Guide to Travel San Clemente, California
San Clemente, California
San Clemente, California
About San Clemente, California
San Clemente is a small city of around 65,000 people that has been aptly dubbed the "little Spanish village by the sea". The moniker can be attributed to its heavy Spanish influence and the Mediterranean-style architecture that you see around the city. While exploring the charming seaside city of San Clemente, you might also be interested in the attractive business environment that California offers. If your travels inspire you to begin your entrepreneurial journey in the Golden State, this guide on how to start an llc in california can set the path, turning your California dream into a business reality. This laid-back beach town lies along California’s Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and is just one of many picture-perfect communities situated along the country’s most scenic drive. But what sets San Clemente apart is the overall lack of hustle and bustle, making for a much slower-paced lifestyle than many other towns along the coast.
Surfing
The slower pace witnessed in San Clemente can be partly attributed to the deep roots of the surf culture that has long been a part of the town’s history. With the area’s ideal surfing conditions, it should come as no surprise that it has produced some of the world’s most legendary surfers. The surfing tradition in San Clemente is in fact so strong that the town actually features a museum called the Surfing Heritage & Culture Center, which displays antique surfboards from all over the world and teaches visitors about the history of surfing.
Boating
If you’re not into surfing, you can try boating. San Clemente is located close to several waterways, including the Pacific Ocean, which provides ample opportunities for boating adventures. Whether you prefer powerboats, sailboats, or even jet skis, you can enjoy cruising along the coast, exploring nearby islands, or participating in water sports.
Dana Point Harbor is a popular boating destination just a short drive south of San Clemente. It offers a marina with slips for boat owners, boat rentals, and charters. From here, you can enjoy sailing, fishing, whale watching, and even take a ferry to Catalina Island.
While primarily known for fishing, the San Clemente Pier is a picturesque spot for boating activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding. You can rent equipment from local shops and explore the scenic coastline and nearby coves.
Ensure you have a California boater’s card. To obtain one, you must complete a boating safety course, which covers various topics such as boating laws and regulations, navigational rules, boat handling, emergency procedures, and the importance of environmental responsibility. It’s worth noting that there are some exemptions to the requirements, such as those renting a vessel.
Additionally, various charter companies in the area offer boating tours and excursions. You can choose from options like sunset cruises, dolphin and whale watching trips, and private charters to explore the coastline and enjoy the ocean views.
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San Clemente, California
How to Get There
Map of San Clemente
San Clemente, California
Things to do in San Clemente
San Clemente Pier
The San Clemente Pier is a long 1,296-foot wooden pier that features excellent views of the Pacific Ocean and the California Coast. The pier is home to three popular restaurants the Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar, La Galette Creperie, and Pierside Restaurant and Pier.
Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens
Casa Romantica is a nonprofit organization that is located at the picturesque bluff-top home of Ole Hanson, who helped found the City of San Clemente in the 1920s. The house features Spanish architecture and gorgeous panoramic views.
Surfing Heritage and Culture Center
The Surfing Heritage and Culture Center is a museum that explores the evolution of the surfboard and the surfing culture itself. There's no charge for admission but instead, donations are accepted.
Outlets at San Clemente
The Outlets at San Clemente offers an excellent selection of shopping with 60+ stores and restaurants in a beautiful Spanish-style village overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
San Clemente Downtown District
The San Clemente Downtown District is the hub of the city and provides visitors and locals with a great place to shop. Avenida Del Mar and El Camino Real, are perhaps the best place in town to wander around and experience the wonderful shopping and dining of the area.
San Clemente, California
Beaches in San Clemente
Califia Beach Park
Califia Beach Park features a picturesque skinny stretch of sand backed by dramatic ocean bluffs. The park is the ideal locale for swimmers and beginner surfers, as the waters are generally calm. The park does not have anything in terms of amenities.
San Clemente State Beach
San Clemente State Beach is a mile-long expanse of sand that provides the ideal place for a family picnic and is much less congested than some of the other Orange County beaches. This state beach also has a pay campground for its visitors looking to spend the night in this idyllic location.
Riviera Beach
Riviera Beach is a large swathe of beautiful sand that is essentially on a dune and is great for sunbathing and surfing as well. It is a family-friendly beach because of the smooth sand that is easy on the feet. In the right conditions, the water swells, and surfers fill up the beach looking to catch that perfect wave
T-Street Beach
T-Street Beach lies just a short walk from the San Clemente Pier and is a favorite of the locals for being a surfing and bodyboarding spot. The beach got its unique name from Trafalgar Canyon which runs from high in the mountains all the way to the water.
