San Clemente is a charming Spanish inspired beach city located in Orange County, California. Perfectly located between Los Angeles and San Diego, this beach city is under the radar in comparison to other Orange County beach towns and in our eyes a true hidden gem. The Spanish influenced architecture, and the laid-back surf culture will immediately draw you in.
San Clemente was founded in 1928 by Ole Hanson. Drawn to the city’s location by the sea and the proximity to Los Angeles, Ole Hansen created a mecca for Hollywood actors and politicians. Richard Nixon's holiday home was located here in a picturesque 1920’s Spanish villa by the sea. The historic downtown area is quant and charming, with Del Mar as the main street with relaxed cafes, restaurants and shops all walkable to the San Clemente Pier just below. The pier is the heart of the city, with surfers and locals gathering here for morning walks or to spend their entire day on the sand or surfing. San Clemente has less tourism than the nearby Laguna Beach or Newport Beach, though all the charm and appeal.
Where to Stay
Admittingly, the San Clemente hotel scene leaves a bit to be desired. While we’ve noted the best options below, it’s worth noting there’s yet to be a great boutique hotel. We recommend an Airbnb near T-Street beach or downtown near Del Mar.
The Beachcomber Inn: Located right by the pier and just steps from the sand, The Beachcomber has been a local staple since 1953. Their rooms have a charming cottage feel with outdoor fire pits scattered throughout the property for some of the best views of the Pacific and sunsets. This hotel is also walkable to Del Mar’s restaurants and cafes.
Oceanfront Hacienda: Located right at the pier, this boutique hotel has apartment-style guestrooms making it the perfect place to come and stay for several days. The architectural bones of the space are in classic San Clemente style with the Spanish influenced wood ceiling beams and hand painted tiles throughout.
North Beach Villa: Located in North Beach and walkable to many beaches, town and charming residential streets. The building is in classic San Clemente Spanish style.
Airbnb on Beach Road: Located within the gorgeous community of Beach Rd right on the sand. The location is walkable to the start of the beach trail and a beautiful place to stay.
Airbnb by the pier: Perfectly located in the heart of the city by the San Clemente pier. This spot is walkable to Del Mar/ town and the beach.
Where to Eat
Buona Forchetta: Located in south San Clemente just off of El Camino Real, this incredible Italian spot is a favorite amongst locals.
Fisherman's: Located right on the San Clemente pier, this is our favorite restaurant in town. With their casual bar located on one side and the fish forward restaurant in the other, we are typically found here while in town enjoying the sunset and views.
South of Nicks: For a more upscale Mexican spot, South of Nicks never disappoints. It is a buzzing atmosphere with incredible Mexican dishes.
Sonny’s: This Italian restaurant is all about the local feel. The food is consistently good and the atmosphere is very laid back.
Brussels Bistro: A charming restaurant right on Del Mar, Brussels Bistro brings the best of Belgium to the West Coast.
Rare Society: Located on Del Mar, this is more of an upscale steakhouse serving incredible steaks and dishes. This restaurant recently opened and has already become a local favorite.
Café Mimosa: A great option for your weekend brunch. This restaurant is located on the south end of Del Mar before you reach the pier. It’s always vibrant in the morning with locals and it has a great French flair to it.
Avila's El Ranchito: Casual Mexican restaurant located right on Del Mar. The food is always reliable and it’s the perfect spot to walk up from the pier for fish tacos after a day of swim and sand.
Pizza Port: A local favorite hang out for delicious pizza and beer brewed right on the premises.
Cafes and Juice Bars
Moulin: Located in North Beach, this French café is incredibly charming on weekend mornings. Full of locals enjoying coffees in the sun or lunch with friends, the spot is always buzzing with a beautiful, local neighborhood feel.
Sur Coffee: Located on El Camino Real, this is a local favorite serving incredible coffee and pastries. It’s walkable from the pier and Del Mar and never disappoints.
Bluestone Lane: An Austrlian café we knew and love from New York has made its way to San Clemente. With delicious healthy food options and coffee, we were so happy to see it make it way here.
