideas that you can try in your own surfing. Go here for a list of the best surfing beaches in California.

San Clemente Pier North

San Clemente Pier North, San Clemente California, Visit San Clemente, best surfing beaches California, California surfing beaches, California beaches, San Clemente beaches, beach travel, beach travel destinations, San Clemente hotels, best San Clemente restaurants, best San Clemente nightlife, things to do in San Clemente, San Clemente attractions

If you’re looking for a conveniently located break, you’ll find one at the north side of the San Clemente Pier. Park at the lot off of Avenida Del Mar and you have arrived. The swell can get aggressive here, so be sure to pick a day when the waves are manageable for your skill level. Go here for a list of the best surfing beaches in California.

.

.

San Clemente Attractions

San Clemente Pier

San Clemente Pier, San Clemente California, Visit San Clemente, best surfing beaches California, California surfing beaches, California beaches, San Clemente beaches, beach travel, beach travel destinations, San Clemente hotels, best San Clemente restaurants, best San Clemente nightlife, things to do in San Clemente, San Clemente attractions

San Clemente Pier is an icon of the city and one of the best spots to visit. A great place to dine, watch a sunset, enjoy the beach, and more. Dine on the pier at Fisherman’s which has stunning views of the ocean and San Clemente beach. The beach surrounding the pier are perfect for relaxing in the sun, grilling, or having a bonfire at night. Walk to Casa Romantica for an inexpensive hostircal tour and amazing view of the San Clemente Pier.

Dana Point Harbor

Dana Point Harbor, San Clemente California, Visit San Clemente, best surfing beaches California, California surfing beaches, California beaches, San Clemente beaches, beach travel, beach travel destinations, San Clemente hotels, best San Clemente restaurants, best San Clemente nightlife, things to do in San Clemente, San Clemente attractions

The Dana Point Harbor offers specialty shopping, fishing and whale watching excursions, kayaking, Catalina transportation, and a variety of restaurants from coffee shops to fine waterfront dining. Across the bridge to Dana Island, more walking paths lead to yacht clubs, a restaurant and a continuation of the quiet waterside parkways. 

.

San Clemente Beach Coastal Trail

San Clemente Beach Coastal Trail, San Clemente California, Visit San Clemente, best surfing beaches California, California surfing beaches, California beaches, San Clemente beaches, beach travel, beach travel destinations, San Clemente hotels, best San Clemente restaurants, best San Clemente nightlife, things to do in San Clemente, San Clemente attractions

The San Clemente Beach Coastal Trail is a 2.3 mile long trail with access to the uninterrupted sandy shoreline of San Clemente in Orange County. This wide dirt path is popular with cyclists, walkers, and runners. Beach goers can park at any of the beaches along the route to access the beaches.

.

.

Casa Romantica Coastal Center

Casa Romantica Coastal Center, San Clemente California, Visit San Clemente, best surfing beaches California, California surfing beaches, California beaches, San Clemente beaches, beach travel, beach travel destinations, San Clemente hotels, best San Clemente restaurants, best San Clemente nightlife, things to do in San Clemente, San Clemente attractions

Casa Romantica has developed a reputation for wide-ranging cultural programming, including music, art, dance, theater, horticulture, and a lecture series that bring international talent to south Orange County. Casa Romantica’s estate, gardens, and exhibition galleries are open to the public daily during our normal hours.

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Mission San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente California, Visit San Clemente, best surfing beaches California, California surfing beaches, California beaches, San Clemente beaches, beach travel, beach travel destinations, San Clemente hotels, best San Clemente restaurants, best San Clemente nightlife, things to do in San Clemente, San Clemente attractions

Mission San Juan Capistrano, historic landmark and museum, is the Birthplace of Orange County. It is a monument to California’s multi-cultural history, embracing its Native American, Spanish, Mexican and European heritage.

.

.

