Overview
San Clemente is a city by the beach in Orange County in Southern California. It is called the "little Spanish village by the sea" because many of the buildings have a rustic and antique Spanish look to them. People from San Clemente pride themselves on the laid-back and closely knit community traditions that are practiced in this small town. Not only does the culture have a great influence on all the people who live there, but anyone who visits is also sure to experience this feeling as well.
3 sights · 3 things to do · 14 places to eat · 8 bars & cafés · 8 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about San Clemente
San Clemente Pier
The main pier in San Clemente. North of the pier is the surfer's only beach and south of the pier, there are no surfers allowed.
Casa Romantica
Former home of San Clemente founder Ole Hanson. There's usually a good art exhibit going on. Closed President's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day
San Clemente State Beach
Beach Trail
It is easier to exercise when you have a view like this to look at. From Riviera Beach to the pier is one mile, and from the pier to North Beach is one mile. If you’re looking to step up the rigor of your work out, you c…
Leslie Park
Some inexpensive ways to enjoy what SC has to offer is to check out the scenery. Leslie Park is a small park that overlooks a beach where most locals visit. From this point, you can see all the way down to the edge of St…
Stewart Surfboards
Stewart Surfboards is a fixture in the surfing community, A great place to get started with surfing they offer surf lessons as well as surfboard rentals. Legendary longboard shaper, Bill Stewart creator of the modern lon…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jan–Dec. Summer highs reach about 80°F; winter lows dip to about 43°F. Wettest: Feb and Jan. (climate data from nearby Mission Viejo)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- SNA John Wayne Orange County International Airport, Santa Ana — 22 mi away (major hub). Directions
- CLD McClellan-Palomar Airport, Carlsbad — 28 mi away. Directions
San Clemente is located about halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego on Interstate 5, which has 7 exits in the city. The nearest airport is John Wayne Airport, 25 miles north of San Clemente. Further airports include Los Angeles International Airport and San Diego International.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning San Clemente Pier, San Clemente State Beach
- Lunch The Fisherman
- Afternoon Leslie Park
- Dinner Hapa J's
- Evening New OC Tavern
Day 2
- Morning Casa Romantica, Beach Trail
- Lunch Cafe Mimosa
- Afternoon Stewart Surfboards
- Dinner Nick's
- Evening The Cellar
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
There are a variety of local restaurants that are fairly priced and simply delicious.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
San Clemente is located about halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego on Interstate 5, which has 7 exits in the city. The nearest airport is John Wayne Airport, 25 miles north of San Clemente. Further airports include Los Angeles International Airport and San Diego International.
There are two train stations in San Clemente, one at the pier, and one at North Beach. Both San Clemente Pier and San Clemente are served by Metrolink via its Inland Empire - Orange County Line and Orange County Line services between Los Angeles, Oceanside and San Bernardino and cities in between, only on weekends. Additionally, San Clemente Pier is also served by Amtrak and its Pacific Surfliner service, with two trains south in the late morning and two trains north in the early evening daily. One of these trips each way extends to/from the Santa Barbara area. The Pacific Surfliner operates 12 trips daily through the area, but most trains don't stop here.
Get around
It is possible to walk around the center of the town although it is a little bit of a slope up from the beach and pier to Avenida Del Mar shopping and restaurant area. There is free 2-hour car parking around the area although close to the beach expect to pay and display.
San Clemente provides a daily trolley service from Memorial Day to September and weekend service year-round. The trolley runs between the pier and Outlets at San Clemente, with stops connecting to popular attractions along Avenida Del Mar and El Camino Real. Trolleys arrive at each stop every 15 minutes. The trolley rides are free.
See
Do
The beach is the largest attraction in San Clemente. Local teens tend to venture north to the Kaleidoscope or the Irvine Spectrum for entertainment, or hang out at the Outlets at San Clemente.
Do Leslie Park
Some inexpensive ways to enjoy what SC has to offer is to check out the scenery. Leslie Park is a small park that overlooks a beach where most locals visit. From this point, you can see all the way down to the edge of State Beach, the Pier, and even down to Dana Point.