West Toast: No trip to San Clemente is complete without a walk on the beach trail leading you to West Toast. Located on the sand at T-Street beach, West Toast serves delicious coffees, organic juices, smoothies and fresh dishes right on the sand. There is no better way to spend your weekend morning.
Bear Coast Coffee: Located just steps away from the pier, Bear Coast is a local favorite. We love finding an available bench outside in which the sun always happens to shine there.
Choice Juicery: Fresh juices and smoothies located right in town.
Active Culture: Delicious café with plenty of healthy food options. This spot is perfect for taking a salad to go and bringing it to the beach.
Local Beaches
T Street: Perfect for surfing or for spending the day. T Street has been a favorite beach among locals due to the proximity of the pier, it’s incredible swell and the fact that West Toast is right on the sand for lunch or coffees.
Trestles: Located in south San Clemente, Trestles is an institution for surfers. It has a steady swell that makes surfers travel far and wide for. The parking for Trestles is located up from the sand with a charming pathway that leads you to the beach in 15 minutes time.
The Pier: Great for surfing and swimming, the pier is a great spot to spend an afternoon. There is a swimming section located further from the surfing section and ideal for walking the pier or grabbing lunch at The Fisherman after your long day at the beach.
North Beach: Located in the northern end of San Clemente, North Beach is not among one of our favorite beaches though worth noting as this is the start of the beach walk that runs miles along the San Clemente beaches.
Things To Do
While the beach is really the focus of this beach city, there are also incredible walks and hikes throughout the city to enjoy year-round.
Beach Trail: Starting at North Beach and running through to Califia State Beach, the beach trail is the place to go. Stretching 2.3 miles across the San Clemente beach, the trails are stunning with cliffs on your left and the ocean on your right. The trail runs through the pier, West Toast and several other favorites making it a great morning or afternoon acitivity stopping along the way.
Sea Summit Trail: Located within a residential community, this beach trail is open to the public and a gorgeous place for a late afternoon walk to see the sunset. The trails are relatively moderate making it a wonderful choice to get outside and connect with nature with friends or family. We’d also suggest this trail as a great running path with unbeatable ocean views.
Rent a bike: San Clemente Bicycles is located at North Beach is a great option for seeing the town. From the shop, you can bike through the residential streets. We’d recommending the streets through Buena Vista with a lunch break at Moulin. If you're feeling ambitious you can also make it to the pier and back.
Casa Romantic House Museum: Ole Hansen built his home on this plot of land in 1927 due to the incredible ocean views on top of the cliff near the Pier. His home has since turned into a museum showcasing the historic Spanish details throughout with terracotta floors and original antique furniture.
Forester Ranch Trailhead: These trails are more advanced than those of the previously mentioned and are great for hiking. Several trails stretch all the way to San Juan Capistrano. The trails have steep hills, making it a great way to get outside and exercise with a stunning view of the town and ocean in the distance.
Visit the San Juan historic district and the Mission San Juan: Traveling North on the 5 highway, you’ll reach the town of San Juan Capistrano in about 15 minutes time. The historic district is worth a visit, stopping in local shops as well as visiting the Mission San Juan.
Visit nearby towns: Dana Point and Laguna Beach are within touching distance to San Clemente. See the must visit spots in our Laguna Beach guide.
Train to San Diego: The Amtrak train stops in San Clemente and makes for a perfect day trip to see San Diego. We’d suggest beach towns such as La Jolla or Del Mar for a day or overnight trip.
Essential Tips
When to visit: The great thing about Southern California is you can visit year-round. However, we’d suggest avoiding May and June as it tends to historically have the grayest weather at that time. The summer season is ideal for swimming and it stays warm yet mild throughout October.
Transportation: Renting a car is required due to the suburban layout of San Clemente.
The vibe: While San Clemente offers a lot to see and do in the daytime, the evenings here are quiet. San Clemente is a great place to visit for those who want active days and peaceful nights.