Things to do in San Clemente

Reel to Reef Charters

Mark Austin, former professional surfer, licensed captain and avid fisherman offers surfing and fishing adventures through Reel to Reef Charters! Join them on fishing trips for Yellow Fin Tuna, Yellowtail, Dorado, Albacore, Blue Fin, Halibut, Rock Fish, Barracuda, Bonita, and Calico Bass! Telephone: 949-842-3093 Web: Reel to Reef Charters

Dana Point Parasail

Welcome to Dana Point Parasailing! Want to parasail off Doheny State Beach? You’ve come to the right place! They’re located in Dana Point Harbor right off the 5 freeway and Pacific Coast Highway. Telephone: 949-877-9822 Web: Dana Point Parasail

369 Surf

369 SURF Board rentals ,private lessons, surf school, beach gear, wax, wet suits, SUP’s, body boards, online surf shop local delivery service w/guided tours of south orange county & San Diego. Telephone: 949-369-7873 Web: 369 Surf

Dana Wharf Whale Watching & Sportfishing

Delight in the exciting sights and sounds of the magnificent ocean creatures off Dana Point. Known as a landmark for marine life sightings, Dana Wharf’s ocean adventure cruises offer a rare glimpse into a huge variety of underwater wildlife and gorgeous scenic views you’ll never forget! Telephone: 1 800-590-9994 Web: Dana Wharf Whale Watching & Sportfishing

San Clemente Surf Board Rentals

For the ultimate southern california surfing experience. Go with a local surf guide to all the best point break, reef break and beach breaks this area has to offer. Guaranteed fun waves from San Clemente to San Diego or wherever you desire . Telephone: 1 888-995-1288 Web: San Clemente Surf Board Rentals

Small Group Napa Wine Tour w/Castello di Amoroso & Lunch

Pamper yourself at three prestigious Napa wineries, including Castello Di Amorosa and Robert Mondavi. On this day trip from San Francisco you are chauffeured to the Napa Valley by luxury minibus. Make it a romantic getaway or travel with family and friends during a relaxing ride across the Golden Gate Bridge. Numbers are limited for a small-group experience with your guide.  Read more about Small Group Napa Wine Tour or Book Now.

Best San Clemente Restaurants

$-Inexpensive     $$-Moderate     $$$-Pricey     $$$$-Ultra High End

$$$$ Vine

VINE is an all-encompassing Wine Country dining experience, a full bar, featuring craft cocktails, Open Kitchen, and a Semi-Private Dining table in their Wine Room. It offers South Orange County residents and visitors a fine dining night out with a complete food and wine experience. Telephone:
949-361-2079 Web: Vine

$$ – $$4 Nick’s San Clemente

Great food, and warm hospitality. Whether you are looking for a fireside cocktail or a dinner with friends, their carefully chosen menu of sandwiches, steaks, salads, seafood, and handcrafted beverages has a variety of choices to satisfy any appetite. Telephone: 949-481-2200 Web: Nick’s San Clemente

$$ – $$$ MRK Public

Founded by three local chefs, MRK Public is everything you want in a local, casual, approachable gastro-pub. This family-friendly restaurant serves up the freshest ingredients, in chef-inspired dishes, with hand-selected craft beer and an excellent wine list. Telephone: 949-441-7621 Web: MRK Public

$$ – $$$ Fig@313

Fig@313 will tempt your taste buds with exquisite New American cuisine. Their  Executive Chef has created a fresh and diverse menu unlike any you’ve experienced before, combining  classical cuisine with a modern, sophisticated presentation. Seasonal dishes highlight the freshest ingredients of the moment. Telephone: 949-218-4406 Web: Fig@313

$$$$ Interactive Dinner in a Chef’s Private Kitchen

You and your guests will be welcomed by Chef Mashav to her kitchen and dining space to enjoy a private dinning experience. Interact and engage in the cooking process, ask questions, look what’s in the pots and pans, all while sipping your drink and enjoying hors d’oeuvres. Then you’ll be seated at the table in the formal dining room to a enjoy a full 4 course dinner of your choice. Read more about the interactive dinner or book now.