Buy
Shop Avenida Del Mar
This street is the heart of Village San Clemente. There are a lot of charming shops, cafés, and restaurants on this historic stretch. If you are looking to bring something for the kids, just stop in Petit Bonhomme. They have reasonable prices and they carry from infants up to size 16 for both boys and girls. If you are looking for a souvenir, they have adult and matching kid button up shirts boy the men and dresses for girls with all the local cities from San Clemente to Laguna Beach. Lots of cute stuff for the ladies at shops like Angel Wings. They carry beautiful items. Visit Russel’s Stationary for your souvenirs like shells and shirts and lots of other items. There are a lot of cute antique stores up and down Del Mar that you should at least poke into. They even have ice cream and sandwiches. Right next door is Gus' Fresh Jerky. They have all sorts of goodies including vegan beef jerky.
Shop Trestle's Outlet
Trestles outlet is in south side San Clemente. They sell the overstocked bathing suits and beachwear from companies such as RipCurl that are also in department stores, but they are much cheaper.
Eat
There are a variety of local restaurants that are fairly priced and simply delicious.
Eat Hapa J's
Unique cuisine with a Hawaiian influence. Family-owned and affordable. Very tasty "Man Fries" and "Khalua Pig Nachos."
Eat Cafe del Sol
Another great place for Mexican food. Very affordable and tasty, and there's a drive-through window for your convenience.
Eat Antonio's
Great breakfasts on Camino Real in the heart of the village.
Eat The Fisherman
For good seafood in the best location in town on the pier. Expect a bit of a wait in summer.
Eat Iva Lee's
For San Clemente's take on Cajun cuisine.
Eat Pedro's
For the best burritos in town .
Eat Nick's
This is a rather formal restaurant and the prices tend to be high, but there are also items on the menu that are less expensive.
Eat Schmid's Fine Chocolates
For dessert, chocolate-dipped strawberries or a special treat.
Eat South of Nick's
This restaurant branches off of the southern California favorite "Nick's" which is detailed above. South of Nicks differs because it features a high class Mexican menu with items that originate from south of the border. Keeping consistent with the fairly high pricing of Nick's, this place is of a more formal nature than most Mexican restaurants in the San Clemente area.
Eat Cafe Mimosa
French style food
Eat Flights & Irons Urban Kitchen
Delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner with wine and beer flights, and many entrees served on a cast iron skillet. Priced for repeat business and always has customers.
Eat BeachFire Bar & Grill
Californian restaurant. Prides itself in supporting the local art scene and also hosts live music. Chique and artistic interior provides talking points while you're having dinner.
Drink
Drink Blooms Irish Pub
Irish pub with a Taco Tuesday special, pool tables, Irish food, and a patio.
Drink Oles Tavern
Sports bar with pool tables and daily specials. Very picky with checking IDs.
Drink The Cellar
Wine and charcuterie bar featuring seasonal foods.
Drink Goody's Tavern
Modest bar on El Camino Real. Daily happy hour, occasional live music, daily specials, and can hold private events.
Drink Big Helyn's Saloon
Modest dive bar with a happy hour and pool. Has a deck fit for drinking and a good selection of drinks. Cash only.
Drink New OC Tavern
Sports bar with happy hour and sporting event viewing, particularly UFC matches and NFL games. Also with a patio and multiple pool tables.
Drink Red Fox Lounge
Longstanding cocktail bar. Serving food, too with an inside decor that reminds you of being on a wooden sailing ship.
Drink Mulligans
Sports bar with a relaxing atmosphere with pool tables and board games. Cold drinks and bar food at a good price.
Sleep
Nearby
San Juan Capistrano
City / town · 19 listings · 5 mi away
Dana Point
City / town · 17 listings · 6 mi away
Laguna Niguel
City / town · 11 listings · 8 mi away
Aliso Viejo
City / town · 5 listings · 11 mi away
Laguna Beach
City / town · 47 listings · 11 mi away
Mission Viejo
City / town · 22 listings · 12 mi away
Laguna Hills
City / town · 3 listings · 13 mi away
Lake Forest
City / town · 15 listings · 15 mi away
My experience
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