San Clemente City Beach
San Clemente City Beach is situated right next to the pier in a nice setting backed by tall palm trees and lovely grassy areas. This beach has a large parking area at Parque del Mar City Park. From here you can easily access many shops and restaurants. It is also a great place to park and start your trek on the San Clemente Coastal Trail.
San Clemente, California
Hiking Trails in San Clemente
Sea Summit Trail
The Sea Summit Trail is a newer hiking trail and is a 4-mile jaunt that is located near the San Clemente Outlets. It is a moderately difficult hike that offers unimpeded views looking out on the Pacific Ocean.
San Clemente Coastal Trail
The San Clemente Beach Coastal Trail is 2.3 miles (3.7 km) long and provides easy access to the gorgeous beaches of San Clemente. It features a well-maintained path that is popular with cyclists, walkers, and runners.
Rancho San Clemente Ridgeline Trail
The Rancho San Clemente Ridgeline Trail is the perfect day hike at around 4.7 miles (7.5 km) roundtrip and provides hikers with spectacular ocean and mountain views. The trail takes you through the city’s suburban areas and is fully paved, making it an easy trek for almost anyone.
Vista Del Sol Park Loop
Vista del Sol Park Loop is a short 1.6-mile (2.7 km) loop trail that is a good hike for all skill levels. It is also an excellent hike for wildlife lovers, as you may spot one of the many species that call the area home.
Forster Ranch Ridgeline Trail
Forster Ranch Ridgeline Trail is another great day hike coming in at 7.5 miles (12.2 km) roundtrip. This trail leads hikers through gorgeous fields of wildflowers and boasts panoramic views of the San Clemente area. Dogs are allowed on this trail as long as they are kept on a leash.
Las Ramblas Trail
The Las Ramblas Trail is a fairly short hike at 3.4 miles (5.4 km) but is slightly difficult with some steep hills. It is well worth your time and provides sweeping views of the coastline and the vast rolling hills behind it.
San Clemente, California
Hotels in San Clemente
San Clemente is abundant in excellent accommodations, but as with most of California, it can also be quite expensive and if you’re traveling on a budget and you have camping gear, then you may want to stay in a campground like the one at San Clemente State Beach. Another budget-friendly option is to stay in a vacation rental, which you can easily rent through apps like VRBO by using our links and helping support the site at no extra cost to you.
Here is a list of great San Clemente hotels and vacation rentals that we ranked according to three price ranges Luxury, Mid-Range, and Budget-Friendly. We also included a vacation rental button as well and we highly recommend considering a VRBO vacation rental, as that option can be much cheaper and can accommodate entire families.
Luxury
Casa Tropicana - The Casa Tropicana resort hotel features Spanish-inspired architecture, with breathtaking Pacific Ocean views. The resort is just steps from the water where you can surf, swim or walk along miles of palm tree-lined beaches. Each room includes complimentary use of beach bags and chairs, TVs, fireplaces, robes, wifi, and Jacuzzi tubs.
Sea Horse Resort - The Sea Horse Resort includes three separate properties that offer rentals of studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites. Each room at the resort features a private patio, which provides the perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee while you take in the spectacular ocean views. Outside you can enjoy a two-mile beach path, which runs along the picture-perfect California coastline.
Photo Credit to Sea Horse Resort
Mid-Range
Hampton Inn and Suites San Clemente - The Hampton Inn and Suites boasts unparalleled views of the ocean and the gorgeous California Coast. This resort provides easy access to the area’s many attractions and is just a few minute’s drive to the hub of the town, which is the San Clemente Beach and Pier. The Hampton also offers complimentary breakfast, as well as a pool, Jacuzzi, and gym.
Casablanca Inn - The Casablanca Inn offers family-friendly accommodations with a plethora of amenities including free breakfast, a pool, free wifi, flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, and air conditioning. The hotel is conveniently located near restaurants and other popular attractions in San Clemente,
Photo Credit to Casablanca Inn
Budget-Friendly
America’s Best Value Inn - America’s Best Value Inn is a great option for those traveling on a budget who want something decent without the high cost. The rooms are equipped with refrigerators, air conditioning, and free wifi.
Rodeway Inn San Clemente - The Rodeway Inn San Clemente is an establishment located near North Beach. This hotel provides easy access to most of the region’s attractions and is a good value for budget-conscious tourists. Guests will enjoy complimentary wi-fi and free breakfast.
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