Best San Clemente Nightlife

South of Nick’s

Creative Mexican classics, a “kicking” bar scene, an elite list of sipping tequilas all set within a beautiful historic Spanish Colonial abode. Telephone: 949-481-4545 Web: South of Nick’s

Pierside

Pierside Kitchen + Bar is beach bistro located just steps from the water in downtown San Clemente’s “Pier Bowl.” Pierside offers fresh cuisine, an upscale atmosphere with an unbeatable view and great hospitality. Visit our fun, cozy bar and sample our creative craft libations, great wines, and micro brews on tap.  Telephone: 949-218-0980 Web: Pierside

Fisherman’s Restaurant

Dine on the pier and watch beach goers, surfing, and the sunset as you enjoy American seafood selections. Sit over the beach, listen to the sea sounds, watch the surfers, and eat great food. Telephone: 949-498-6390 Web: Fisherman’s Restaurant

Goody’s Tavern

Goody’s Tavern is a great place to relax, hang out with your friends and watch your favorite sports games on one of the six 60” TV’s. Challenge your friends to a game of darts, Golden Tee or a game of pool on one of their regulation size pool tables. Drink specials, free raffles and complimentary food a few reason why you don’t want to miss football Sundays at Goody’s. Telephone: 949-492-3400 Web: Goody’s Tavern

Ole’s Tavern

This place is like family. You walk in and know everyone! Strong and cheap drinks you just cant go wrong!! Bartenders are great. Awesome jukebox and on Tuesday they have free tacos with a purchase of a drink. Telephone: 949-498-9400 Web: Ole’s Tavern

Best San Clemente Hotels

The Volare

The Volare, San Clemente California, Visit San Clemente, best surfing beaches California, California surfing beaches, California beaches, San Clemente beaches, beach travel, beach travel destinations, San Clemente hotels, best San Clemente restaurants, best San Clemente nightlife, things to do in San Clemente, San Clemente attractions

When you stay here at the The Volarè Resort, you don’t just get the best hotel location in town, you get much more. ​ With a variety of room types all providing a wide selection of pillows paired with our pillow-top mattresses and luxurious linens you will get a great night’s rest. Wake up to their complimentary breakfast, where you then will be ready to explore the beautiful downtown shops and beach. For more information, pricing, or to reserve your room visit The Volare.

Holiday Inn Express San Clemente

Holiday Inn Express San Clemente California, Visit San Clemente, best surfing beaches California, California surfing beaches, California beaches, San Clemente beaches, beach travel, beach travel destinations, San Clemente hotels, best San Clemente restaurants, best San Clemente nightlife, things to do in San Clemente, San Clemente attractions

This San Clemente, California hotel is easily accessible from local attractions and provides a free daily hot breakfast buffet. Guest accommodations are furnished with many modern conveniences, including microwaves and mini-refrigerators. The hotel also offers free wireless internet access as well as an outdoor swimming pool and modern fitness center. For more information, pricing, or to reserve your room visit the Holiday Inn Express San Clemente.

Hampton Inn & Suites San Clemente

Hampton Inn & Suites San Clemente California, Visit San Clemente, best surfing beaches California, California surfing beaches, California beaches, San Clemente beaches, beach travel, beach travel destinations, San Clemente hotels, best San Clemente restaurants, best San Clemente nightlife, things to do in San Clemente, San Clemente attractions

Make yourself at home in one of the 69 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and LCD televisions. Cable programming and DVD players are provided for your entertainment, while complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected. Bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include desks and microwaves, as well as phones with free local calls. For more information, pricing, or to reserve your room visit the Hampton Inn & Suites San Clemente.

Travelodge by Wyndham San Clemente

Travelodge by Wyndham San Clemente California, Visit San Clemente, best surfing beaches California, California surfing beaches, California beaches, San Clemente beaches, beach travel, beach travel destinations, San Clemente hotels, best San Clemente restaurants, best San Clemente nightlife, things to do in San Clemente, San Clemente attractions

Whether you are our guest for just one night or an extended stay, this hotel offers comfortable accommodations at a great price. After each day of adventure, relax in guest rooms with free WiFi, a microwave, refrigerator and an in-room safe. For more information, pricing, or to reserve your room visit the Travelodge by Wyndham San Clemente.

.

.

San Clemente Inn

San Clemente Inn, San Clemente California, Visit San Clemente, best surfing beaches California, California surfing beaches, California beaches, San Clemente beaches, beach travel, beach travel destinations, San Clemente hotels, best San Clemente restaurants, best San Clemente nightlife, things to do in San Clemente, San Clemente attractions

This hotel offers three styles of rooms to fit everyone’s needs. Their rooms are newly remodeled to offer a memorable experience whether it’s your first visit to the inn or you’ve been here before. They have rooms to accommodate groups of all sizes, such as the Crest suite for six and the economical studio for two. For more information, pricing, or to reserve your room visit the San Clemente Inn.



Booking.com

46 Comments

  1. Garry Brown

    Thank you for all this information, Fishermans restaurant sounds lovely and is sure a place i would love to visit.

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      You are so welcome Garry, thanks for stopping by to Visit San Clemente!

      Reply
  2. Jen

    San Clemente looks like a really great place to visit, and like San Diego the temperature seems to be comfortable all year long. I would love to visit some time. The information you have here along with the pictures make it inviting and it doesn’t seem to expensive when I look it up. Thanks so much for sharing. I’m going to look into vacationing in the less busier months. The fall seems like a good time to go. Great informational post.

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Thank you Jen, glad you enjoyed my post and hopefully you will can visit San Clemente this fall. I know you will love it. Please let me know if you need any further information.

      Reply
  3. Alblue

    Well now my option for beach traveling has gone up by 1. I have a plan to go next year, probably between US or Europe. If I go to US, probably will visit Los Angeles, New York, or California. Do you know how to access San Clemente from Los Angeles (and how long, since it may affect my planning)? If possible, I would like to just visit it without spending night there. Is it better to visit on morning or evening? Thanks 

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      It under an hour drive to San Clemente, so not far at all.  Wow!  Sounds like you are going to have quite a vacation!  I I can help in any way, please let me know.

      Reply
  4. Paul

    Wow what a very informative post, i have not ventured much through the states and being from Australia and now living in Canada it is not that far away. Are you a surfer ? You made my mouth water from your very informative info of great surf spots in the area.  the weather is confusing to me coming from a metric system lol, but for the price i would probably end up going in September or October, so there are not as many crowds. I think it would be a great spot to visit as part of a holiday where i visit so other areas close by. Thanks Paul

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      My son is a surfer 🙂  I have done it, but I am not that great at it.  But surfing is a blast, that I can tell you!  I hope you can visit San Clemente soon.  Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  5. Jeff

    Hi – Thanks for a comprehensive summary. I’ve never been to CA but would like to go visit and from what I see it looks like San Clemente would be beautiful place to visit. The Pier looks amazing! A few questions. Any recommendations for great outdoor music entertainment? Also, I don’t surf but would love to go see a surfing competition, which of these beeches would you recommend for competition viewing? 

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Hi Jeff!  There are a lot of music venues coming up and rather than list them all here, you can go to the San Clemente CA Music Events and find the complete list.  Here is a link to theschedule for surfing competitions as well.  They are so much fun to watch!  You will enjoy!

      Reply
  6. Olalekan

    Hi! Your time and effort to put this review together to share is really appreciated. I love the pictures of San Clemente that you have shared. I have always dream of visiting a beautiful beach like this and have a tour around the gorgeous city as well. I will plan my next vacation to be San Clemente. I really want to have this wonderful experience of a great city. Thanks for sharing this article. 

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Great!  You will love it!  Please let me know if you need any assistance with your travel plans 🙂

      Reply
  7. Steve

    Wow! It seems like San Clemente really has something for everyone! I unfortunately did not visit this spot the last time I was on vacation in California. It was my first time out there and we went right on down to San Diego, but now I’m wishing we had stopped here! I would have loved to watch the surfers do there thing out there as I have never had the privilege of seeing that live! Thanks so much for the great information! It appears I have another destination on my list of places to visit. 

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      It is so much fun to watch the surfers!  Makes you want to get right out there and try it yourself…which I did.  Super hard!  Yes, you will have to visit if you enjoy California!

      Reply
  8. smshakil

    Hi Leahrae,

    Great information on San Clemente!  I have been wanting to visit California, and found your site.  What great information on so many different places to visit in California.  I am thinking that I will enjoy the San Clemente area the most.  I appreciate all your work and look forward to booking my stay for this summer.  Thank you!

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      You are very welcome!  Please let me know if you need any additional information.  I would be glad to help!

      Reply
  9. JM80525

    Hi LeahRae!Wow! San Clemente looks like a spectacular place to visit!  I’ve never surfed a day in my life, but from your descriptions of the skill levels at the various beaches, I’m tempted to give the beginner waves at San Onofre or Doheny a taste.

    I’m guessing South of Nick’s is a hangout for the younger crowd, so I’d probably gravitate more toward Pierside or Goody’s Tavern. 🙂 

    I’ll definitely keep this site bookmarked for the next time I’m in SoCal!

    Thanks!Joe

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Glad you enjoyed Joe!  You only live once, so yes give surfing a try.  My son surfs and he got me to try it.  It is hard, but not as hard as I thought it would be!

      Reply
  10. Wayne

    Hello, Leahrae.  San Clemente sounds like a great place to set up camp especially after the cold temperatures we have had in the Northwest over the month of February.  the early spring temperatures would really appeal to my wife and me.

    We have a travel trailer and finding a place to set up and vedge would be just what the doctor ordered, so to speak.

    So many beaches to choose from. I think any one of them would be a great place to relax. We are just starting our retirement and relaxing is going to be near the top of our list.

    Plenty of sights to see as well so there shouldn’t be any excuses for boredom.  We like to walk so seeing some of the sites would for sure be on the to-do list.

    And restaurants. An occasional eat out would be great and it seems that there is something for every budget. I like a great plate of fish and chips so, what would you recommend for the seafood lover?

    My wife and I have been to Los Angles and Santiago in the past and this sounds like the perfect place to plan our next trip if we decide to go that far south. 

    Up until now, we haven’t really had an opportunity to go far with our trailer because of work commitments but with retirement, our options are going be a little more open.

    Thanks for adding to our options,

    Wayne

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Hi Wayne,  thanks for taking the time to comment on my visit San Clemente post!  The best places for seafood are Nick’s (on my list) and The Fisherman.  Both are excellent for seafood.  I think you and your wife will have a great time with the travel trailer in San Clemente.  Lots of relaxing to do for sure!

      Reply
  11. Aweda Olakunle

    I love learning about beautiful places and your site is one that always provides me with them. San O sounds beautiful from your post and an absolutely gorgeous place to visit. It also houses Interesting side attractions apart from the beaches. This makes me more interested in visiting San clemente. Thanks for sharing this beautiful place 

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Thanks for stopping by and visiting Beach Travel Destinations.

      Reply
  12. Topazdude

    Great visit, wonderful guide. I have been collecting some information on this San Clemente Pier because is a place of my passion to visit after completing my first degree for relaxing and amazing leisure time as I want to add it to my tour taken list sooner. I really love being on tour and I learnt is a great place to experience a beautiful view and a nice meal. There are more traditional restaurant seating on one side of the pier and a more casual side that offers outside deck seating for appetizers and drinks. This is close to the downtown shopping as well as a few small hotels. This guide really serve as an additional helpful information. Thanks admin.

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      You are very welcome! Glad you enjoyed beach travel destinations.  

      Reply
  13. Sanni Babatunde Bilal

    Hi there, San Clemente must be a very great and nice place reading about it don’t be surprised have not heard of the place before but now I know it as much as if have heard of it a long time ago. Thanks for these great journey. It was really a detailed article with descriptions dates, time, temperatures, weather conditions ad soo on.. I commend your writing a great and fascinating one ..  Thanks

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Thanks Sanni!

      Reply
  14. Sammynathaniels

    It is interesting to know that California is blessed with such beautiful natural beaches -San Clemente is truly a natural beauty. Probably one of the best places for a family vacation in the States. Given the chance, this would be one of my ‘must-visit’ places in the world.

    I enjoyed this article.

    Cheers.

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      California is blessed! You have that right! It is one of those destinations that everyone should experience!

      Reply
  15. Adamu2

    This article on San Clemente certainly entices me to visit San Clemente beach!  I will be making plans now to visit here.  The information was very helpful for me in deciding what to do and where to go, etc.  You have given me everything I need to start planning my vacation.  Thank you for the detailed information.

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      You are very welcome!  Please let me know if you need anything else.

      Reply
  16. Lars

    Putting an article about a sunny destination like San Clemente in front of a deep-frozen Canadian isn’t considered polite 🙂

    Jokes aside, thank you for a thorough article covering what one really needs to know about this destination i.e. the beaches, accommodation, where to eat and drink, and what to do. 

    After a long winter like the present, I would be ready to leave for San Clemente tomorrow based on your review.

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Great Lars 🙂  Thanks for stopping by beach travel destinations.

      Reply
  17. Gomer

    It’s a beautiful place to visit indeed. I have this in mind, to visit that place one day, bring my laptop with me and shoot videos and pictures to inspire my team and become good at doing online business so they can visit this place too.

    By the way, I’ve seen videos in Youtube featuring beaches in California where there’s a presence of attacking sharks. May I know how safe this place is as far as shark attack is concern? Are there any safety systems in place for the swimmers to protect them from sharks?

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Millions of people swim and surf each year off the California coast. On average, three are attacked annually by sharks, according to data from the University of Florida covering the past decade. By comparison, California injuries or deaths resulting from drownings occur at a rate 200 times higher than shark attacks.  California is also using shark sonar detection and keep a constant lookout for shark.  I hope this helps 🙂

      Reply
  18. Adisa1

    Wow, another beautiful place. I think with the stunning nature and the assortment of activities/things to do, San Clemente is the perfect beach vacation for me! It definitely looks like paradise. Their are some many things I can do while in San Clemente beach with the night life , the restaurants and the selected hotels. Thanks so much for the very informative article. Have a great day, and I am looking to vacation to San Clemente!

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Thank you for stopping by Adisa and taking the time to leave me some comments.  I know you will enjoy this whole area in California.  I hope you can visit San Clemente soon!  Please let me know if you need any additional information.

      Reply
  19. Shubhangi

    Leahrae,

    what beautiful San Clemente is! and nice review also.  Its very interesting to know that there is an actual beach where you can literally drive your car on to the beach.

    Trestles seem surfing to be very interesting in surfing and all the other activities.  I have heard that San Clemente is the safest cities in California with a strong sense of community

    Regards

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      You are right and it is a wonderful place!  Thanks for stopping by and hopefully you can visit San Clemente soon!

      Reply
  20. Craig

    For years I’ve wanted to surf but I’ve always had that moment in Forgetting Sarah Marshall come to mind where Paul Rudd is the most worthless surf instructor around. His recommendation is always ‘Do less’ until the point of ‘Well now you’re just doing nothing!’

    That being said I checked out 369 Surf in more detail on their website and on Yelp and it looks like just the right place to get started given I’m a total newbie and they provide everything you need!

    Given San Clemente is about dead center from LA and San Diego what’s the best method to get there from out of state? Fly into LAX for ease?

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Yes, fly into LAX for sure!  It will be the easiest and quickest.  You will have fun!  We are headed there this summer, my son is a surfer….

      Reply
  21. Angela

    Hi,
    Thanks for all the wonderful and thorough information about San Clemente. I’ve never had the opportunity to visit this beautiful place. If I did go, I would probably visit during our winter season ( I am from Canada ) I understand the prices for hotels may be a little more economical during this time, so that is great news for me. Thanks so much for the very informative article. Have a great day.
    Angela

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      You are so welcome Angela. And yes, being from Canada means their winter will seem warm to you! I grew up in Alaska, and I know that most anything seems warmer to me LOL I hope you can Visit San Clemente soon!

      Reply
  22. Daniella

    Wow, another beautiful place. I think we should thank God every single day for the stunning nature he has given to us:)
    San Clemente looks a trendy place to hang out in the summer. I love surfing and hiking, well I try to surf:)This would be the perfect spot for my next vacation with my kids. Thank you for the restaurant and hotel list, I’ll check these right now, it will help me decide where will be staying and eating. My biggest problem when I travel is knowing what to pack:)What would you suggest to bring with us to San Clement?

    Thank you in advance!

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      It is a beautiful beach destination! I agree, surfing is fun but oh so hard! My son competes and he finally got me to try it. It was easier than I thought it would be, but still difficult LOL. I have put together a list of beach travel essentials here. That will give you a great list of what to take 🙂

      Reply
  23. Effie

    Wow! What a beauty !! San Clemente is definitely on my list of future destinations. The beaches are gorgeous and there are so many things to do. By the way, do you happen to know how much the Whale Watching cost? I bet it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience I enjoyed the reading, Leahrae. Thank you!

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      I have been whale watching and have smelled their breath (not the greatest!) and put my hand on them (very rough feeling) and it is a once in a lifetime thing to experience! Ok the prices for the Whale & Dolphin Watching Tour is Adults: $45 and $29 for children. It is most definitely worth it. I did this in Cabo and the price was triple, so this really is a good deal 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Visit Us On TwitterVisit Us On FacebookVisit Us On PinterestCheck Our Feed